Tag: venue profile

  • Navigating New York City’s Music Venues

    In the vibrant land of New York City, each borough offers its unique culture, style, and history. In music, the historic jazz clubs of Harlem, projecting unforgettable stars like Duke Ellington, to the indie rock bands in Brooklyn, Manhattan’s Broadway avenues, Queen’s melting pot of cultural musicians, the Bronx’s hip-hop roots, and Staten Island’s hidden diamonds, the city offers something for everyone.

    Even if you don’t live in the city, New York State Music has you covered with music venue guides across the state. Western New York, Hudson Valley, North Country, the Capital Region, Rochester and the Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier, the Berkshires, Long Island, and Central New York all have their own guides available.


    Manhattan

    Rockwood Music Hall

    The Rockwood Music Hall is a small live music venue on NYC’s Lower East Side, with world-class sound and a storied history. Anchored by a 9’x9’ stage and a Welte & Sons baby grand piano, Rockwood hosts artists of all genres and musical styles, 7 days a week.

    Address: 196 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

    Website

    Smalls Jazz Club

    The club is filled with vibrant jazz-loving people from all over the world. The musicians are all top-rate and playing their hearts out for an adoring and sympathetic crowd.

    Address: 183 W 10th St New York, NY 10014

    Website

    Irving Plaza

    Irving Plaza is a ballroom-style music venue located within the Union Square neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. It was featured on the Complex City Guide list of “50 Best Concert Venues of America” in 2013.

    Address: 17 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003

    Website

    Webster Hall

    Webster Hall is one of New York’s most significant large 19th-century assembly halls, and it became famous for its Bohemian masquerade balls in the 1910s and 1920s.

    Address: 125 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003

    Website

    Parkside Lounge

    Known for its mix of local talent and acoustic acts, the funky venue has an intimate stage for all performances. As a local staple of the East Village, locals and visitors love then venue.

    Address: 317 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

    Website

    The Bitter End

    The Bitter End is a 230-person capacity nightclub, coffeehouse, and folk music venue in New York City’s Greenwich Village. It opened in 1961 at 147 Bleeker Street under the auspices of owner Fred Weintraub. The club changed its name to The Other End in June 1975. However, after a few years, the owners changed the club’s name back to the more recognizable The Bitter End.

    Address: 147 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    Mercury Lounge

    The Mercury Lounge is celebrated as an iconic indie venue due to its acoustics, its fostering and even launching of upcoming artists, and its no-frills, rock n’ roll presentation. It has made numerous top-ten lists over the years including that of Billboard Magazine. It has a capacity of 250 people.

    Address: 217 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

    Website

    Le Poisson Rouge

    LPR is a music venue and multimedia art cabaret in New York City founded in 2008. The performance space was designed and engineered by John Storyk/WSDG. It has become known for its focus on artistry, bringing contemporary classical music into the club setting, offering a variety of setups so that a seated classical performance can be followed by a standing set by a rock band or a DJ.

    Address: 158 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    SOB’s

    Sounds of Brazil, known as S.O.B.’s, is a legendary live music venue in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo. It was opened by owner and director Larry Gold in June 1982. Gold opened the venue to expose the musical wealth and heritage of the Afro-Latino Diaspora to as many people as possible.

    Address: 204 Varick St, New York, NY 10014

    Website

    Nublu Classic

    Nublu is a unique club and record label from the cultural epicenter of New York City, the East Village. There are three entities of the Nublu universe, a live music venue, a record label, and a recently launched Nublu Jazz Festival which has premiered in NYC, Sao Paul and Istanbul.

    Address: 62 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009

    Website

    Bowery Electric

    Being a staple in the East Village, the venue is owned and operated by rock and roll lifers. Known for the raw and gritty charm, the establishment hosts rising stars.

    Address: 327 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

    Website

    Gramercy Theatre

    The Gramercy Theatre is a music venue in New York City. It is located in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan, on 127 East 23rd Street. Built in 1937 as the Gramercy Park Theatre, it is owned and operated by Live Nation as one of their two concert halls in New York City, the other being the nearby Irving Plaza.

    Address: 127 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

    Website

    The Red Lion

    The Red Lion is a  living, breathing Rock-n-Roll juke box.  This is the place where bands get their start, making their bones, paying the rent and barely paying their tab. Just like the Rolling Stones did with their first three albums: Interpreting the songs they loved the best.

    Address: 151 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    Pier 17 Rooftop

    The Rooftop at Pier 17 is New York City’s most scenic concert stage. A dynamic open-air entertainment venue, set five stories above the East River, concert goers annually see their favorite artists within an intimate atmosphere (3,500 capacity), all from a one-of-a-kind rooftop location with direct views of such iconic skyline landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center.

    Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038

    Website

    Groove

    Groove is a venue that remains, honoring the rich musical tradition of Greenwich Village. Groove has seen many changes since opening in 1998, but the mission to uplift local musicians and fans and to preserve the soul of American music continues to this day. 

    Address: 125 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    Shake Rattle N Roll Pianos

    Dueling Pianos is an all-request, rock-and-roll party where you pick the playlist. Two top piano entertainers, mixing music, comedy and audience interaction in a singalong, laugh-along, dance-along show! It’s everything from Billy Joel to Bon Jovi, Britney Spears to Bruno Mars. Nothing is off-limits from pop, rock, country, hip-hop, hairbands, disco, punk rock, standards, showtunes.

    Address: 152 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001

    Website

    Beacon Theatre

    The Beacon Theatre was developed by Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel and built as a movie palace with 2,894 seas across three levels. The theater is designated as a New York City interior landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    Address: 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

    Website

    Park Avenue Armory

    Part palace, part industrial shed, Park Avenue Armory fills a critical void in the cultural ecology of New York, supporting unconventional works in the performing and visual arts that cannot be fully realized in a traditional proscenium theater, concert hall, or white wall gallery. With its soaring 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall and an array of exuberant period rooms, the Armory enables a diverse range of artists to create, students to explore, and audiences to experience epic, adventurous, relevant work that cannot be done elsewhere in New York.

    Address: 643 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065

    Website


    Brooklyn

    National Sawdust

    The National Sawdust commissions, produces, and presents cultural programming rooted in sound, supporting artists in various disciplines who are passionate about experimentation and innovation. In its intimate venue equipped with a state-of-the-art spatial sound system, National Sawdust connects audiences to the performing arts’ powers to inspire deep thinking, joy, and uphold human dignity.

