Anthology is F**KING Back, Baby!

A crowded bar at Anthology, a music venue in Downtown Rochester, NY

When Anthology closed its doors in the summer of 2022, it left a void in the hearts of music lovers across the city, especially those in the East End neighborhood just off of East Avenue on Lawrence Street, where the venue stands. For years, locals and weary travelers walked past the venue, watching and waiting for the day that the magnificent proverbial factory lights would turn on, and the rhythmic cadence of music would echo out to the world from behind the glass doors of the forsaken building. All hope felt lost.

Joywave performs ‘JOY 2 THE WORLD’ set on December 21, 2025, at Anthology

And then suddenly, to paraphrase Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, about three years later, the most amazing thing happened: Anthology was live again, full blast! And more amazing music was coming out than ever before! That statement will grind someone’s gears. I’ll hear about it on r/Rochester, obviously.

It should be noted that two major influencers took part in the revival of the roughly 1000-person music venue in downtown Roc. These heroes are Rochester’s very own indietronica musical entente, Joywave, who proposed a wintery two-nighter back in December 2024, and SCN Hospitality, the organization behind several popular local bars and restaurants, including Branca Midtown, The Revelry, Bitter Honey, Patron Saint, Ziggy’s, and Velvet Belly at the Public Market.

The Dandy Warhols performing on Mother’s Day 2025

Over the years, many harsh words have been said about the East End losing its cool during the worst of the pandemic. This turning point, or in this case, returning point for Anthology, sends a brighter message. While the waves of a rising tide are tumultuous, look for the silver lining in the clouds ahead. If you browse Anthology Live, the venue’s website, you’ll see notable artists Will Wood, Silversun Pickups, Phantogram, and the Devil Makes Three headlining throughout the summer. This all comes after an epic Mother’s Day performance last night by Portland, Oregon’s 1990s psychedelic/alt-rock group, The Dandy Warhols.

This type of lineup has got us shouting from the rooftops, “Anthology is Fucking Back, Baby!”

Sisters of the Sunshine Vapor rocking out at Anthology