Conversations and connections surrounding the growth and evolution of Rochester's music scene. We talk to musicians, venue owners, fans, and changemakers in our local music community and keep listeners up to date on what's happening and connected to the scene. (a very indie/underground vibe - really organic conversation, not necessarily 'big' news but meaningful news and conversations, thoughts from the fans, etc.)
Rochester Fringe Festival Preview - Silver Rein - Just Can't Not
Host [Host Name] interviews Silver Rein about her unique goth-folk music experience at the Rochester Fringe Festival, offering a preview of an unmissable performance.
25 Jun 2025
Talent Buyer Doug Kelley On The Evolution of the Bug Jar
Talent buyer Doug Kelley discusses the Bug Jar's evolution and its enduring importance in Rochester's music scene, highlighting the challenges and necessary changes for its survival in this interview.
11 Jun 2025
Clara Reidlinger on Why Old Time Music is Punk
Musician and filmmaker Clara Reidlinger explores the communal roots of old time music, highlighting its blend of diverse influences and its oral tradition, in this interview.
28 May 2025
How Musician, Broadcaster, and Booker Hannah Maier Keeps Rochester Loud
Musician and booking agent Hannah Maier discusses the multifaceted role of supporting a local music scene and ensuring fair compensation for artists in an interview.
14 May 2025
Lilac Fest Spotlight: Coral Moons on Building a Local Music Home
In this episode, Carly and Justin from local indie pop band, Coral Moons, talk about their own experiences in the local scene and share what they’re seeing shift around them. They dig into why festivals like Lilac Fest matter — especially when they start putting local artists on bigger stages instead of always booking the same national acts.
They’re hyped about the way the lineup is changing and what it means for local bands getting in front of new crowds. We also get into the importance of building spaces where artists can actually thrive — without going broke to do it. Through their work with their DIY festival, Morningside, Carly and Justin are actively making that happen. This one’s a reminder of why supporting locals isn’t just nice — it’s necessary.
Mentions
@morningsidestudios
roclilacfest.com/things-to-do/#music (https://roclilacfest.com/things-to-do/#music) (@rochesterlilacfestival)
www.coralmoons.com (http://www.coralmoons.com) (@coralmoonsband)
thesoundrochester.com (https://www.thesoundrochester.com/) (@thesoundroc)
lunchador.org (https://lunchador.org/) (@lunchadorpodcasts)
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
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9 May 2025
Peter Holström Talks Dandy Warhols’ New EP, Tour, and Supporting Local Scenes
In this episode, I talk with Pete Holmström from The Dandy Warhols ahead of the band’s May 11 show at Anthology in Rochester. We get into the importance of local music scenes and why they still matter, even in a hyper-online world. Pete reflects on how music distribution has changed—from passing around mix cds to navigating streaming algorithms—and what that’s meant for artists. We also talk about the Dandy Warhols’ new ROCK REMAKER EP, how it came together, and the collaborators that helped shape it. It’s a good reminder that music is still one of the best ways to build community—and that local scenes don’t survive unless people show up
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
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7 May 2025
Lilac Festival Talent Buyer Dave Drago on Local Talent + Supporting Our Scene
This week, we talk with Dave Drago — talent buyer for the fest and owner of 1809 Studios — about the Lilac Festival and its long-overdue focus on local artists. we discuss why he’s pushing to book more original music and fewer tribute acts. We get into how he found his way back into the local scene, his drive to build community, and why paying artists fairly isn’t optional.
We also chat about what makes the Lilac Fest special, and how giving local musicians a real stage isn’t just good for the scene — it’s good for the city.
Mentions
1809studios.com (https://1809studios.com) (@1809studios)
roclilacfest.com/things-to-do/#music (https://roclilacfest.com/things-to-do/#music) (@rochesterlilacfestival)
thesoundrochester.com (https://www.thesoundrochester.com/) (@thesoundroc)
lunchador.org (https://lunchador.org/) (@lunchadorpodcasts)
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!
https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
23 Apr 2025
How DIY label Raincoated Records is opening doors for Rochester’s artists
This week on Nights and Weekends, we talk with Nate and Jake, the duo behind Raincoated Records—a DIY label that’s quietly growing into a recording studio (Lilypad Underground), video production shop, and creative hub for Rochester artists.
Their tape release project Spit Takes and Split Tapes is part documentation, part celebration of the local scene—highlighting bands you should know and making it easier for new ones to get heard.
We get into the why behind what they’re doing: creating accessible space, encouraging collaboration, and building something that’s actually useful for local musicians.
Mentions
Raincoated records (@raincoatedrecords)
Home Videos (@homevideosband)
thesoundrochester.com (https://www.thesoundrochester.com/) (@thesoundroc)
lunchador.org (https://lunchador.org/) (@lunchadorpodcasts)
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!
https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
9 Apr 2025
Bad Ending Owner Fred McCoy on Starting a Venue, Building Community & Showing Up
Join us as we chat with Fred McCoy, the owner of newly updated bar and venue, Bad Ending. We dive into his personal history with music photography, how that led to buying and restoring one of his favorite places in Rochester, and his vision for creating an inclusive space that welcomes different musical genres.
Mentions
barbadending.com (@barbadending)
thesoundrochester.com (https://www.thesoundrochester.com/) (@thesoundroc)
lunchador.org (https://lunchador.org/) (@lunchadorpodcasts)
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!
https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
26 Mar 2025
Scar Markham on the Power of Music and Art: Exploring the Intersection of Rochester’s Creative Communities
Our conversation with Scar Markham and his journey within the Rochester music scene. He highlights the importance of representation and inclusivity in this vibrant community. Scar also shares his experience moving back to Rochester from New York City, reflecting on the differences in artistic opportunities. We dive into his thoughts on how local music venues are evolving and the need for more support for emerging artists. With a blend of personal stories and professional insights, Scar emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere that uplifts marginalized voices, reminding us of the power of shared experiences and the need for community engagement.
Mentions
flourpailkids.com (http://flourpailkids.com) (@flourpailkids)
choresband.bandcamp.com/album/tender-as-a-wound (http://choresband.bandcamp.com/album/tender-as-a-wound) (@chores_band)
thesoundrochester.com (https://www.thesoundrochester.com/) (@thesoundroc)
lunchador.org (https://lunchador.org/) (@lunchadorpodcasts)
girlsrockrochester.org (http://girlsrockrochester.org) (@girlsrockroc)
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!
https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
12 Mar 2025
How Katie Morey is Building a Community through Education and Creativity
This week, we’re talking with Katie Morey—musician, DIY veteran, and co-owner of Submarine School of Music—about what it takes to build something real in Rochester’s music scene. From booking basement shows to touring with Pleistocene, Katie’s been in it for the long haul. Now, she’s helping shape the next wave of musicians, creating a space where learning music feels as natural as making it. We get into her journey, the evolution of Rochester’s DIY scene, and what it means to keep pushing forward.
Mentions
thesubmarineschool.com (https://www.thesubmarineschool.com/) (@submarineschoolofmusic)
katiemorey.bandcamp.com (https://katiemorey.bandcamp.com/) (@katiemoreymusic)
thesoundrochester.com (https://www.thesoundrochester.com/) (@thesoundroc)
lunchador.org (https://lunchador.org/) (@lunchadorpodcasts)
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!
https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
26 Feb 2025
Nights & Weekends: Who we are and why Rochester's music scene matters
Rochester, New York has a vibrant music scene. The Sound Rochester was started to amplify this scene and create awareness of our musicians, foster connections, and promote live music events.
We started this podcast as an opportunity to sit down with local changemakers who are impacting our local music scene, from venue owners to artists to the musicians who are contributing their art.
Our conversation highlights the significance of collaboration and mutual support within the artistic community, emphasizing that the fabric of Rochester's culture is enriched by the contributions of both performers and those who support them behind the scenes.
Intro to the Nights & Weekends Team
Kate Rogers, Founder of The Sound Rochester & Musician
Virginia Wood, Podcast Producer & Local Music Advocate
Joey Paladino, Music Photographer & Local Music Advocate
Mentions
thesoundrochester.com (https://www.thesoundrochester.com/) (@thesoundroc)
lunchador.org (https://lunchador.org/) (@lunchadorpodcasts)
debrisfragments.com (https://www.debrisfragments.com/) (@debrisfragments)
Bad Bloom (@badbloomny)
Who has been a guest on Nights & Weekends
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Silver Rein
Doug Kelley
Clara Reidlinger
Hannah Maier
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
48
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Nights & Weekends
Guest appearances
Books guests
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