Lark Hall — Local services in City of Albany

Update 2/5/2024 Love Lark Hall! Definitely the most unique vibe of the venues I frequent. If an artist you like plays here you do not want to miss the opportunity to attend.

Update 6/3/2022 So…just went to Empire Live for the first time. Must say I’m ALL IN on Lark Hall now and forever!!

Update 4/5/2022 Check the liquor pricing at the bar before ordering. $16/shot circa 2022.

Original Review! This place was just as interesting as I was bracing myself for. I kind of love it. The repurposed old building while still mostly looking like the original old building makes it the most unique concert hall I’ve ever been to.

I believe they have the capacity listed as 300, but from what I could gauge, other venues would probably list it at 400+. Not that I’m complaining.

The entrance feels like a hole in the wall from street level. Walked right by it. Simple ID check and then you head up the stairs and it spits you out right beside/in front of the stage. Bathrooms are easily accessible right along the sides and are surprisingly nice. Bar is in the back at the opposite side.

Tall ceilings! Super awesome. Sturdy floor.

A big draw to this place is the stage-width-to-floor ratio. The stage is pretty wide for a venue of this size, and is almost as wide as the standing room for the audience, so sight lines were pretty optimal. Also, unlike a lot of other venues (the old Upstate Concert Hall, Empire Live, and (RIP) Pearl Street Pub come to mind), there are NO BEAMS in the way! Nothing kills being in the crowd quicker than being stuck next to or god-forbid BEHIND a big beam. Major win for Lark Hall.

Acoustics and audio quality were also surprisingly impressive.

Only real complaint is that the stage looks kinda weird without some sort of decorative curtain around the outside (see Bowery Ballroom for reference).

Parking: There’s street parking all around—mostly taken up but if you want to circle the block you and feel confident doing a parallel you can probably make it work. The lot that Lark Hall has listed as preferred parking is $6 I think. I've been doing street parking at Washington Park though.

TL;DR Great venue. Sound good....

I will never buy a ticket for a summer show here again: this second-floor venue has no ac and was badly overheated. The performers, staff, and audience all seemed miserable, and I thought I was going to fall over and puke. Honestly i think they shouldn’t book shows in the summer until they get some kind of cooling situation sorted.

However even though I’m mad about wasting money on an august show I would give this venue another chance during the rest of the year as it is a nice-looking space that seems well-run enough on lark street by lots of food and...

A really unique venue right off Lark St. Some of the most amazing acoustics in the capital district, set in an old hall with beautiful private mezzanine for VIP viewing and private bar. Drinks were worth the price point, bartenders were fun and accommodating. Saw world renowned music from Cuba (Cimafunk) that was one of the best live performances I've ever seen. Artists came out after the show to sign merchandise and talk with the crowd- for a larger venue it still felt very intimate. Lark Hall is the absolute perfect venue for up to 300. Cannot...