Discover the Beat: Where to Watch Live Music in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

When it comes to live music, CapNY boasts a vibrant and diverse scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From intimate acoustic performances to high-energy concerts, there are plenty of venues where you can catch talented musicians showcasing their skills. Here are just a few…

Located in the heart of downtown Albany, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is a premier destination for live music enthusiasts. This trendy venue features a spacious performance area equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, ensuring an unforgettable concert experience. From indie rock to jazz and blues, The Hollow hosts an eclectic lineup of local and touring acts throughout the year. Grab a craft cocktail or artisanal brew from the bar and groove to the beat in this hip and energetic atmosphere.

Step into history at Caffe Lena, one of the oldest continuously operating coffeehouses in the United States. Nestled in the charming city of Saratoga Springs, this iconic venue has been a beloved hub for folk, blues, and acoustic music since 1960. With its intimate setting and stellar acoustics, Caffe Lena offers an up-close and personal concert experience unlike any other. Sit back, relax, and enjoy performances by emerging artists and seasoned musicians alike in this cozy and welcoming environment.

For a truly unique live music experience, look no further than The Egg. Perched atop Empire State Plaza in Albany, this distinctive performing arts venue boasts a visually stunning design that resembles, you guessed it, an egg. Inside, guests can enjoy an eclectic mix of musical genres, including classical, jazz, rock, and world music, presented by renowned artists from around the globe. With its exceptional acoustics and panoramic views of the city skyline, The Egg offers an unparalleled concert-going experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Situated in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, Putnam Place is a dynamic entertainment venue known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic lineup of live music. From rock and reggae to funk and hip-hop, Putnam Place offers something for everyone with its diverse roster of performers. Whether you’re catching a headline act or discovering a local favorite, you can expect top-notch sound quality and an energetic crowd at this popular hotspot. Don’t forget to grab a drink from the bar and let loose on the dance floor as you soak in the sounds of live music at Putnam Place.

Combine your love of literature and music at Spotty Dog Books & Ale, a unique bookstore and bar that hosts live music events regularly. Located in the heart of Hudson’s historic district, this cozy venue offers an intimate setting for acoustic performances by local and touring musicians. Sip on craft beer or a glass of wine as you browse the shelves of books and listen to the soulful melodies filling the air. With its laid-back atmosphere and diverse lineup of artists, Spotty Dog Books & Ale is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy live music in Hudson.

  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

4 Places You Don’t Know to See a Show

The underground music scene is rapidly growing with hundreds of local musicians and only more to come. There is the quantity of bands and musicians and the quality of music. Upstate creatives have taken this as an opportunity to create underground live music venues. The scene brings together a bunch of people in random locations that all share something in common, a love for live music.
  • Underground Spots

Personally, through going to shows I have met some really cool people that I would not know exist unless I knew of these underground venues. It also allows the musicians more opportunity to perform live and share their music with people like me and you. As such, I’m here to let you know of 5 Places You Don’t Know to See a Show.

The first two locations are right in the heart of College Town. They are the hottest underground spots, run by UAlbany college students.

  • THE DOJO BEYOND SPACE AND TIME

This venue is truly so different, in the coolest ways possible. Typically an evening at The Dojo includes, the night starting out with comic acts, and music follows. In the meantime you can relax on their open roof patio or you may even find yourself getting a tattoo, the possibilities are beyond Space and Time. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, find them online.

IG: @thedojobeyond

  • THE RAT DEN

The most intimate of the venues as their shows are literally right in their living room. Truly a lifetime experience, to be invited to someone’s home to watch and listen to music in their living room….that’s special. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, be sure to check them out.

IG: @the.rat.den518

  • TOWN AND COUNTRY SKATEBOARDS

Located 110 Mohawk Ave, Scotia (NY), this skate shop has got it going on. They have skate apparel to shop, an indoor half pipe open for use AND LIVE MUSIC. That sounds like paradise. If you’re interested is seeing a show checkout their website or Instagram page.

WEB: townandcountryskate.com
IG: @townskate518

  • MAKEOUT REEF

A venue located in Clifton Park (NY). Personally, my favorite underground show I’ve seen was at this venue. It also led me to discover one of my favorite bands – Latchkey Kids. They’re a Philly / NJ based band that sing song’s “in broken English”, as they state on their Instagram page @latchkeykidsnj. This venue also requires a DM on Instagram for the address.

IG: @makeoutreef

  • THE WRAP

The underground scene is thriving. What is being curated amongst these venue’s and creative’s is unheard of and absolutely beautiful. I personally have been able to watch these venues unfold and grow, and it’s something special. Come check out some shows, and get involved because I can guarantee you that you don’t want to miss this. 

Written By: Lily Buckley is an Upstate New York Artist / Event Producer. Find her out and about at all the places you need to know across the Capital Region.