    Address: 80 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

    Website

    Elsewhere

    Elsewhere is a multi-room music venue, nightclub, and arts space in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Our focus is underground and unbound music, presented with love. Since 2017, Elsewhere’s three stories of dance floors and stages have been home to expansive sonic offerings for all New Yorkers to explore. We are and will forever remain fiercely independent.

    Address: 599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

    Website

    The Meadows

    Located next door to The Brooklyn Monarch, The Meadows is quickly becoming a late night hotspot. This 500 capacity venue is an oasis, complete with a full bar, food, and trippy picturesque backyard with a seasonal outdoor stage.

    Address: 17 Meadow St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

    Website

    Skinny Dennis

    Skinny Dennis is located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The bar features 18 beers on draft, our signature cocktails, a vintage jukebox and our INfamous Willie’s Frozen Coffee. Since February 2013, Skinny Dennis has been home to the some of the best live country & roots music in New York City. Offering high quality musical entertainment 7 nights a week. 

    Address: 152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Freddy’s Bar

    Quirky Brooklyn bar prized for ‘divey’ vibes, eclectic decor & live performances in the back room. The eclectic decor within the bar adds and build unique character and is a local favorite.

    Address: 627 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

    Website

    The Bell House

    Opened in September of 2008, the warehouse venue hosts big-name acts & up-and-comers. Before opening, the space was used for recording the NPR program “Ask Me Another.”

    Address: 149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

    Website

    Brooklyn Paramount Theater

    On November 24, 1928, Brooklyn Paramount introduced the most immersive entertainment experience the world had ever seen. Crowds stretched around the block to leave the world behind for a baroque palace of overwhelming spectacle and groundbreaking performances. Emboldened as ‘America’s first movie theater built for sound,’ Brooklyn Paramount set the stage for a storied saga of beginnings.

    Address: 385 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201

    Website

    Public Records – The Atrium

    Located within the former horse stable of the ASPCA HQ, The Atrium is a cocktail bar and plant based restaurant that transforms into a late night music space. The room is crowned by a historic skylight and imposing 20′ columns that frame a monolithic travertine bar. The Atrium hosts a diverse range of record selectors over dinner service and internationally touring DJ’s later in the evening.

    Address: 233 Butler St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

    Website

    The Brooklyn Hangar

    With 15,000+ square feet of space on each of two floors featuring high ceilings and ample open space.  3,000 person capacity uniquely positioned to take advantage of the burgeoning Hollywood movie and TV rental business in Brooklyn. The Hangar also has a pre-approved NY State-certified Soundstage/New York State Qualified Production Facility (QPF) for usage rights.

    Address: 2 52nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

    Website

    Pete’s Candy Store

    Opened in 1999, Pete’s Candy Store continues as Williamsburg’s original live music venue. Featuring acts such as Will Oldham, Beth Orton, Devendra Barnhart and Norah Jones, this small venue and neighborhood tavern developed an early reputation for special shows and rare treats. While the list of noteworthy performers is quite lengthy, Pete’s Candy Store has always been a free venue and has booked mostly unknown and unsigned bands, many of which have gone on to greater recognition.

    Address: 709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Kings Theatre

    The Kings Theatre, formerly Loew’s Kings Theatre, is a live performance venue in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. Opened by Loew’s Theatres as a movie palace in 1929 and closed in 1977, the theater sat empty for decades until a complete renovation was initiated in 2010.

    Address: 1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226

    Website

    Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk

    The Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island is an outdoor live entertainment venue within the Childs Restaurants building on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. The venue opened in June 2016.

    Address: 3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224

    Website

    C’mon Everybody

    Founded in 2014, C’mon was born out of a desire to amplify the underserved creative voices of LGBTQ/QTPOC people (and allies) and to serve as a safe space for the queer community.

    Address: 325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

    Website

    Brooklyn Music Kitchen

    Brooklyn Music Kitchen is Brooklyn’s newest music infusion giving local and global artists the opportunity to perform, record and stream their live performances from a fully loaded sound and video stage.

    Address: 177 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

    Website

    TV Eye

    TV Eye is a new kind of night club on a geographical and cultural frontier, proudly occupying both a space on the edge of the Bushwick/Ridgewood border and in the vanguard of contemporary nightlife.

    Address: 1647 Weirfield St, Ridgewood, NY 11385

    Website

    Our Wicked Lady

    Industrial-chic venue of rehearsal space, art studios & rooftop bar with live music, films & snacks. From indie to R&B offers a great offering of rising artists.

    Address: 153 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

    Website

    Baby’s All Right

    Established in 2013, Baby’s All Right is an independently funded & operated music venue in the heart of Williamsburg. Its intimate, 250-capacity show room has hosted past perfomers including SZA, Cypress Hill, Lil Yachty, Blood Orange, Charli XCX, Mac DeMarco, James Murphy, David Byrne, Hot Chip, Courtney Barnett, Willow Smith, Jack White, Billie Eilish & many more.

    Address: 146 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Gold Sounds

    This spot is a favorite hangout and go-to spot for live music and draft beers. Regularly hosting live performances, the venue has the perfect atmosphere for a casual night outing.

    Address: 44 Wilson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

    Website

    The Paper Box

    A late night party venue on a dark street in Bushwick, The Paper Box is home to a variety of music shows in a big warehouse with two different spaces.

    Address: 7 Meadow St, Brooklyn NY, 11206

    Website

    Music Hall of Williamsburg

    The Music Hall of Williamsburg us operated by the Bowery Presents, a group stemming from Bowery Ballroom that was brought by AEG in 2017. The Music Hall of Williamsburg has a capacity of 650 people and has shows on most nights of the week.

    Address: 66 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Lucky 13 Saloon

    Established in 2003, Lucky 13 Saloon is the FIRST Metal Bar to grace Brooklyn and now a Live Music Venue.

    Address: 644 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

    Website

    Brownstone Jazz

    Imagine retreating back in time to enjoy live jazz in an intimate, restored 19th-century Victorian brownstone in the historical district of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Brownstone Jazz presents jazz concerts complete with a piano, bass, drum set and other acoustic instruments as well. A Southern fish-fry buffet and open mic sessions add to the experience.

