The Bug Jar

Despite an early descent into frigid New York temperatures, an ascending Syracuse-area singer/songwriter offers a warming assurance of optimism in the coming year. After a whirlwind close to 2025 that saw her secure professional management…

2023 was a lot of things, and hopefully one of those things, for you, was music-filled. Happy to be here to help guide you to some of the good stuff in and around Rochester every month. Here are five more shows to help you finish the year…

There is a sense of belonging within the community of the Rochester DIY Scene, with loyal fans showing up to gigs to see their favorite bands live, as well as accountability, those with bad behavior never get off with a slap on the wrist.…

Jon Spencer & the Hitmakers have announced a two-part tour which features dates covering October and the early part of 2023. This includes stops at Brooklyn Made on October 23, Rochester's Bug Jar on January 29, and Albany's Lark Hall…

Alternative-rock band Acid Dad made a stop in Rochester at Bug Jar on Tuesday, October 5, as part of their Fall 2021 tour. Many avid fans gathered in the well-renowned venue to see the group perform. Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty …

A flyer for The Dirty Pennies show in March still hangs in the window of Rochester's Bug Jar. The venue has been a touchstone for this rust belt garage rock band. Shortly after venues like Bug Jar shut down, the band released a single "I'm…

Joywave dropped the first single off their highly-anticipated third album, Like a Kennedy. In conjunction with the release, they announced "The Possession Sessions," a handful of show dates including intimate shows in Rochester on June 29…

Moving on to our next destination in line to be highlighted in City Guides, we are continuing west to Rochester, aka The Flower City, where music is alive and well in oh so many different ways. You name a genre and Rochester is sure to…

Tough Old Bird are venturing from their home in the Allegheny region and taking to the road this month and next. The Northeast run began on March 15 at The Bug Jar. Local support for this show came from indie folk duo Bitter Bells and…

"I don't know why there's anyone here but it's fucking awesome," said Ron Gallo a few songs into his blistering rock and roll set at the Bug Jar in Rochester. "I thought the rule was, the first time you play a place only three people show…