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.
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 three locations are right in the heart of College Town. They are the hottest underground spots, run by UAlbany college students.
CAESARS PALACE
The DIY basement venue, hosting a wide variety of music genres. Along with music they host local artists and vendors to display and sell their merchandise. If you’re looking for a true basement show vibe, this is where to go. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, be sure to check them out.
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.
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.
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