    Address: 107 Macon St, Brooklyn, NY 11216

    Website

    Gemini and Scorpio Loft

    Gemini & Scorpio, two funky Brooklyn gals, have been running the second-largest non-commercial New York City events list since 2002, spreading the word on underground happenings you’d otherwise never hear about. They are also the makers of themed costume parties with live entertainment: legendary happenings from wild circus throw downs to dazzling vintage dance socials to one-of-a-kind Russian baths bashes.

    Address: 267 Douglass St 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217

    Website

    Issue Project Room
    A pioneering Brooklyn-based performance nonprofit founded in 2003, ISSUE presents projects by interdisciplinary artists that expand the boundaries of artistic practice and stimulate critical dialogue in the broader community. ISSUE serves as a leading cultural incubator, facilitating the commission and premiere of innovative new works spanning genres of music, dance, literature and film.

    Address: 22 Boerum Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201

    Website

    The Owl Music Parlor

    The Owl hopes to bring to Brooklyn a fresh concert experience for both artists and audiences.

    Address: 497 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

    Website


    Queens

    Queens Theatre

    Formerly Queens Theatre in the Park and before that Queens Playhouse, is an American professional theatre, located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, New York City, New York.

    Address : Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Ave S, Queens, NY 11368

    Website

    Terraza 7

    Terraza 7 is a live music venue and community center; the perfect hub for local art, political expressions, and your favorite coffee or mixed drink. Located in the heart of Queens, New York, between Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, two locations containing the most diverse population of immigrants on the planet, is committed to a progressive model of business that grows within its community base on local values.

    Address: 40-19 Gleane St, Queens, NY 11373

    Website

    The Wolfhound

    The Wolfhound is a contemporary Irish pub in Astoria Queens NYC. We serve lots of Guinness as well as craft beer + domestic favorites along with a seasonal cocktail list We pack the calendar with weekend events – live music, DJ parties, and more. Trivia on Tuesdays. Rocking since August 2016.

    Address: 38-14 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103

    Website

    Forest Hills Stadium

    Forest Hills Stadium is a historic outdoor music venue that has welcomed fans to the picturesque New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens for over 100 years. Designed to optimize acoustics and with no obstructed views, the 13,000 capacity stadium is the only outdoor venue of its kind and size in the city.

    Address: 1 Tennis Pl, Forest Hills, NY 11375

    Website

    Flushing Town Hall

    Flushing Town Hall is a performing arts center and historic town hall at 137-35 Northern Boulevard in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens in New York City. It served as the seat of government of the village of Flushing until the village became part of City of Greater New York in 1898.

    Address: 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354

    Website

    The Knockdown Center

    Featuring programming of diverse formats and media, Knockdown Center aims to create a radically cross-disciplinary environment. The particularity of our architectural environment and history leads us to gravitate toward projects that demonstrate a sensitive reactivity to site and environment.

    Address: 52-19 Flushing Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378

    Website

    Trans-Pecos

    Pronounced TRANS-PEAK-Os. The venue is dedicated to showcasing new music. The space is a hub for rising artists to gain a starting platform.

    Address: 9-15 Wyckoff Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

    Website

    Gantry Plaza State Park

    Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre state park on the East River in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City, in the New York City borough of Queens. The park is located in a former dockyard and manufacturing district, and includes remnants of facilities from the area’s past.

    Address: 4-44 47th Rd, Queens, NY 11101

    Website


    Bronx

    Paradise Theatre

    The Paradise Theater, formerly Loew’s Paradise Theatre, is a movie palace-type theater located at 2417 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Constructed in 1929 at the height of grand movie theaters, in the later 20th century the building was used also for live entertainment.

    Address: 2403 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10468

    Website

    Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

    The Loew’s Paradise Theatre is a 2,310-seat venue with programs, concerts & other events by well-known & emerging artists.

    Address: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468

    Website

    Bronx Music Hall

    The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) developed the Bronx Music Hall (BMH) as a performance venue and community cultural center dedicated to honoring, showcasing and cultivating music, dance, theater, and interdisciplinary arts in the Bronx.

    Address: 438 E 163rd St, Bronx, NY 10451

    Website

    The Bronx Brewery
    The Brewery is committed to using what we create and where we create it to bring people together, while celebrating the rich and diverse creative scene in our home borough and across New York City and Manhattan.

    Address: 856 E. 136th Street, Bronx, NY 10454

    Website

    Pregones/ Puerto Rican Traveling Theater

    Pregones was founded in 1979 when a group of artists led by Rosalba Rolón set out to create new works in the style of Caribbean and Latin American “colectivos” or performing ensembles.

    Address: 575 Walton Ave, Bronx, NY 10451

    Website

    The Point CDC

    THE POINT Community Development Corporation is dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Its programming falls within three main headings all aimed at the comprehensive revitalization of the Hunts Point community: Youth Development, Arts and Culture, and Community Development.

    Address: 940 Garrison Ave, Bronx, NY 10474

    Website

    An Beal Bocht Cafe

    An Beal Bocht Cafe, in operation since 1991, began as a small cafe.  Serving only non-alcoholic beverages, it centered as a spot for artist to gather and performs, and quickly cemented itself as a neighborhood favorite.

    Address: 445 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463

    Website

    Orchard Beach

    Orchard Beach is the only public beach in the New York City borough of the Bronx. The 115-acre, 1.1-mile-long beach is part of Pelham Bay Park and is situated on the western end of Long Island Sound. Orchard Beach indeed has music, with Salsa Sundays held every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from noon to 5 pm, as well as Pride in the Bronx in June, Camping, Pelham Bay Park canoeing and much more!

    Address: Bronx, NY 10464

    Website


    Staten Island

    St. George Theatre

    The St. George Theatre is a performing arts venue, picture palace, and office complex at 35 Hyatt Street in St. George, on the North Shore of Staten Island, New York City. The 2,800-seat St. George Theatre was built for Staten Island theater operator Solomon Brill and opened on December 4, 1929. 

    Address: 35 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301

    Website

    The Harbor Lights Theater Company

    Harbor Lights is Staten Islands own professional Theater Company presenting Broadway actors in beautifully designed productions at an affordable price.

    Address: 358 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301

    Website

    Mother Pug’s Saloon

    The Saloon host live music on most Friday and Saturday nights. Shows can be held inside or outside depending on the weather.