IG: @visualilypleasing

 

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.
Visit us on Instagram at @upstatecreative and @gocapny

Discover These Seven Historic Performance Venues in CapNY

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There are so many beautifully restored performance venues in CapNY. Steeped in history, they’ve hosted more than a century’s worth of stars. We’ve got the best of 19th century architecture teamed with today’s pop culture — what could be better!
7 Amazing Performance Venues

Join me for this (written) tour of seven amazing historic performance venues. Take a road trip to see each space, and I’ll see you at the shows!

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy

First on the list of historic performance venues is Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The Troy Savings Bank renovated its office space into a grand performance venue in 1875, as a token of appreciation to its patrons.

This National Historic Landmark features a 19th-century organ. The instrument was originally installed in the New York mansion of millionaire William Belden. The original theatre design was never intended to accommodate the organ. Legend has it that this modification transformed the hall into the acoustic wonder that it is today. 

The hall has hosted world-renowned artists for nearly 150 years. Legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Isaac Stern, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Vladimir Horowitz have graced the stage. Troy Music Hall hosts the best on today’s contemporary music scene. Joshua Bell, Andrew Bird, Steve Martin, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, and so many others have appeared here. I can’t wait to learn who’s coming when the lights are turned back on!

Its central location in downtown Troy means it’s only a few steps away from great places to eat (Bacchus Wood Fired pizza is across the street).

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Proctors Theater, Schenectady

In 1926 F. F. Proctor, the “Dean of Vaudeville,” built Proctors to host famous vaudevillians of the day. The ornate, Italian Baroque style theater features Egyptian design flourishes, and seats over 2,500 attendees. The first public demonstration of television was made here in the 1930s. For this historic test, there was a live orchestra in the pit, and they were led by a conductor who was located in a GE lab across the city. 

Proctors has hosted legendary musicians like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington as well as comedians Bob Hope and Red Skelton. The theater became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Lucky for us, the former vaudeville house continues to bring in top talent across all genres of performing arts and culture.

Before or after the show (and sometimes both), I always make time to stop at Villa Italia Bakery on Broadway. Need more than pastries? Marinos Pizza & Restaurant and Blue Ribbon Restaurant are nearby.

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Palace Theater, Albany

Like Proctors, the Palace Theater was originally designed for vaudeville acts. This theatre was designed by John Eberson, the world’s most respected theatre architect of the day. The building’s original décor is in the Austrian Baroque style, and some is still intact. There is an extraordinary brass chandelier in the main lobby. Walls features original murals painted by Hungarian artists Andrew Karoly and Louis Szanto. The plaster beams are painted to resemble carved wood.

After its life as a vaudeville venue, the Palace became Albany’s premier first-run movie house. However, though the theatre underwent a $40 million renovation, it closed in 1969. Almost two decades later, the Palace Performing Arts Center, Inc. became incorporated as a not-for-profit . The board launched extensive renovations that transformed one of Albany’s historic performance venues into the premier entertainment destination it is today.

A visit to Common Roots Brewing for dinner and drinks is a great way to start or end any evening out. Or, if you’re looking for a splurge, try the wonderful Yono’s.

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Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs

Caffe Lena is the longest continuously-operating folk music venue in the United States. Founded by Lena Spencer in 1960 in a former wood shop, the stage has helped launch the careers of countless folkies and songwriters, from Bob Dylan to Sawyer Fredericks. Lena’s offers a truly intimate musical experience. It’s one of the few places where you can sit close enough to see the artist’s fingers move on instrument frets, and feel their foot tapping rhythm on the stage.

Recently, the historic building was completely renovated, and has fantastic acoustics and great new seating. The caffe is renowned for its open mic nights, as well as world class acts. This local legend attracts fans (and performers) from all across the northeast.

Options for grabbing a drink or dinner, pre-or-post show, are endless. My personal favorite place is only a few blocks away. The Parting Glass is an Irish tavern with hearty meals and drafts. Try the Tin & Lint where they have a plaque designating the table where Don McLean wrote the lyrics to “American Pie.” (A claim McLean debunks.) It’s a great place to continue celebrating the area’s influence on musicians’ careers.

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Hubbard Hall, Cambridge

Susan B. Anthony’s campaign speeches brought her to venues across New York State and the Capital Region. Her tour included the historic opera house known as Hubbard Hall. In 1894, she spoke to a crowded room from the hall’s turn-of-the-century stage. 

The theater is ornate, with a Victorian gas chandelier, stenciled walls, and chestnut woodwork. During the 170+ years since its opening, the decor has remained nearly unchanged. Though the hall closed in the 1920s, it reopened as a not-for-profit arts and performance center in the 1970s. Today the Hubbard Hall Center brings theater, music, dance, and visual arts to rural Washington County through performances and educational opportunities. Hubbard Hall is revered as a venue for classically trained singers and instrumentalists across New England.

