Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Features

Cheers! Olive’s Celebrates 45 Years of Innovation and Music in Downtown Nyack

As it continues to evolve and foster local artists, the longest-standing bar in the village remains a pillar of the downtown music scene.

Marianne Olive (second from left), founding owner of Nyack’s longest standing nightlife and music institution, Olive’s, with members of the band Coheed and Cambria and two of her children, on the bar’s 45th anniversary. Pictured from left to right: Travis Stever, Marianne Olive, Claudio Sanchez, Matthew Mendrala, Josh Eppard, Chris Pennie and Mollie Olive. (Photo courtesy of Marianne Olive)

On the Friday night after Thanksgiving, Olive’s, the oldest bar in Nyack, was also the village’s busiest.

The Main Street mainstay was packed with a delightfully diverse range of patrons — youngsters and old heads, hipsters and parents, goth kids and college kids, rockers and dancers.

An eclectic crowd enjoyed the music and good company at Olive’s 45th birthday party in late November. (Photo courtesy of Marianne Olive)

It wasn’t just any old Friday night at the old bar. It was Olive’s 45th* birthday party. (*Editor’s note: The asterisk denotes the murky nature of this exact number; said murkiness will be explained very shortly. Carry on.)

Olive’s is a kind of bedrock heartbeat in the downtown Nyack community with a rich history that has drawn artists, musicians, and neighbors together for more than four decades and through a novel’s worth of iterations.

Owned by its inventive and namesake matriarch, Marianne Olive, Olive’s (ne “One Potato, Two Potato”; ne “Knuckleads”) is the longest-standing bar in the village of Nyack, a lower Hudson valley river town known for its relatively deep roster of drinking establishments.

Over the years, Olive’s has earned its reputation as a vibrant, multi-generational local haunt, complete with a gritty, innovative spirit and a commitment to original performances.

It is no wonder this is what Olive’s is known for given where it began.

Marianne Olive, with a sketch of her bar, Olive’s, by local Nyack artist Bill Batson, a work commissioned by her children, Matt and Mollie, who now help run the bar their mom started in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Marianne Olive)

In 1969, as a teenager, Marianne Olive stood in the mud and magic of Woodstock, watching Janis Joplin pour her soul into “Piece of My Heart” and Jimi Hendrix transform “The Star-Spangled Banner” into an electrified anthem for a generation. Those moments left their mark on her, planting the seeds for a lifelong love of music and community. 

“After that, I knew music wasn’t just something you listened to—it was something you lived,” Marianne recalls. (editor’s note: we are using her first name, Marianne, which is against journalistic conventions, because it’s confusing to switch between Olive and Olive’s; to recap, Marianne is the owner, Olive’s is the bar.)

Raised in a large family of eleven children in the distinctive Marycrest community of West Nyack, Marianne learned early the importance of self-sufficiency and community. Her spirited journey took her from art studies in California to flying airplanes across the West and Midwest, and even traveling through Europe in a $200 van, where she financed her travels by drawing portraits, cutting hair, and making dolls.

[Click between images below to see a slideshow of images from Olive’s 45 year history of operating in downtown Nyack. All photos are courtesy of Marianne Olive.]

Upon returning to New York, Marianne obtained her cosmetology license and opened her first business, a full-service salon called Hair’s Marianne, in Nyack. She lived above the salon, and when the opportunity arose to purchase the building, she jumped at the chance, unaware that the sale included the neighboring property.

The success of her salon and her savings allowed her to purchase both buildings, one of which had storefronts that she was eager to fill at a time when Nyack’s commercial scene was struggling with vacant storefronts.

Drawing inspiration from an LA restaurant and music venue, The Baked Potato, Marianne envisioned a similar gathering place in Nyack.

“It was such a unique spot,” she recalls. “Huge baked potatoes with 20 different toppings and a large stage with live bands every night. I promised myself that if I ever opened my own place, it would have that same vibe.”

In 1979, Marianne broke down the walls between the two storefronts and created a large restaurant, bar, and music venue. She named it One Potato Two Potato, which later evolved into the iconic Olive’s.

At the time, the town, like many American towns in the late 70s, had many boarded-up stores. But where others may have seen decay, Marianne saw potential.

“At the time, the town had many boarded-up stores, but I saw potential,” Marianne says. “I believed this artsy, creative oasis on the Hudson needed a place to come alive again.”