    Address: 1371 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

    Website

    Center for the Arts

    Located at the heart of the 204-acre campus of the College of Staten Island (CSI), a four-year senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY), the Center for the Arts (CFA) is one of the leading, state-of-the-art, performing arts centers in Staten Island.

    Address: 2800 Victory Blvd #1P-116, Staten Island, NY 10314

    Website

  • Round Lake Auditorium’s Past, Present, and Future

    Round Lake Auditorium, located in the historic Round Lake village, has served as a cultural center for over a century. Beginning as a religious settlement, the Round Lake Auditorium has evolved into a unique piece of capital region history. Notable figures, including Ulysses S. Grant and Cornelius Vanderbilt have visited the village of Round Lake, enhancing its deep history.

    Round Lake Auditorium
    Round Lake History

    Founded in the post-Civil War Era, the Auditorium served as a religious gathering place since 1868. A group of Methodists from Troy made Round Lake their designated spot for “campmeeting”. Round Lake began as a covered open air speaker’s platform with the audience sitting on rough boards set on top of tree stumps.

    By 1884, an 80 by 140 foot building was erected with furnished seating for 2,000 people. As Round Lake grew in popularity, it expanded its facility to accommodate for a greater audience. The popular religious revivals attracted as many as 20,000 worshippers each summer for rousing sermons.

    From the late 1880s to early 1900s, the Auditorium hosted church services, lectures, conventions, concerts, movies, and ice skating in the winter. The Auditorium’s physical space evolved from a platform surrounded by benches to an enormous tent, then to an open-sided pavilion with canvas sides, and, in 1912, to the glass-enclosed building we see today.

    Round Lake Auditorium
    Round Lake Gallery

    Its literal and metaphorical center, the Auditorium is an integral part of Round Lake’s cultural community. The Auditorium fell into ruin and was nearly bulldozed in 1950, but the venue was revived. Today, the auditorium continues to serve as a cultural venue for concerts, performances of all kind, art shows, and community gatherings.

    David Ferris Pipe Organ

    It is impossible to discuss the Round Lake Auditorium without mentioning the David Ferris Pipe Organ. The David Ferris Pipe Organ, built in New York City in 1847, came to the Round Lake Auditorium in 1888. The organ is the oldest of its kind in the United States, and was designated as a landmark in 2016.

    Round Lake Organ

    The organ is a feat of American manufacturing and craftsmanship. The organ remains largely unaltered, and it has remained the remarkable instrument it was when it was built over 200 years ago

    The organ’s “trackers”, thin wooden pieces that connect the keyboard to the pipes, allowing the organist more control of the sound. The non-wooden pipes in the organ contain Zinc, which adds strength to pipes that otherwise would have been made of lead. Lead pipes, with many of the organ’s contemporaries were constructed with, tended to fold in on themselves and collapse.

    Playing the David Ferris Organ is a unique experience some organists compare to, “typing on a manual typewriter versus the light responsiveness of a computer keyboard”.

    Present and Future

    The Auditorium’s rich history adds to the intimate ambiance of the venue. The Auditorium is capable of accommodating 300 guests, along with orchestras, and stage productions. The Auditorium also holds community events and contributes to local creative arts. An open mic will be held on July 19, offering a perfect opportunity for artists to showcase their gift and build connections with the community.

    Round Lake hosts a market event every summer, with food trucks, vendors, and concerts. The free event offers an opportunity to engage with the community while enjoying live music.

    Today, the Round Lake Auditorium continues to bring the arts to the capital region. Organ recitals will be presented on August 25 by Craig Williams, September 8 by Tom Dressler, and September 15 by Gail Archer. A lecture series, open mic events, community events, tours, chamber music and master classes will all be part of the summer series. Their full event schedule is available here, and a previous organ performance is available below.

  • War Cannon Spirits in Crown Point Debuts “The Loft” After Intense Restoration

    Located right along the scenic Champlain Valley, sandwiched between New York and Vermont, lies the town of Crown Point, NY. The town is home to the recently renovated War Cannon Spirits, a bar and live music venue with a rich history and a unique, authentic architectural heritage.

    war cannon spirits
    The Tasting Room

    Originally used as a lumber mill, the building has been standing for over 200 years and has had several owners. The building was erected in 1820 and conveniently located near Putnam Creek, where the previous dam, along with the ponds behind the building, served as the perfect location for the town’s mill. Several decades later, the mill would see multiple different owners, usually continuing its lumber production. The Crown Point Cooperative G.L.F. Service bought the building in 1933, producing lumber and wooden products.

    In 1957, the service sold the building, and for the first time, it was not used as a mill. For the next 50 years, the mill became the Crown Point Agway, locally known as “The Old Agway Building.” In 2000, it operated as Porter’s Mill Hardware & Feed. Unfortunately, the location was abandoned after only 8 years.

    After years of abandonment, War Cannon Spirits purchased the mill in 2016. Since then, they have renovated the building to capture its full potential as a bar, distillery, and restaurant, while restoring its former glory. Through constant use, harsh weather conditions, and neglect, two centuries of costly damage amounted to the building. The mill was in dire condition, but War Cannon Spirits was determined to maintain its integrity.

    History, authenticity and creativity matter to us. Demolishing the mill would have been an injustice to the community.

    War Cannon Spirits, “History”

    This year, War Cannon Spirits have officially finished renovations on the abandoned mill. The last seven years were a slow, painstaking process for the company. Fixing damages from the last 200 years of neglect is no easy task. However, after all this time, a fully renovated mill and upper floor known as “The Loft” is ready to make its debut.

    Since 2016, War Cannon Spirits has repurposed the 200-year-old mill into an elevated industrial rustic building oozing with character. Integrity was especially important to the company, which swore to preserve the history of the mill. The company and regional architect Nils Luderowski gave the mill a much-needed makeover. The recent renovations make the mill something the community can be proud of. There is no doubt that War Cannon Spirits will make the mill an iconic destination for Crown Point.

    We sought an iconic venue to boldly represent War Cannon Spirits. We wanted something authentic, not a generic prefabricated building or pole barn.

    War Cannon Spirits, “About Us”

    As a distillery, War Cannon Spirits is a firm believer in promoting the spirits produced in the Lake Champlain region. Since the company began, they partnered with regarded chief distiller Joel Elder, due to his specific focus and experience on locally sourced agribusinesses. The distillery offers whiskey, beer, mead, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages resourced in the area. They are also distributors of other New York-based brands, spanning as far away as Long Island.

    War Cannon Spirits is divided into two floors. The first floor, which managed to stay intact during most of the renovations, is the Tasting Room. The Tasting Room offers selections of these products, including a bar with its own signature cocktails and a coffeehouse. Next to the bar is a restaurant and dining area with an elevated pub fare-type menu and one-off high-end dining experiences.

    war cannon spirits
    Nancie Battaglia

    The most recent and notable addition to War Cannon Spirits is The Loft. Located on the second floor, The Loft offers a large stage perfect for concerts and live performances. This year marks the beginning of War Cannon Spirits hosting concerts, starting with a live performance from “A Man Named Cash” featuring Eric Hofmanis, a tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter on June 15.

    war cannon spirits

    After seven long years, War Cannon Spirits is ready to showcase the best of what Crown Point has to offer. The highly anticipated opening of the distillery’s Loft is expected to officially put War Cannon spirits on the map. But from what they have been able to accomplish so far, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the brand.

    Tickets and information for events at The Loft at War Cannon Spirits are available here.

    War Cannon Spirits Upcoming Events

    Friday, July 12 @ 7:00 pm – Roadhouse 60’s Jukebox Rock n Roll

    Roadhouse 60’s is a New York-based tribute band dedicated to bringing the audience the sweet sounds of the 1960s. Join them on July 12 at the Loft at War Cannon Spirits for a night of 60’s nostalgia.

    Friday, August 30 @ 7:00 pm – Roadhouse 60’s Jukebox Rock n Roll

    Roadhouse 60s make their return to the Loft at War Cannon Spirits on August 30th!

    Saturday, October 19 @ 8:00 pm – KISS THIS! KISS Tribute – Fully Electric & Live at the “Birthplace of the Electric Age”

    Performing a full KISS tribute show, including makeup and costumes, is tribute band KISS THIS! 

  • Music in Central New York: Navigating New York’s Vibrant Music Venues

    Central New York boasts a vibrant music scene with a diverse array of venues, offering everything from intimate live performances to large-scale concerts. These venues contribute to the region’s rich cultural tapestry, providing platforms for both local and national acts.

    From Syracuse to Utica, Oneonta to Binghamton, Oswego to Cortland, let’s explore some of the prominent music venues that contribute to the dynamic musical landscape in Central New York. Be sure to check out our look at the venues of the New York City, Hudson Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, Western New York, Rochester and the Finger Lakes, the Berkshires, Long Island, and Capital Region as well.

    Alice Busch Opera Theater (Cooperstown)

    Glimmerglass Festival is found at Alice Busch Opera Theater as a professional non-profit summer opera company dedicated to producing new productions each season. The company continues its tradition of four new fully staged productions, now including three operas and one work of American musical theater, performed with full orchestra, large cast and no sound amplification. These four productions are supplemented by special performances, cabarets, concerts, lectures and symposiums throughout the season.

    Address: 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown 13326

    Website

    Bailey Hall (Ithaca)

    Located in Cornell University, Bailey Hall is the perfect venue for an intimate concert or performance. 

    Address: 230 Garden Ave, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    B Side Ballroom & Supper Club (Oneonta)

    B-Side Ballroom & Supper Club supports downtown Oneonta’s vision as a regional destination for arts and entertainment.

    Address: 1 Clinton Plaza Dr, Oneonta 13820

    Website

    Beak and Skiff

    A 112-year-old orchard located just south of Syracuse in Lafayette, Beak and Skiff offers a tasting room, distillery and general store, plus a summer concert series that garnered great attention during the social distancing of 2020 and has continued to bring a strong number of artists to a scenic location in southern Onondaga County.

    Address: 2708 Lords Hill Rd, Lafayette 13084

    Website

    The Belmar Pub & Grill (Binghamton)

    A family-owned and operated pub since 1995, The Belmar is a local institution and landmark, and a truly American Bar.

     Address: 95 Main St, Binghamton 13905

     Website

    Black Oak Tavern (Oneonta)

    Black Oak Tavern has been a staple for the Central New York social scene for almost 50 years, priding itself on great drinks, a friendly atmosphere, and fantastic live events.

    Address: 14 Water St, Oneonta 13820

    Website

    Broome County Forum Theatre (Binghamton)

    A historical theater hosting live events and home to the Tri-Cities Opera & Binghamton Philharmonic, 

    Address: 236 Washington St, Binghamton 13901

    Website

    Crouse Hinds Theater – Mulroy Civic Center At Oncenter (Syracuse)

    The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater contains one of the largest stages in Upstate New York. Symphoria performs concerts on its Masterworks and Pops series at this theater.

    Address: 411 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, 13202

    Website

    Cortland Beer Company

    Cortland Beer Company has been a part of the scene in Historic Downtown Cortland for over a decade, serving as a popular music venue with indoor and outdoor stages.

    Address: 16 Court St, Cortland 13045

    Website

    Cortland Country Music Park-Campground

    The park is the result of a dream of a local musician named Merlin Reynolds, envisioning a locally-based Hall of Fame for Country Western musicians.

    Address: 1824 NY-13, Cortland 13045

    Website

    Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown

    The Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown is a stalwart theater company staging family-friendly, summertime productions in a circa-1906 building.

    Address: 24-26 Port Watson St, Cortland 13045

    Website

    CNY Jazz Central (Syracuse)

    CNY Jazz Central contributes to the region’s musical diversity, offering a platform for jazz enthusiasts and performers.

    Address: 441 E Washington St, Syracuse 13202

    Website

    Deep Dive (Ithaca)

    Deep Dive’s mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for artists, patrons, and staff, a neighborhood joint for all walks of people, showcasing a calendar of top-class, unique, and inspiring musicians and performers

    Address: 415 Old Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview (Syracuse)

    This state-of-the-art facility comfortably seats up to 17,500 avid music lovers. The venue, managed by ASM Global and promoted by Live Nation, opened its gates on September 3rd, 2015.

    Address: 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse 13209

    Website

    The Folkus Project (Syracuse)

    The Folkus Project brings high-quality live acoustic music to Central New York audiences and nurtures the experience of community that live music creates.