The resident theatre company has held productions of Shakespearian and other dramatic plays since its founding in 1999. Further, the historic performance venue is home to the Battenkill Chorale, a 100 person choral group.  

A trip to Hubbard Hall is also a chance to visit the nearby Argyle Brewing Co. The brewery is a few steps away from Hubbard Hall in the historic train station. The 2,000-square-foot venue seats up to 67 people inside and 56 outside. Live performances and a food truck add to the appeal.

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Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Built in 1871, the Universal Preservation Hall first served as a Methodist church. Eventually, the Universal Baptist Church bought the cavernous building (in 1976). Over time, costly repairs caused UPH to be condemned in 2000. Then, a group of concerned Saratoga Springs residents bought the space. UPH became part of the Proctors Collaborative, and together, they completed a massive restoration of the space. The historic performance venue reopened in February 2020 with only 10 days of operation before COVID forced its closure.

The majestic, vaulted ceilings and magnificent stained glass windows place this venue at the top of my list to visit when venues reopen. Depending on the day, some fried chicken or jambalaya at Hattie’s is a great option. My favorite Mexican fare is only a few steps away at Cantina. If I’m in the mood for shrimp tempura or sushi rolls, then it’s Sushi Thai.

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Hudson Hall, Hudson

Similarly, a trip to the historic Hudson Hall tops on my bucket list. Built as City Hall for Hudson in 1855, the building included New York State’s oldest opera house. This theater hosted popular cultural, social, and political events of the day.

The theater, abandoned in 1962, sat vacant for 30 years. Local citizens made it their mission to save the building and create a new cultural center. In 2017, Hudson Hall completed a $9.5 million restoration, reopening its doors for community enjoyment. Looking for entertainment in Hudson? You can’t go wrong at The Maker Lounge and Swoon Kitchenbar. They’re excellent!

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  • Written by: Katie Navarra

Katie Navarra is a professional writer based in the Capital Region. She has written for Popular Science, The Motley Fool Blueprint, Western Horseman, Horse & Rider and others. She is also a life and executive career coach who helps clients find clarity and success in and out of the office. Learn more at katienavarra.com.

CapNY Creative: Kulton The Maker

Kulton The Maker is a music star and entrepreneur on the rise in Hudson. His music pulls in elements from R&B, hip hop, pop, and other genres. His melodic vibes, rhythmic smoothness and thoughtful lyrics made us want to learn more about where he has been and where he is going…read on!
  • How did you become enthralled in the music scene?

Before I started making music, I founded 518 Films. I wanted to shoot music videos. Originally, I was an actor, a director, and was part of a lot of plays in musical theater and Shakespeare. I wanted roles where I could direct a narrative for People of Color but kept getting violent, villainous, and misogynistic roles.

After dropping out of Full Sail University, I bought a camera, started teaching myself film and began freelancing. After shooting some music videos, I got booked to film a music tour documentary for Lady Moon and the Eclipse (also from the Hudson area).

  • Did your work and experience with Lady Moon and the Eclipse inspire you to take the leap into making music?

I was riding in a van with some band members on tour and at the time, there was some music I had been working on. I hadn’t released it yet, but I played one of my songs for them, without telling them it was me, and they were like “wow, who is this?” They didn’t believe me when I told them it was me. After that, they offered me a job opening up for them, in addition to filming the documentary. We stopped in Jersey, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and New Orleans. I toured with them three times and also had the opportunity to shoot a music video with Young Paris, an artist who signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label.

Inspired by what I saw on tour, I thought to myself, “I can do this.” I started recording A Beautiful Something, which was in production over three years – that was the birth of Kulton The Maker. I’m currently working on a new project. I recently released a single, “In The Mood,” you can listen to it here.

  • What challenges have you faced along your journey?

Systemic racism. I’ve been told that I’m not “good enough” because of the color of my skin. They told me I couldn’t do or be certain things. People called me white because I spoke properly. I haven’t let that narrative defeat me. I’ve made it my life’s work to combat that narrative and change the way people see themselves. If you listen for it, you’ll hear some of these thoughts in my music.

  • What piece of advice would you like to leave for aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs?

Never give up. Go beyond your limits. Take in as much valid and factual information as you can. Do the research. Self-study. I want people to wake up and realize they have value. We have to come together to make this planet sustainable and livable for ALL OF US, or it won’t work for any of us. I want to see the world change.

Hear more of Kulton’s music: Listen to”A Beautiful Something” Album on Spotify, Apple, YouTube

  • Connect with Kulton The Maker
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  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Gabby is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, matchmaker, & hypewoman. She is also the Lead Consultant on the CapNY Brand Initiative. She lives in Schenectady with her poodle Mochi and 60+ houseplants. Check out her website!