Live music in Albany, NY

Malcolm Moran, piano, and Aidan Daft, voice, present a selection of music by classical composer Gerald Finzi as part of a First Friday concert at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Albany, New York. This community concert offers free admission, and donations are welcome to benefit Historic Albany Foundation. Please note that the event has been rescheduled.

Set within the hotel's elegant lobby, this event features live jazz as day turns to evening. Enjoy smooth melodies with a well made cocktail in hand. The full lineup is available on the hotel's website.

Mark two decades of the North East Open with a reception at the Albany Capital Center. The venue will be reimagined as a lounge-inspired space with ambient lighting, polished decor, music, and cocktails, creating a memorable night of celebration. Expect food and beverages, award presentations with longevity recognition, friendly contests, photo opportunities, and plenty of time for networking and conversation. Formal attire is requested. The event is designed for adults and teens, and mature children who appreciate a formal atmosphere are welcome. Support from sponsors such as Dewey’s Martial Arts Academy, Goulds Martial Arts Center LLC, U.S. Budokai Karate of Clifton Park, Glens Falls Karate Academy, Team Budokai, and others helps deliver an elevated experience at a price below its full value. Every guest will receive a limited edition commemorative gift. Limited early-price tickets are available.

Nonpoint brings a live show to Empire Live Albany. Admission is limited to ages 16 and over with a valid photo ID. Every attendee must present a valid photo ID to enter, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 21 years old.

Head to No Fun in Troy for a live music night featuring OTOBO, Yeah Universe, Condition, and Not Cars. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with music starting at 8:00 PM. This is an in-person event with a duration listed as 4 hours, and refunds are not available.

This installment of the Second Saturday summer series at BARE Blends Latham offers a lively mix of community, movement, shopping, and music. Enjoy an outdoor setting with yard games, a rotating selection of local vendors, and special deals inside the shop. Savor a favorite bowl or smoothie, listen to live music from Robert Forman Music, and take part in a fitness session led by Sophia from So Phit Fitness. Whether you plan to browse, break a sweat, or relax and enjoy the atmosphere, there is plenty to experience while supporting local businesses.

This community kirtan and chanting gathering offers an uplifting mix of music, connection, and positive energy in a relaxed, welcoming setting focused on inner peace, well-being, and togetherness. The evening begins with a casual meet and greet, then moves into group chanting, singing, and shared music held in a respectful and supportive atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to bring a cushion, yoga mat, or blanket for comfortable seating, wear comfortable clothing, and, if they wish, bring instruments such as drums, harmonium, guitar, or shakers. Everyone is invited to arrive with authenticity, an open heart, and kindness to help foster a peaceful space for all. Weather permitting, some sessions may take place outdoors in a park. All experience levels are welcome to chant, sing, unwind, connect, and share in the uplifting energy.

Part of the Summer Square Concert Series, this free outdoor concert takes place outside the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Singer songwriters from Latham, New York who attend Berklee College of Music in Boston will share a mix of original songs and covers from a range of styles.

The lobby of The Landing Hotel sets the scene for live music from Rob and Courtney. Their blended vocals and inventive interpretations of jazz and contemporary standards offer a mix of familiar songs with a modern touch. Cocktails are available at the bar to complement the performance.

Stella Rose is back at The Eleven at Lark Hall for a live celebration of Jerry Garcia’s legacy. Expect a performance that channels the Jerry Garcia Band and Grateful Dead sound, featuring a full lineup with guitar and vocals, fiddle, and driving percussion. It starts in the early evening and includes a free show.

The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra presents a Broadway-themed program at Music Haven, led by Maestro Glen Cortese. Guest artists soprano Lisa Layman and tenor Brent Weber perform favorite show tunes with full orchestral accompaniment in an outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and arrive early to claim space on the lawn. If weather becomes an issue, the performance will move to Proctors. This concert is presented with support from Fenimore Asset Management, New Schenectady, the Schenectady County Arts & Culture Grant, and WMHT Classical.

Catch THE BRIEFS, the legendary Seattle punk band, live with The Sleeveens. This is an in-person punk show lasting about 4 hours.

Expect high energy in the front bar with dance music, and a karaoke scene in the back bar. Late night cravings are covered with $5 Dirty Shirley specials and $3 pizza slices. Guests can dance, take the mic, or unwind with friends for a laid back night out.

At Albany UU, Maryland-based singer songwriter Eli Lev shares indie folk and Americana shaped by story-centered writing that emphasizes service, presence, and a sense of shared humanity. His warm, earthy shows foster reflection and often invite singing together. Before touring full time, he taught eighth grade English on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona for three years. Lessons from that time inspired the Four Directions Project, a four-album journey informed by Navajo teachings in which each direction carries its own qualities and insights. Each installment explores a distinct musical terrain while connecting ancestry and tradition with contemporary songwriting. His creative path continued with the Three Worlds Project, a trilogy that considers how past, present, and future converge in the present moment. The album Past Lives weaves family history and belonging into close-knit songs that incorporate archival recordings, earning widespread recognition and multiple songwriting and regional music awards, including honors from the Washington Area Music Association and national competitions. A seasoned performer across the United States, Europe, and the UK, he has played hundreds of shows and cultivated a dedicated community through heartfelt performances, steady touring, and close audience connection. From festivals to listening rooms to cultural landmarks, his live set aims for uplift, grounded feeling, and emotional resonance.