    Address: May Memorial UU Society, 3800 E. Genesee St., Syracuse 13214

    Website

    Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center / Black Hole Studios (Oneonta)

    A vast two-story performing arts venue and civic events center with two theaters and contemporary décor.

    Address: 24 Market St, Oneonta 13820

    Website

    Funk ‘n Waffles (Syracuse)

    Funk ‘n Waffles offers sweet and savory waffles, fried chicken, sandwiches, and espresso in a lively space with live music.

    Address: 307 S. Clinton Street, Syracuse 13202

    Website

    The Hangar Theatre (Ithaca)

    The Hangar Theatre is a non-profit, regional theatre. Its mainstage season and children’s shows occur during the summer, but the Hangar, and other organizations, utilize the space year-round for special events. 

    Address: 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    Homer Center for the Arts (Homer)

    The Homer Center for the Arts is known for hosting national music concerts, feature film screenings, a community theater program (Center Players) and showcase artwork by regional, national, and international visual artists in the art gallery. The Center also hosts classes, workshops and programs throughout the year, and adds to the economic vitality of Central New York.

    Address: 72 S Main St, Homer 13077

    Website

    JMA Wireless Dome (Syracuse)

    Home to the Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. It has also played host to memorable concerts, championships, and events.

     Address: 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse 13244

     Website

    Jus Sum Jazz Lounge (Syracuse)

    Jus Sum Jazz Lounge is an atmosphere where patrons can enjoy good vibes, great food and drinks, live music, and more.

    Address:  1965 W Fayette St, Syracuse 13204

    Website

    Landmark Theatre (Syracuse)

    Landmark Theatre, with its rich history, hosts a variety of performances, enhancing Syracuse’s cultural offerings.

    Address: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse 13202

    Website

    The Lost Horizon (Syracuse)

    Founded in 1976 by Greg Italiano, The Lost Horizon is one of the longest operational club-sized concert venues in Central New York, playing host to hardcore, hip-hop and variety acts on an irregular basis.

    Address: 115 E Jefferson St, Syracuse 13202

    Website

    McGirks Irish Pub (Binghamton)

    McGirks Irish Pub is a great restaurant for lunch, dinner, take-out, catering, with specials on beer, wine, spirits, and live music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

    Address: 1 Kattelville Rd, Binghamton 13901

    Website

    Middle Ages Brewing Company Beer Hall (Syracuse)

    The oldest brewery in Syracuse is open seven days a week with up to 24 beers on tap at any given time, plus live music in the new Beer Hall.

    Address: 120 Wilkinson St, Syracuse 13204

    Website

    Nail Creek Pub (Utica)

    Opened in 2008, as a restaurant and bar, Nail Creek Pub offers monthly music (if not more frequently) featuring local musicians.

    Address: 720 Varick St, Utica 13502

    Website

    Orbis Lounge (Syracuse)

    Orbis Lounge is a vibrant dance club in downtown Syracuse, offering a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for patrons.

    Address: 134 E Genesee St, Syracuse 13202

    Website

    The Other Side (Utica)

    The Other Side is a Utica-based, not-for-profit organization committed to providing space for community initiatives. In addition to sponsoring its own musical, cultural, and social events, The Other Side is available to members of the community who wish to utilize it for yoga classes, musical gatherings, craft fairs, used-record sales, meditation groups, reading groups, and the like.

    Address: 2011 Genesee Street Utica 13501

    Website

    The Palace Theatre (Syracuse)

    A family-owned venue, The Palace Theatre, hosts film screenings, music performances, and local events, adding to Syracuse’s entertainment options.

    Address: 2384 James St, Syracuse 13206

    Website

    Petersons Tavern (Binghamton)

    Peterson’s Tavern offers award-winning food from lunch to late night, along with drink specials, live music, outdoor patio and seating.

    Address: 11 Main St, Binghamton 13905

    Website

    The Range (Ithaca)

    The Range features a 250 capacity room, with a full sound system, wooden dance floor, and a comfortable space for lounging, dancing, and live music.

    Address: 119 E State St, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    Redhouse Arts Center (Syracuse)

    Redhouse Arts Center plays a crucial role in Syracuse’s artistic landscape, presenting year-round programming in theater, film, music, and fine art.

    Address: 400 S Salina St, Syracuse 13202

    Website

    Rose Hall (Cortland)

    Rose Hall is a community gathering place in partnership through music, featuring performances by local, regional, and national talent.

    Address: 19 Church St, Cortland 13045

    Website

    Saranac Brewery (Utica)

    During the summer months, Saranac Brewery welcomes bands to perform on their outdoor stage, offering live music in the heart of downtown Utica. F.X. Matt Brewing Company is the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the United States and serves up tasty beers during the shows, with an array of food options for each show.

    Address: 830 Varick Street, Utica 13502

    Website

    Seven Of Jazz Lounge (Ithaca)

    Seven Of Jazz Lounge opened its doors on Jan. 5, 2023 with the goal of offering a “relaxing environment” for those who want to listen to live music or even just hang out with friends. It is currently under renovations.

    Address: 106 S Cayuga St, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    Sharkey’s (Liverpool)

    Home to some killer music lineups, beach volleyball, and the best happy hour in town, Sharkey’s new Event Center offers a variety of shows year round.

    Address: 7240 Oswego Rd, Liverpool 13090

    Website

    Shifty’s (Syracuse)

    Having opened in 1969 as a small corner bar, Shifty’s has maintained its presence in the Lincoln Hill section of Syracuse, offering live music five nights a week, along with award winning wings and veteran staff.

    Address: 1401 Burnet Ave, Syracuse 13206

    Website

    The Song & Dance (Syracuse)

    The Song & Dance is a live music venue in Syracuse, offering an intimate setting for music enthusiasts to enjoy diverse performances.

    Address: 115 E Jefferson St, Syracuse 13202

    Website

    Sterling Stage Kampitheater (Sterling)

    Amid evergreens that create a cozy campground and the backdrop for incredible music, the home of Sterling Stage music festivals and other concerts since 1995, are offered on two unique stages. Welcoming families and kids of all ages, dogs, grills and coolers are permitted at Sterling Stage, with overnight camping included with all tickets.

