The Northeast is known for its snow-capped summits,
thriving manufacturing industry and close-knit Adirondack community – these are
all a given. What many people overlook is the quaint jazz music scene in
Albany, one filled with a diverse line-up of acts and venues that many in the
community miss.
Based out of Schenectady, the organization A Place for Jazz
is trying to change how the community interacts with the Albany jazz scene with
public workshops, school-based classes, and, of course, concerts.
“There
is a pretty good audience in the Capital Region,” said A Place for Jazz’s
president Tim Coakley. “Most places that present jazz are small, so the
audiences tend to be small as well, but they are consistent and support their
favorites.”
Founded
in 1987, A Place for Jazz has become the central hub for jazz entertainment,
organizing shows out of the First Unitarian Society’s Great Hall in
Schenectady, coined the “Whisperdome” due to the acoustical architecture of the
unique domed venue – one can whisper and still be heard across the room!
“The visiting musicians love it,” said Coakley. “Saxophonist Frank Morgan asked us to turn off the microphone so he could just play with the pure acoustics of the room.”
Finding
a younger jazz audience in the Capital Region is a continual challenge for A
Place for Jazz. As the jazz scene is regional and not limited to one city, the
scope of A Place for Jazz is rather large, drawing in acts from Hudson Valley
and the surrounding New England states, to work with the local community.
“We
have our visiting musicians do workshops for the local high school and college
music students,” said Coakley. “We encourage parents to bring their kids and we
invite some middle school students each season to perform at intermission, so they
get a chance to be heard and hear the professionals at work.”
A Place
for Jazz has redefined the Albany jazz scene by making it a multifaceted community, for the musicians and the fans.
Do not miss the annual A Place for Jazz Concert Series in the fall and check
out these local venues for jazz this weekend:
- Justin’s – 301 Lark Street, Albany
- Lark Tavern – 453 Madison Avenue, Albany
- The Fountain – 283 New Scotland Avenue
- Bistro/Bar at 74 – 74 State Street, Albany
- Van Dyck Lounge – 237 Union Street, Schenectady
- Carmen’s Café – 198 1sth Street, Troy
