The Eighth Step: Bringing the finest in contemporary and traditional acoustic music to the Capital Region since 1967!

The Step is America’s oldest, continuously running non-profit coffeehouse & concert stage - bringing the finest independent acoustic music to Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts and lower Vermont. We present the best that acoustic music has to offer including contemporary & traditional folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, Celtic & more! Our five-decade performer roster comprises a folk Who’s Who that includes Pete Seeger, Janette Carter, Tom Paxton, Odetta, Dave Van Ronk, David Grier, Bucky Pizzarelli, Holly Near, Gordon Bok, Richie Havens, John Gorka, Ronnie Gilbert, Tom Rush, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ani DiFranco and Scottish fiddler Johnny Cunningham - and recently, Gangstagrass, The Chicks, and Jeff Daniels.

Upcoming Events

Five Decades & Still Singing!

For over 50 years, together with our members, The Eighth Step has been a voice for independent musicians and inclusive community. Join us in presenting international, national and regional artists in live performances on our own stage in our own neighborhood: This music truly belongs to all of us.