venue spotlight: SingleCut North Tap Room in Clifton Park
*This interview originally appeared in our November 2024 issue*
All photos by: Tom Miller
A welcome change over the last five years has been the influx of non-traditional venues diving into live and local music programming. Breweries, distilleries and the like have been at the forefront of this, providing exciting new forms of entertainment for their patrons, and also expanding their revenue streams as a result.
SingleCut North Tap Room, just off Northway exit 10 in Clifton Park, began hosting local bands more frequently in the summer of 2021. Thanks to its semi-open-air setting, it allowed the venue to host live music responsibly much quicker than others during the pandemic. Both the general public and the music community responded enthusiastically, just thrilled to be able to experience live music in the flesh again.
For the most part, the venue has allowed artists carte blanche when it comes to curating a show. At any given time, you may find a lone singer/songwriter serenading the tap room or a multi-band lineup pumping out as much noise as tolerable. It’s one of the things that not only makes it such a great place to see a show, but a great place to play a show as well. Hospitality Director Teresa Campbell agrees.
“We now have a brand-new stage built by our owner, Rich Buceta, which includes a full backline if needed by the band. Plus, you’re able to enjoy our beer mere feet from where it was brewed and packaged, getting the freshest product when listening to the best local bands.”
Live music programming was a natural move for a brewery with beers like the Half-Stack IPA, Opening Act Hefeweizen and More Cowbell Chocolate Milk Stout. Not to mention, upon entering, you will typically be greeted by one of their many vinyl records blaring proudly through their sound system.
“Music is in the ethos of everything we do at SingleCut,” Teresa says. “All of our beers are named after music in some capacity – from song lyrics to sound gear to homages to musicians. To be able to feel the connection between the music and the product we make is truly awesome.”
In addition to the music, SingleCut boasts a lovely patio to enjoy when the weather allows, and inside the orange-adorned walls are large TVs broadcasting anything from a must-see sports game to a classic film. Often, there will also be a locally owned food truck stationed outside, providing freshly made, delicious accompaniments to the tap room’s delightful brews.
With its built-in passion for music, undeniable craftsmanship and enthusiasm for local artists, SingleCut North is a Capital Region venue you simply must experience. For more information on the tap room, their beers, and upcoming events, visit www.singlecut.com.
