The Albany Rock Pit is Taking the Capital Region by Storm!
The music scene is about to get a new infusion of talent in the Capital Region! The Albany Rock Pit opened on August 1st, and is already setting lofty goals based on the premise of team building and community through live performances. Located at 9 Norman Drive in Albany, The Albany Rock Pit is gearing up for its grand opening on October 24th, 2023.
The Albany Rock Pit accepts students as young as 5 years old, and offers four different age groups lessons and performances: “This all evolved when my daughter’s music school closed,” says Kim Lindh, co-partner now professionally as well as personally with Tess Collins, the owner of McGeary’s. “There’s a nichemarket that was unfulfilled… Music is needed. It’s an outlet. It’s both expressive and therapeutic”.
“The space was available next to Kim’s shop and it’s in the perfect area,” stated Collins. “We were able to transform the space into a music school within 30 days during the Summer… And, since we’ve opened, we’ve seen an influx of students and instructors. They realize what we’re trying to build here… We’re absolutely stressing team building and community,” she said.
“What sets this apart from any other music school, the kids interact together and will have an opportunity to play live in the local music scene,” continued Lindh. “The kids are multi-talented. They’ll not only be able to set up their own equipment and perform their own sound checks, but they play different instruments, too… So, you’ll see them switch off playing different instruments as they go from song to song. And, what’s good for them, they’re not paying a venue to have a recital or a performance. They’re getting the real experience now with the guidance of the school, so they’re fully prepared for what they can expect down the road.”
“The first show for these kids will be December 2nd and 3rd at September’s in Colonie,” continued Collins. “They’ll perform a variety of hits from the 1980s, while sprinkling in songs from the 1960’s associated with the ‘British Invasion’… Then, once we get into the first quarter of 2024, we’ll change up the musical theme on a quarterly basis.”
The Albany Rock Pit just hosted their first “Open Mic/Free Jam Friday” which will continue the first Friday of every month!
The ribbon-cutting ceremony – the first ever for both Collins and Lindh – will be Tuesday, October 24th at the Albany Rock Pit. Assembly member Pat Fahy will be attending the ceremony.
For more information regarding the Albany Rock Pit, please contact Kim Lindh at kimlindh@albanyrockpit.com, or Tess Collins at Tess@mcgearys.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at Albany Rock Pit.