Local Sound Collaborative is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of their new studio in Downtown Rochester on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The nonprofit organization was created in 2022, working to create a visible and accessible home for musicians, artists and families throughout the region.
Local Sound Collaborative moved from their Railroad Street location to 343 East Ave. The new location will allow the nonprofit to expand programming and increase accessibility.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will start at 12:30 p.m. at the new East Avenue location and will feature live music from local musicians.
Local Sound Collaborative Executive Director Ray Mahar said the space was everything they dreamed of and more.
“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,” Mahar said.
Ahead of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Local Sound Collaborative is holding a fundraising campaign with a goal $20,000 as they transfer to the new location. The goal of the campaign is to help sustain programming while they moved locations and set up the new space.
Local Sound Collaborative's expansion comes after the nonprofit had an impactful year in 2025. The organization taught over 1,000 children during Music Makers classes and gave monthly stipends to eight local musicians through their Artist Grants Program.
In 2025, Local Sound Collaborative also held over two dozen workshops, open mics and free live music events, and raised more than $5,000 for nonprofits through Be Kind Tuesdays. During Be Kind Tuesdays, Local Sound Collaborative partnered with Three Heads Brewing and Stomping Ground to hold live music events to raise awareness for the work of local nonprofits.
Since 2022, Local Sound Collaborative has established programs to support all levels of musicians and foster community engagement. Board Chair of Local Sound Collaborative Zahyia Rolle said creative spaces don't always feel accessible or welcoming to everyone, especially musicians and creators whose talents have historically been overlooked or underinvested in.
“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,” Rolle said.
To donate to Local Sound Collaborative's fundraising campaign, visit their website.
Erin Jones is a Democrat and Chronicle intern covering food and retail. You can reach her onInstagram or email her at ejones@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Local Sound Collaborative moves to new location in Rochester