Waiting for a show outside of Olive’s in an undated photo. (Courtesy of Marianne Olive)

Nyack’s Arts and Music Scene: A Local Legacy

Olive’s now stands as part of a greater tradition of Nyack’s thriving arts and music scene, which, for decades, has drawn comparisons to New York City’s legendary club culture. In the 1970s and 80s, clubs like The Bottom Line, CBGB, and Max’s Kansas City in Manhattan were epicenters of live music, fostering the careers of many famous bands.

Just like those NYC venues, Olive’s became a place for creative energy, offering a stage for both local talent and touring acts.

Nyack, where you can find live music playing up and down Main Street and Broadway, especially during the weekend, continues to shine as a vital location for local talent, offering the same welcoming spirit that made places like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City so special.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is olives-frankie-dee-45th-birthday-1024x683.jpg
Frankie Dee and the Boyz, a staple in Olive’s late night lineup for years, seen here performing at Olive’s 45th anniversary party. (Photo courtesy of Marianne Olive)

Olive’s has seen countless musicians come through its doors, including Coheed and Cambria, who got their start here before becoming internationally known. The venue has been a springboard for local talent, just as legendary NYC clubs have been for artists like Blondie, The Ramones, and the Talking Heads.

Local acts like Frankie D and the Boyz and Misfits Karaoke continue to fill the stage, bringing fresh energy to the scene and keeping the spirit of those early clubs alive.

A Launchpad for Talent

Her dedication to fostering talent has often drawn comparisons to Hilly Kristal, the founder of CBGB in New York City, Marianne has cultivated an inclusive and space where up-and-coming artists can share their work.

The venue’s eclectic musical lineup and inclusive atmosphere attract both seasoned music fans and younger generations alike, making it a true community hub. Whether it’s bluegrass, alternative rock, or heavy metal, Olive’s stages an array of genres that reflect Nyack’s diverse artistic identity.

Throughout its decades and iterations, Olive’s has consistently fostered and provided a platform for up and coming local musicians to cut their teeth and develop their sound. (Photo courtesy of Marianne Olive)

Looking Forward: The Future of Music in Nyack

Looking ahead, Marianne says excited to see what the future holds for Olive’s, as it continues to nurture emerging artists and new sounds.

“These bands are the music of tomorrow,” she says. “We’re always open to innovative ideas, and we’re even exploring the possibility of streaming our live performances.”

After 45 years, Marianne says she think of her namesake bar, more than a business; it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel the love of music and be with people in their community, their family.

Matthew and Molly, two of Marianne’s four children, work at Olives.

Matthew Mendrala, Claudio Sanchez and Marianne Olive. (Photo courtesy of Marianne Olive)
Mollie Olive, Brandy Kish and Andrea Cea at Olive’s 45th birthday party. (Photo courtesy of Marianne Olive)

In a special moment during the birthday celebration, Matthew and Mollie presented their mom with an original drawing by legendary Nyack sketch artist (and our very own) Bill Batson of the buildings.

It’s clear Marianne’s progeny hold their mother in very high esteem. 

“I mean, she, she’s definitely an entrepreneur, she’s an amazing woman,” Mollie says. “You know, she’s something to keep up with.”

Matthew explained, “You know, I gotta hand it to her. She’s 74 years old. She doesn’t look it. She looks great and she just, she just beat cancer.” “Must be like the Irish in her,” Mollie added

“No joke, no joke. She’s an amazing woman. She really is.” They said together.

This beloved Nyack institution continues to hum with the rhythm of Nyack’s creative spirit, and while time moves on- like a classic vinyl record, Olive’s only gets better with every spin!

Editor’s note: You can visit Olive’s every night of the week at 118A Main Street (5 p.m. – 2 a.m.). In addition to its nightly music, Olive’s offers its adjacent space for private events and pop-up gatherings. On Thursday nights, Olive’s is now holding an LGBTQ-friendly Queeraoke night, which Olive calls “a safe haven” for anyone who wants to socialize, hang out and sing. You can stay updated on upcoming events via their website and social media pages (Instagram: @olivesnyack | Facebook: Olive’s).


Nyack People & Places, a weekly series that features photos and profiles of citizens and scenes near Nyack, NY, is sponsored by Sun River Health.


You May Also Like

Arts

This week we highlight local Valentine’s and Black History Month Events.

Arts

Nyack Historical Society, Rockland County Legislature, Nyack Library and Rivertown Film Black History Month programs and more

Arts

Nyack Community Chorus holds their Winter Concert with The Collective Accord. Lend your voice to the All Together Now Chorus. Piermont Library screens What...