The Falcon in Marlboro is one of Ulster County’s coolest live music venues. Owner Tony Falco has three stages for world-class performances by regionally and nationally renowned artists, an art gallery and a rock ‘n roll museum. His Underground Tap Room and tiered outdoor patios overlook Marlboro Falls, and he serves up small-batch New York State beverages and the freshest Hudson Valley produce. The ground floor of the three-story building is dedicated to Falco’s ‘day-job,’ Environmental Labworks, LLC, a water-testing lab to ensure water quality in the Hudson Valley.
The idyllic location of the Falcon Complex above a rushing waterfall makes it a great place to have a meal and listen to live music when it’s time to chill.
The Ulster County Office of Economic Development (UCOED) has helped this SUNY New Paltz alumnus grow his businesses with a low-cost revolving loan and targeted consultations.
“Working with Suzanne Holt and her staff at the Ulster County Office of Economic Development, as well as with Rick Remsnyder at the Ulster County Office of Tourism, has been great,” says Falco. “They’re very enthusiastic about Ulster County and out to help in any way they can. The people who work at the County have always been supportive of what I’m doing. They’ve helped me get the word out about The Falcon, and helped my businesses be sustainable and continue.”
The UCOED staff makes site visits—and, yes, attends concerts—to find out what’s going on at The Falcon and how they can help. “When we had damage after Hurricane Irene in 2011, they helped me get a grant from New York State Rising,” Falco says. “Beyond that, they’ve been very supportive, with everything from low-cost loans to helping me fill out applications for grants.”
Testing The Waters
In the early 19th century, due to its perch next to the breathtaking Marlboro Falls on Lattintown Creek, which flows into the Hudson River, the rustic Falcon Complex once housed the Pioneer Pearl Button Factory. “They made fancy ‘mother-of-pearl’ buttons from oyster shells here back in the 1800s before electricity and plastic were used,” says Falco.
Photographer’s Credits: Philip DeHavilland
Falco grew up on Staten Island and stayed in the area following graduation from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in Chemistry. He established Environmental Labworks, his drinking and wastewater analysis laboratory, which is certified by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and by both New York State and the Environmental Protection Agency. For more than 35 years, his lab has ensured water quality throughout the Hudson Valley: It became the first occupant of the Falcon Complex after Falco purchased the three-story building in 2007.
“I do water testing for homeowners, municipalities, home inspectors and water/waste water treatment plants,” he says. “I deal with the Ulster County Department of Health regarding the public water supply and treatment plants, which are also regulated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in New Paltz. They’re all great people, and I’ve been working with them for many years.”
“I consider myself a lucky man because I have both my sons working with me,” Falco adds. “Julian, a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), works with me in my environmental business, and Lee, a world traveling musician, works with me at The Falcon.”
Striking All the Right Notes
Alongside his role as director of the water-testing lab, Falco is an artist at heart. As he puts it, “I just want to do cool things, and not worry about money. There’s such a history of music and art here in Ulster County.” His love of music—he once led a rock band named “The Wild Animals of North America”—inspired him to host now-legendary private house concerts in a building behind his house from 2001 until 2009 when he opened The Falcon.
Within nine weeks of its opening, The New York Times ran an enthusiastic article describing The Falcon’s magic: “Away from Manhattan’s urban frenzy, one man’s hospitality has created an intimate stage for top tier musicians.”
Photographer’s Credits: Rafael Quirin
The Falcon’s acoustically superior 3,500 square foot main floor is outfitted with a Yamaha C7 grand piano, Hammond B3 organ (with Leslie amp and pedals), full drum kit, guitar and bass amps, powered monitors with separate mixes, and excellent light/sound systems. The eclectic décor features recycled materials and a bar with a past life as a shuffleboard. In The Falcon’s New York Taproom + Beer Garden, guests enjoy a wide array of choices from the Hudson Valley’s producers of small-batch beers, ales, wines and spirits, and an abundance of locally grown food. Outdoor seating above the waterfall offers an appealing respite.
Photographer’s Credits: Rafael Quirindongo
The venue’s line-up includes Grammy-winning artists, Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers, regional favorites and up-and-comers, including Falco’s son, Lee, a drummer, who just finished a tour with Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen. The Avalon Archives Museum of Rock & Roll at The Falcon Underground includes a premier collection of rock ‘n roll art, works of notable photographers, and a massive library of vinyl, video, audio and books.
Singing Ulster County’s Praises
Falco employs about 30 people full- and part-time between his water testing lab and The Falcon, and books 15 bands each week to perform on his three stages. He hosts many events at The Falcon, including last year’s annual UCOED mixer for Ulster County’s food and beverage manufacturers.
“Groups like to get together at my place,” says Falco. “This is a progressive place to be, and I’m very thankful for everything the people who work at the County level do to promote our area and help local businesses.”
The Falcon
PO Box 655
1348 Route 9W
Marlboro NY 12542
(845) 236-7970
http://liveatthefalcon.com/
Environmental Labworks, Inc.
PO Box 733
1348 Route 9W
Marlboro, NY 12542
(845) 236-7823
https://environmentallabworks.weebly.com
Ulster County Tourism
1 (800) 342-5826
https://www.ulstercountyalive.com
Top photo, Photographer's Credit: Philip DeHavilland