    Address: 274 Kent Rd, Sterling 13156

    Website

    The Stanley Theatre (Utica)

    The Stanley stands as a splendid performance venue designed by renowned architect Thomas Lamb in 1928.

    Address: 259 Genesee St, Utica 13501

    Website

    State Theatre of Ithaca

    The State Theatre of Ithaca is a historic, 1600-seat theatre located at Ithaca in Tompkins County, New York that hosts various events from bands, to plays, to comedy acts, to silent films, and more. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996

    Address: 107 W State St, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    Tag’s (Big Flats)

    Located in the Southern Tier and close to the Pennsylvania border, this diamond in the rough serves a desert of live music, with rock and country acts performing each summer at Tag’s Summer Stage.

    Address: 3037 NY-352, Big Flats 14814

    Website

    Central New York Music Venues
    Sammy Kershaw at Tags, in Big Flats NY. – photo by Charlie Berch

    The 443 Social Club & Lounge (formerly The Listening Room at 443, Syracuse)

    A dynamic space for live music, The 443 Social Club & Lounge provides an inviting atmosphere for music lovers in Syracuse.

    Address: 443 Burnet Ave, Syracuse 13203

    Website

    The Fitz (Syracuse)

    A 1920s speakeasy-style bar that is located in the cellar of Oh My Darling restaurant in Downtown Syracuse, The Fitz offers a variety of music to pair with craft cocktails in a unique space, located close to the Landmark Theatre for pre and post show music and libations.

    Address: 321 S Salina St Syracuse 13202

    Website

    The “G” Lodge (Sterling)

    A classic hunting lodge, now offering weddings and event space, The “G” Lodge welcomes events hosted by Hey Dude After Hours, who bring community-driven and family friendly music events, as well as summer and fall music festivals.

    Address: 81 Keller Rd, Hannibal 13074

    Website

    Touch Of Texas (Binghamton)

    Touch of Texas is the area’s premier venue for live concerts, shows, line dancing, banquets, weddings, and more.

    Address: 1240 Front St, Binghamton 13905

    Website

    Thirstys Tavern (Binghamton)

    Thirsty’s Tavern is a Southside Binghamton institution serving The Parlor City for 50 years with live music weekly.

    Address: 46 S Washington St, Binghamton 13903

    Website

    Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial (Syracuse)

    The Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a multi-functional 7,000 seat venue with event space available on three levels, and home to the Syracuse Crunch, hosting concerts around the year.

    Address: 800 S. State St., Syracuse 13202

    Website

    The Upstairs (Ithaca)

    Located in the heart of downtown Ithaca in Central New York, The Upstairs is the area’s most intimate venue providing dynamic entertainment weekly.

    Address: 106 S Cayuga St, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    The Westcott Theater (Syracuse)

    The Westcott Theater is a 700-person multi-purpose concert venue in Syracuse’s Westcott neighborhood. Known for its cinema-style setting, the venue accommodates various genres but has particularly expanded its electronic music acts in recent years.

    Address: 524 Westcott Street, Syracuse 13210

    Website

    The Westy

    Brick-lined hangout offering craft beer, cocktails & pool, plus live music.

    Address: 516 W State St #100, Ithaca 14850

    Website

    Wonderland Forest (Lafayette)

    Wonderland Forest is more than just a forest: it has hiking trails, campgrounds, a wedding venue, and more recently, an outdoor music venue with various bands, food vendors, and other activities from across the United States. They have played host to the 50th anniversary of Summer Jam, Biscoland, Trey Anastasio, and many more concerts on tap for 2024.

    Address: 4812 S Cook Rd, Lafayette 13084

    Website

    Woods Valley (Westernville)

    Built on the site of Dopps Run, Dave Woods started Woods Valley in 1964, and Woods Valley Ski Area has been teaching families to ski for 60 years. Plenty of music can be found year round in the lodge, with performances by touring and regional bands peppering the calendar and warming up the nights after skiing the slopes at Woods Valley.

    Address: 9100 NY-46, Westernville 13486

    Website

  • Historical Peek at a Theatrical Gem: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill

    Beyond the perspective of traditional theater, one might fix their gaze upon the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater.

    Paramount Hudson Valley Theater
    Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

    As the story goes, Peekskill opened its doors in 1930 to serve as a 1,100 seat subsidiary of Paramount Pictures. George and Charles Rapp designed quite the structural feat given the resources and materials available within that era.

    Completely decked out to the nines, this Art Deco style theater hosted so many wondrous artistic elements. For nearly a generation, the Wurtlizer organ ascended from the pit of the stage to provide simply spectacular symphonies. 

    Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

    Some of the greats like Banks Kennedy provided plenty of tuneage to those in attendance of the 1,500 person capacity limit. More times than not, standing room only seemed to be the status quo.

     Paid in Full had been “picturized” by Paramount in 1919. The producers, with their unerring instinct for a good play, were being judicious in their re-entering the game. Change was in the air. Motion pictures were making headway all across the country with most small towns now having converted their stages into motion picture theatres.

    Other interesting facets of the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater were the industrial sized accouterments that helped the Peekskill facilities run smoothly. To stand the true test of time, any building must be designed with innovation and longevity in mind. 

    One of those incredibly interesting features was the industrial sized A/C plant on the premises. 

    Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

    As time went on, the rise of shopping malls and cable television led to the theater’s demise.

    Gone but not forgotten, the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater saw a resurgence via revitalization in 2013. Relaunched as a multidisciplinary center, the space became essential for cultural and educational experiences such as theater, dance, music, storytelling and poetry readings.

    Local playwrights continue to emerge upon the flourishing arts scene in this nonprofit multidisciplinary center for the arts. Thanks in part to a grant from ArtsAlive [ArtsWestchester], many rambunctious actors and actresses have continued to thrive. 

    “The arts, it has been said, cannot change the world, but they may change human beings who might change the world.” [CH] Maxine Greene, an American author, teacher, philosopher 

    Notably, the theater’s re-emergence led to the inception of a “Dramatist Guild” by the name of DG Footlights. All in the name of developing your craft, these witty dramatists contribute to a vibrant, valued and phenomenal art scene. 

    This soundscape, including the previously mentioned rendition of “Ol’ Man River,” accompanied by the fear and anger portrayed by Aluko in his performance, illuminated the Peekskill Riots as an eruption of emotion charged by vehemently differing philosophies and feelings and further hindered by institutional (in)action.

