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Rochester’s Some Ska Band is an eight-piece powerhouse bringing the sounds of ska, rocksteady and reggae to stages throughout Western New York and beyond. Built around a full horn section, driving rhythm section and soulful vocals, the band delivers an energetic blend of classic Jamaican influences and modern ska with plenty of room to dance. heir catalog features original material that moves comfortably between upbeat ska, rocksteady grooves and reggae, with tracks including “Right Now,” “Reason Why,” “Heavy Merge,” “Good Day” and “Better Together.” The band’s live recordings also capture what makes them a standout: a big, infectious sound built to get a room moving.

Infrared Radiation Orchestra is a Central New York psychedelic garage-rock outfit known for its gritty, guitar-driven sound, adventurous arrangements and deep connection to the spirit of late-’60s and early-’70s rock & roll. Based in the Finger Lakes region, the band has developed a sound that feels both rooted in the psychedelic era and unmistakably their own. At the center of the band’s sound is guitarist Kim Draheim, whose nuanced playing and soaring solos help drive the group’s expansive, often hypnotic approach to rock. Their music pulls from a wide range of classic rock influences while refusing to simply recreate the past, earning the band a reputation as a throwback act with a contemporary, art minded sensibility.

Son House Blues Night returns to Record Archive on the last Thursday of every month, celebrating the timeless sounds of the blues in an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Each month features a different lineup of talented musicians and special guests, paying tribute to the legends of the genre while showcasing the incredible depth of Rochester’s blues community. Inspired by the spirit and legacy of blues pioneer Son House, this recurring series honors the roots of American music while giving today’s performers a stage to keep the tradition alive. From gritty Delta blues and Chicago classics to soulful originals and unexpected collaborations, every month offers a fresh experience and a chance to hear some of the region’s finest musicians alongside special guest performers. Enjoy an evening of exceptional live music, craft beer and wine, and the one-of-a-kind setting that only Record Archive can provide. With a new lineup every month, no two Son House Blues Nights are ever the same, making it a tradition worth returning to again and again.

Hailing from Seneca Falls, NY, The Burned Out Suns are a three-piece rock band with a sound that draws from the raw energy, groove and attitude of classic rock while forging a distinctly modern identity of their own. The band has been steadily building its catalog since the release of Made in the Shade in 2018, followed by Up From The Ashes in 2020 and Energy Frequency and Vibration in 2022. Their music balances catchy, guitar-driven rock with a loose, adventurous spirit, making The Burned Out Suns equally at home on a club stage or in a packed festival setting.

Mikaela Davis is a harpist, singer, songwriter, and one of the most distinctive voices in the modern indie music scene. Known for blending the ethereal sound of the harp with psychedelic rock, folk, pop, and improvisational music, Davis has built a reputation as a fearless and captivating live performer. Originally from Rochester, New York, Mikaela has taken her music from local stages to audiences across the country and beyond, performing with her band, releasing acclaimed original music, and collaborating with artists including Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Circles Around the Sun, and more.  And now she’s coming home for a special acoustic in store session at Record Archive. 

Get ready for some old-school country with a Rochester twist! Candy Country is a local country act bringing the spirit of classic honky-tonk and vintage country to life, with a mix of original songs and toe-tapping favorites. The band has become a familiar name on Rochester’s live music scene, appearing at events and venues throughout the city including Record Archive. Their sound leans into the timeless side of country: heartfelt songs, twangy guitars, and that unmistakable dance hall feel. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just looking for some good ol’ fashioned live music, Candy Country brings the fun. 

No Child Left Behind is a Rochester rock band with a reputation for bringing a high energy, straight ahead rock ’n’ roll show to the local scene. They’re no strangers to Record Archive, having played the store on multiple occasions and becoming a familiar part of Rochester’s live music community. With a sound rooted in rock and a live set built to keep things moving, No Child Left Behind brings the kind of performance that fits right at home in a record store loud, lively, and made for music fans.

Wandering Oak is a Rochester based metal band forging a sound somewhere between progressive heavy metal, epic folk metal, blackened thrash, and traditional metal. Originally formed in western Massachusetts before relocating to Rochester, the band has spent more than a decade developing a sound that is as atmospheric and adventurous as it is heavy. Drawing from folk traditions, progressive songwriting, and the darker edges of extreme metal, Wandering Oak creates sprawling, immersive songs filled with acoustic and electric guitars, powerful riffs, intricate arrangements, whistles, and a distinctly mystical atmosphere. Their music explores themes of nature, society, life, fantasy, and the human experience. The band has released three full length works: Passage Elemental (2019), Resilience (2024), and The Nektarkin’s Plight (Revisited) (2025) and has shared the stage with acclaimed metal acts including Wilderun, Negură Bunget, and Swallow the Sun.

Mitty & The Followers are Rochester soul veterans bringing the sounds of Motown, classic R&B, funk, blues, and old-school soul to the stage with the kind of energy that gets people out of their seats. Led by Rochester’s own Eric “Mitty” Moore, known as the “Ambassador of Soul,” the band has been a fixture of the local music scene for more than 15 years. Moore’s powerful vocals and soulful bass work anchor a tight band built around groove, musicianship, and a genuine love for the music. The Followers have shared stages with major artists including Bootsy Collins, while their repertoire runs from The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and Al Green to Santana, Van Morrison and beyond. Their shows are equal parts concert and party high-energy, danceable, and packed with the songs that made soul and R&B timeless.

The Rob Gioia Experience brings the music of Rochester’s own Rob Gioia to the Record Archive stage for a special live performance. A seasoned local performer with a love for great songs and the musicians who make them, Gioia’s performances are built around musicianship, personality, and a genuine appreciation for live music. The Experience is all about creating that feeling you get when you stumble across a great live act familiar songs, unexpected favorites, and plenty of energy packed into an intimate performance. 

For Tragic Tuesday, we’re welcoming two artists from the darker, more atmospheric side of modern music: Bragolin and Carrellee. Bragolin is the Dutch post-punk and dark wave project of Edwin van der Velde, joined live by synth player Edwin Daatselaar. Their sound pulls from across decades, combining ’80s baritone guitar, synths and drum machines, ’60s and ’70s organs, and ’90s shoegaze guitars. Inspired in part by post-apocalyptic and horror films, Bragolin creates dark, cinematic music that feels perfectly suited for a night called Tragic Tuesday. Joining them is Carrellee, whose music has earned a dedicated following and whose current touring schedule brings her to Rochester alongside Bragolin. The two artists are also appearing together on the same tour dates in New York and internationally.