Catch The Bunny The Bear and friends for a night of heavy, high-energy metalcore, post-hardcore, and rock at Empire Underground in Albany. The show starts at 6:30 PM local venue time.

Music Haven's popular Blues BBQ returns with a headlining set from Chicago guitar master Ronnie Baker Brooks, the Blues Music Awards' 2025 Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year. The program offers an extended evening of blues and barbecue, with special guests Misty Blues and Mulebone completing the lineup. This is often one of the season's biggest nights, so arriving early is recommended. In case of rain, the event relocates to Proctors. Presented with support from Frog Alley Brewing Co., Homestead Funding and WEXT 97.7/106.1FM.

The program features a mix of marches, light classical selections, and familiar favorites presented in front of Reynold's House. Please bring a lawn chair for seating.

Tunesday brings free midday music to Tricentennial Park in downtown Albany, showcasing local performers. This event features the Downtown Classical Trio. Throughout the season, the series highlights artists such as Joanne's Driving the Bus, Jillian Smith Trio, Musicians with Albany Symphony, Bronte Roman Quartet, The MacS Trio, and Michael T & Wee B3. There is no cost to attend and all are welcome. Support comes from a grant by the Music Performance Trust Fund, organized by the Albany Musician's Association, Local 14 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Enjoy live jazz performed by local artists. Reservations are welcomed but not required. For reservation inquiries, call 518-650-6071.

Dashboard Confessional brings a night of live music to Empire Live Albany with special guest GLOM. This event is for ages 16 and up with a valid photo ID. A valid photo ID is generally required for entry, unless the attendee is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is 21 or older. Ticket access includes several presale options, including Saints & Sailors, artist, and venue presales, followed by a public onsale.

The New York State Food Festival at Empire State Plaza features Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Thomas is the dynamic vocalist who powered Starship’s success in the 1980s and remains a notable figure in rock. He stepped in as lead singer of Jefferson Starship in 1979 following the departures of Grace Slick and Marty Balin, and that period brought chart favorites including “Jane”, “No Way Out”, “Find Your Way Back”, “Stranger”, and “Layin’ It on the Line”.

Lunchtime at the Plaza, presented by M&T Bank, features Slingshot Funk Band delivering a high energy blend of funk, R&B, jazz, rock, reggae, and soul spanning the 70s to today. Enjoy live music while grabbing lunch and browsing the Empire State Plaza Farmers Market and food vendors. This weekly series offers ten weeks of music and fresh finds at Empire State Plaza.

Catch Autumn Lies Buried at Empire Underground in Albany. The show starts at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Lark Street Tavern hosts a regular open mic that highlights local musicians and songwriters. Performers take the microphone while attendees relax with a drink and a friendly crowd. Expect an easygoing evening of live music with plenty of vocals and guitars.

Slidin' Dirty Troy presents a new open mic night led by host, vocalist and guitarist Danny Watson, backed by the Slidin' Dirty Band with Chris Beam on bass and Pete Vumbacco on drums. Musicians can bring their instruments and take the stage, with a full backline ready to go, including professional sound, stage lighting, amplifiers, microphones and a house drum kit. With a track record of helping standout local performers gain recognition, Watson brings his well-established open mic tradition to this Troy venue.

Waterworks hosts a lively drag night featuring a rotating lineup of hosts and performers. Expect upbeat music, drinks, and show-stopping drag for an energetic night out.

SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo performs at Music Haven with guest trumpeter and educator Jon Faddis for an evening of jazz featuring musicians and educators from the Capital Region. The food court will be open. In case of rain, the performance moves to Proctors. Presented with support from SUNY Schenectady, Head to Tail Pet Wellness Center, and Snapple.

A tour documentary from director David Markey captures an electrifying snapshot of life on the road with Sonic Youth and Nirvana during their late 1991 European run. The film also showcases live sets by Dinosaur Jr, Babes in Toyland, The Ramones, and Gumball performing for big, engaged crowds. Not rated and 99 minutes long. Presented as part of the summer series Rock Schenectady.

Toadies bring The Charmer Tour to Empire Live Albany. Admission is 16 and up with a valid photo ID. Guests without a valid photo ID may enter only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is 21 or older. Tickets will be available through artist, venue, and Bandsintown presales, followed by a public onsale.

Charismatic karaoke host TJ New brings his signature karaoke experience to Slidin' Dirty in downtown Troy. The setup features a state-of-the-art sound system that helps even hesitant singers belt out favorite tunes. Slidin' Dirty has returned as an 11,000 square foot restaurant, bar, and live music venue, offering a spacious setting for Karaoke Night with TJ.