    Source

    Of late, Paramount Hudson Valley Theater was pinned upon the list of Westchester County Landmarks, as well as the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.

    Make sure to check out So Good! Neil Diamond on 04/06 and An Evening with David Sedaris on 04/18.

  • Kate Sheeran – Executive Director of Kaufman Music Center Inspires and Leads the Youth

    The Kaufman Music Center (KMC) presents music programs for students, performers, and audiences alike with its intimate performance space Merkin Hall and the Special Music School – among other things. It is the premier destination for learning and listening to music in New York City. The center is constantly cultivating and nurturing new generations of artists, inspiring both the young and old to learn instruments and turn their passion for music into a career.

    Kate Sheeran – the Executive Director for KMC – spoke about the many initiatives she has helped create, providing insight into the center, her favorite things about it, and holding such a high position of power.

    Kaufman Music Center

    Kaufman Music Center believes “Music is essential to the human experience and a vital component of education for everyone,” showcasing that mission with its variety of programming. Merkin Hall – the Center’s intimate performance venue – provides access to today’s most compelling artists, competitions, and workshops. Other programs, like Artist-in-Residence, give performers resources to develop groundbreaking protects and educational opportunities to mentor and inspire the Special Music School students; New York’s only K-12 public school prioritizing musically-focused education without financial barriers.

    Executive Director Kate Sheeran handles a lot in her day-to-day life at KMC. “My overall position is overseeing the entirety of the organization, obviously in conjunction with our board of trustees, and on any given day, that can mean a number of things. It’s overseeing how the building works and working with a team; making sure that we’re sticking to our mission of giving as much access to as many people as possible to music, whether it’s as audience member or student or various other things. But on any given day, you can find me in or out of the building doing all kinds of things,” she explained.

    Kate Sheeran with students.

    In her personal life, she is a professional French horn player, attending school for performance – learning educational and leadership skills along the way. She has performed with a wide range of ensembles including Ensemble Signal, The Wordless Music Orchestra, Alarm Will Sound, Ensemble LPR, and the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. As a student of music, she can put herself in other people’s shoes and create programming and events to better serve the community.

    The building staff are surrounded by students and audience members of all ages. Students as young as four up to their 80s come to the center to learn, while new and old audience members enjoy the magic that is the Kaufman Center. “I love to pop down to a classroom and see young class learning, you know, a new lesson for the first time. Sometimes even sneak into the balcony to watch a dress rehearsal to get to see everything happening,” she added.

    Students learning, photo by the Kaufman Music Center.

    Kaufman Music Center has only been led by women since its origins in 1952. Kate is the third of three; her predecessor was in the leadership role for 40 years, and hers before that was also there for decades. “It’s very natural to have a woman at the helm and it makes for very efficient activities and it makes my job even more joyful,” she explained.

    Faced with adversity as a young woman in a male-dominated industry, Kate explained that finding allies and mentors helped her network and move into her many career paths. She was inspired and motivated as the Provost and Dean of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in San Francisco when a grad student said she saw herself in Kate. “I hope we see an ever-increasing amount of women in positions up and down in the music industry,” she explained.

    Find the work that you think is interesting, whether it’s an artist or someone running an organization – learn about that organization…Ask questions. I think a lot of my careers were shaped by just asking lots and lots of questions – so don’t be afraid if you have questions, probably someone else in the room or someone else has that question too. Try different things. Sometimes I thought that my career would go one way and I tried something else and then that ended up being the right thing. Instead of waiting for the perfect thing to come along, try something that might be a little different; it usually leads to a pretty interesting outcome. 

    Advice from Kate Sheeran.

    Under the stewardship of Kate, KMC has implemented various transformative initiatives including the introduction of The Musical Storefronts Project. Split over two seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic, this project produced over 200 safe concerts for the community and provided employment opportunities for professional artists when traditional concert halls were closed. “Thousands of people showed up over these 200 concerts. It was really interesting to have all artists home in New York City. When does that happen that people aren’t on tour? We had classical musicians and Broadway and jazz people singing pop tunes…you just saw hundreds of musicians pouring their hearts out after being home and not being able to do that.”

    Since the pandemic, she says she sees more people buying last-minute tickets and concerts are still well populated. More adults are learning instruments and joining ensembles. Also, KCM has more artist connections from the pandemic, fostering more diversity.

    She also spearheaded the newly launched Pathways Program, which offers students tuition-free weekly private instrumental lessons and group classes, as well as access to masterclasses, workshops, and performances. School, which is the largest of the community art schools in New York. We do music, theater, and dance for about 2500 students every year and we try to give as much scholarship as we can to those with financial needs, so that access is really paramount for us,” she explained.

    Within the NYC Public system, KMC runs the Special Music School, providing music education with free lessons and instruments; some of the kids that join the program are as young as four or five. Kate explained, “In New York City, a lot of students, more students who have access to instruments, tend to pick string instruments or piano. Other places are the opposite; we’re starting with winds and brass to build that from eight years old when students usually start those instruments and grow the pool of students who can go on to high school for music and college and we hope to professional life.”

    Kate Sheeran is also responsible for starting the Artists-in-Residence program (now in its fifth year) – which gives performers the resources to develop multidisciplinary projects as well as educational opportunities to mentor and inspire. From masterclasses to imaginative performance experiences, they can be on stage at Merkin Hall, in the classrooms, and out in the community participating in dynamic and engaging learning experiences with students across the programs. “We’re bringing in artists to inspire our community and especially our students. But the flip ends up happening just as quickly that the artist is inspired by the younger people or by the audience members, and doing projects with the students,” Kate said.

    In terms of age and demographic and style and everything we have in our New York City public school, they can all find mentors that look or sound like them or have careers they might want to model. And to me, that’s the magic because it kind of demystifies what it is to be a musician and they get to know these artists as people – that is magical. I think that’s just so important and it’s inspiring to see that that’s happening whether people may know about it or not know about it.

    Kate Sheeran

    From the day-to-day operations to making the magic happen for the hundreds of students at KMC, Kate Sheeran’s ability to cultivate diverse and inspiring programming for young and old is something to be admired.

    For more information about the Kaufman Music Center and to purchase tickets to upcoming events, visit here.