1. Troy Listening Room
Troy
@troylisteningroom on Instagram
Housed in a converted church hall that’s also home to founders Sam Torres and Sophia Vastek (and their three cats), the Listening Room (featured above) offers one of the most intentional live music experiences in the Capital Region.
Good to know: Unlike most other DIY music venues, the Listening Room takes sound quality seriously and even uses the same kind of speakers as The Egg.
2. Kiddie Pool
Albany
Curated by recent LA transplant (and my wife) Karley Sullivan, Kiddie Pool hosts intimate, thoughtful gatherings for contemporary artists and emerging writers in our beautifully maintained 1874 home.
Good to know: The historic row house in Albany’s Mansion District doubles as an Airbnb, so guests who book a stay might find themselves experiencing the art in situ.
3. Jive Hive Live
Albany
@jivehivelive on Instagram
Tom O’Connor and his partner, Stacy Marsh, have renovated an 1890s carriage house on their property and turned it into a state-of-the-art audiovisual space for bands to perform, record, and stream their sessions—for free.
Good to know: Although Tom keeps the exact location secret (fearing complaints from neighbors), he promotes the shows on Instagram and guests can DM for invites. The Hive has also expanded into more public shows at Cohoes Music Hall.
4. The COOP Contemporary Art + Design
Saratoga Springs
Sprung from a former dairy farm, the COOP gets its name from the old chicken coop that once stood on the property. It’s now a modern, minimalist home setting for viewing contemporary art.
Good to know: The gallery is open by appointment only, but keep an eye on the calendar for pop-up exhibitions and music shows that are open to the public.
5. Martinez Gallery
Troy
In 2022, longtime gallerist Laudelina Martinez moved her eponymous gallery into a turn-of-the-century home located in a neighborhood of row houses on Fifth Avenue in Troy. She intentionally shows art in a home setting to encourage people to imagine “living with beauty.”
Good to know: With a distinct focus on Latino and international artists, the gallery is open to the public every Saturday from 12:30–4:30pm.
6. Melrose House
Albany
Run by artist Catherine McTague out of her home with help from her art friends, Melrose House is named for the suburban-ish neighborhood where she lives with her husband.
Good to know: Exhibitions are held infrequently (sometimes only one or two each year), so jump on them if you get the chance!
