T.J. Armand releases ‘Happy Hour Blues,’ a queer Americana exploration of identity and New York nightlife

Writer, composer, and producer T.J. Armand has released Happy Hour Blues: Lyrics, Notes & Reflections, the companion book to his three-volume recording project and the foundation for an upcoming musical. The project follows Adam, a queer immigrant navigating life, love, and identity in a country-themed gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen.

Conceived during the pandemic in Astoria, the work blends Americana, blues rock, and roots music with storytelling drawn from queer life, nightlife culture, and the immigrant experience. Armand’s book contains more than 50 lyrics, notes, and reflections outlining the world of Adam and the bar’s ensemble of misfits, dreamers, and outsiders. Street photography from Astoria and Manhattan accompanies the text, grounding the story in the New York City neighborhoods that shaped it.

Volume 1 of the three-album recording project is already available on streaming platforms, featuring early demos created with the assistance of AI. Volumes 2 and 3 are scheduled for release in spring 2026, further expanding the project’s musical and narrative scope.

“Together, the book and albums form the first complete expression of the Happy Hour Blues universe,” Armand said. The musical adaptation, still in development, will feature a bar ensemble led by a sharp-witted female bartender, a role Armand envisions Tony Award nominee Mary Bridget Davies portraying.

A Turkish-American New York City-based composer, Armand is a Berklee College of Music scholarship recipient and protégé of Arif Mardin. His career spans songwriting, global beats, concert production, and theatrical storytelling, including producing concerts for Chaka Khan and The Manhattan Transfer and serving as an investing producer on Broadway productions such as Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and Merrily We Roll Along.

Happy Hour Blues continues Armand’s exploration of queer identity, immigration, and the cultural pulse of New York City through music, story, and performance.

••••• Message Center••••

Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats