Member News

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Scheduled for July 25 with New York State Senator Samra Brouk

ROCHESTER, NY — Local Sound Collaborative has opened a new studio space in downtown Rochester, marking a major milestone for the growing music and arts organization and creating a more accessible, visible home for musicians, artists, and families across the region.

Previously located in a third-floor walkup studio on Railroad Street, the Collaborative recently relocated to a larger, first-floor space in the East Avenue and Alexander Street neighborhood. The move will allow the organization to expand programming, increase accessibility, and create a more welcoming, community-centered home for musicians of all ages and levels.

“This space is everything we've dreamed about and more,” said Ray Mahar, Executive Director of Local Sound Collaborative. “Now we have a home where kids can learn, artists can create, families can connect, and our community can grow together. We can't wait to fill this space with music and welcome more people into what we're building!”

The new studio space will support:

• Expanded music education programs and workshops
• Higher-quality performances and community events
• Increased accessibility for parents, families, and musicians of all abilities
• Additional opportunities for local music workers and artists

To support the transition and continued growth of the organization, Local Sound Collaborative is completing a $20,000 fundraising campaign to help furnish and equip the new space and sustain programming during the move. They are more than halfway to their goal.

The investment builds on a year of significant impact. In 2025, Local Sound Collaborative:

• Taught more than 1,000 children through its Music Makers classes
• Provided monthly stipends to eight local music workers throughout the year
• Hosted more than two dozen workshops, open mics, and free live music events
• Raised more than $5,000 for other nonprofits through its Be Kind Tuesday initiative

Founded in 2022, Local Sound Collaborative has spent the past four years building programs that support musicians of all levels through education, collaboration, performance opportunities, and community engagement.

“Creative spaces don't always feel accessible or welcoming to everyone, especially musicians and creators whose talents have historically been overlooked or underinvested in,” said Zahyia Rolle, Board Chair of Local Sound Collaborative. “This new studio represents an opportunity to create visibility, opportunity, and belonging for artists of color, women, and other musicians whose voices deserve to be heard. We're proud to help build a community where all musicians can thrive.”

“Our mission is to redefine the culture of what music can provide our world by creating an ecosystem that invests in musicians of all levels,” Mahar said. “This space allows us to bring that mission to life in new ways and share music with even more people.”

MEDIA INVITATION

Members of the media are invited to attend the official ribbon cutting celebration for the new studio space on Friday, July 25, 2026.

The event will feature remarks from New York State Senator Samra Brouk, Local Sound Collaborative leadership, musicians, and community members.

Date: July 25, 2026

Time: 12:30-2:30pm

Location: 343 East Avenue

Interviews, photo opportunities, and tours of the new studio space will be available.

Community members can learn more about Local Sound Collaborative and support the campaign at: www.thelocalsoundcollaborative.org/new-studio-launch-2026