Live music in Schenectady, NY

As the day winds down, live jazz fills a stylish hotel lobby while guests sip carefully crafted cocktails. Smooth melodies set a relaxed, refined tone for an unhurried evening of music.

Catch Nonpoint live at Empire Live along with Soil, Spineshank, and (Hed) P.E. Doors open for an evening of industrial metal and rock in Albany.

Catch a live music night presented by Byrdhouse Records featuring OTOBO, Yeah Universe, Condition, and Not Cars. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with music starting at 8:00 PM.

The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Glen Cortese, salutes Broadway with an outdoor concert at Music Haven. Soprano Lisa Layman and tenor Brent Weber share favorite songs from the Great White Way alongside the full orchestra. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and are encouraged to arrive early to find a comfortable spot on the lawn. If weather intervenes, the performance will move to Proctors. Presented with support from Fenimore Asset Management, New Schenectady, the Schenectady County Arts & Culture Grant, and WMHT Classical.

Super Dark Collective presents THE BRIEFS, the legendary Seattle punk band, with The Sleeveens. It’s an in-person show running for about 4 hours at No Fun.

Lark Street Tavern sets an upbeat scene with high energy dance tracks in the front bar and karaoke in the back. Late at night, $5 Dirty Shirley specials and $3 pizza slices are available. Spend the evening dancing, taking the mic, or relaxing with friends in a lively atmosphere.

Putnam Place hosts a summer series of Sunday Latin Nights built around high-energy live music and plenty of room to dance. Rafy Cabrera Band, featuring BoyBoy, brings a vibrant, rhythmic set that keeps the floor moving all evening.

Music Haven brings back its Blues BBQ with Chicago guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks at the helm, the Blues Music Awards 2025 Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year. Settle in for an extended evening of live blues and barbecue, with Misty Blues and Mulebone completing the lineup. It is billed as one of the season’s biggest nights. If weather becomes a factor, the rain site is Proctors. Support is provided by Frog Alley Brewing Co., Homestead Funding, and WEXT 97.7/106.1FM.

Enjoy a concert as the band presents a mix of marches, light classical selections, and familiar favorites, performed in front of Reynold's House. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for comfortable seating.

A midday performance at Tricentennial Park in downtown Albany brings live music to your lunch hour, featuring Downtown Classical Trio as part of a free series open to all. Across the season, the lineup also includes Joanne's Driving the Bus, Jillian Smith Trio, Musicians with Albany Symphony, Bronte Roman Quartet, The MacS Trio, and Michael T & Wee B3. This concert is supported by a grant from the Music Performance Trust Fund and organized by the Albany Musician's Association, Local 14 of the American Federation of Musicians.

The Matthew Steckler Trio performs live jazz as part of a weekly series highlighting local artists. Reservations are accepted but not required. For details or to reserve by phone, call 518-650-6071.

Dashboard Confessional is playing at Empire Live in Albany with Glom. The show starts at 8:00 PM.

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas spotlights the unmistakable lead vocals that shaped the band’s sound through the 1980s. After stepping in as lead singer for Jefferson Starship in 1979, Thomas helped deliver hits such as “Jane,” “No Way Out,” “Find Your Way Back,” “Stranger,” and “Layin’ It on the Line.” His rich, expressive delivery has made him a recognized presence in rock.

Part of a lunchtime music series presented by M&T Bank, this show brings midweek energy to Empire State Plaza Events with ten weeks of concerts paired with the Empire State Plaza Farmers Market and an array of food vendors. Slingshot Funk Band takes the stage with a lively mix of funk, R&B, jazz, rock, reggae, and soul, drawing from favorites of the 70s through today. Make the most of your break by grabbing a bite, soaking in live music, and exploring fresh market offerings.

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

At Lark Street Tavern, the mic is open for a laid back night of performances by local artists. Singers and songwriters can take the stage, and listeners can enjoy sets built around voices and guitars alongside a friendly crowd. Drinks are available as everyone settles into an easygoing evening that celebrates music and community.

The Philadelphia Orchestra, led by conductor Daniele Rustioni, presents Musorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition. The program also includes Korngold’s Violin Concerto featuring violinist Bomsori Kim, along with Rossini’s Overture to Semiramide.

At Waterworks, a midweek drag show presents a different mix of hosts and performers every week. The evening features drag entertainment along with music and drinks, contributing to the energy of Albany nightlife.

Capture a raw slice of music history with David Markey’s 1992 documentary 1991: The Year Punk Broke, which follows Sonic Youth and Nirvana on their late 1991 European tour. The film also spotlights live sets from Dinosaur Jr, Babes in Toyland, The Ramones, and Gumball, playing to large, enthusiastic crowds. Not rated and 99 minutes long, this screening is presented at Proctors as part of the Rock Schenectady summer series.

SUNY Schenectady’s Faculty Jazz Combo appears on the Music Haven stage with trumpeter and educator Jon Faddis, presenting a close-up night of swing and jazz from Capital Region musicians who also teach. Food is available at the on-site food court, so settle in and enjoy the music close to home. If it rains, the performance moves to Proctors. Supported by SUNY Schenectady, Head to Tail Pet Wellness Center, and Snapple.