Graham Kislingbury

It was a balmy October evening Friday, so Nancy and I decided to walk downtown and have dinner at the new Vault 44 Bistro and Lounge .

When we went inside, it was packed and we were told that it would be a 25- to 30-minute wait. We walked down the street to Clemenza’s, which wasn’t full yet but would be awhile later — and ate there.

Later, as we walked along First Avenue, there were people everywhere. Other restaurants, including The Bamboo Diner, were full.

Many people were heading across the street to the sold-out Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue at The Venetian Theater. We could hear one of the early acts from the street and it sounded great.

Everyone we talked with on the street was delighted that downtown Albany was hopping at night. And so were we.

We continued our leisurely walk to The Pix Theater, where we saw “Whip It,” the roller derby movie directed by Drew Barrymore. It’s great movie about the age-old story of the teenager wanting to be somebody who her parents don’t want her to be. Ellen Page, the best young actress today, is outstanding as the tenacious young star of the Hurl Girls.

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