Adding music to the arts district mix

Neat story out of Schenectady, where arts district redevelopers are helping fund a music studio startup in a downtown store space:

The new studio will feature a large "live room," able to accommodate ensembles of any size, a separate control room, a vocal booth and a studio with state-of-the-art recording gear. Instruments, including drum kits, keyboards, guitars and amplifiers, will be available for performances by local musicians.

"A recording studio is an excellent fit with the 440 Arts Center, Jay Studios, Proctor's, our new downtown cinema and live performances at many downtown clubs," said Gary Hughes, chair of the County Legislature's Committee on Economic Development and Planning and member of the Schenectady County Community Business Center's board of directors.

When I lived on Second Street, rehearsal space was at a premium - some local bands used to rent cheap warehouse (storage) space at Hopewell Valley Industrial Park to practice.

Trenton take note.

(Top right, Schenectady downtown via the Preservation League of New York State)