Live-music venue Electric Grinch opens in Schenectady

There’s a new live-music venue in Schenectady that’s creating quite the buzz.

The Electric Grinch, taking its name from a popular bar in Schenectady during the 1970s and ‘80s, aims to blend the charm of the past with contemporary aesthetics. Owned by Mitchell Ramsey, who also runs the Jay St. Pub, the venue breathes new life into the local scene.

The Electric Grinch officially opened Nov. 16, but it was the grand opening on Dec. 22 that marked its true inauguration, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the day followed by performances from national recording artist David J from Rotterdam, along with Vinny Michaels. The following night, The E-Block, one of the Capital Region’s most promising young bands, graced the stage.

Ramsey, the visionary behind the Electric Grinch, shared in an interview with Nippertown, “I wanted to create something that doesn’t already exist here in Schenectady – a craft cocktail bar featuring live music.” He further elaborated on the importance of the venue’s acoustic design, aiming to balance great live music with an environment conducive to conversation. Ramsey recounted the origin of the venue’s name, explaining, “When I was going over the concept with my aunt Deb she mentioned the original Electric Grinch, which used to be on Erie Boulevard, and I thought ‘Wow, what a cool name!’ “

Regarding the musical lineup, Ramsey is committed to showcasing local talent as well as artists from beyond the area.

“Over the past month we’ve had some really talented musicians from the area play on our stage,” he said, also expressing excitement about a Brooklyn band set to perform in February. His goal is to provide a diverse range of genres, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in the community.

“A lot of thought and time went into the sound and lighting throughout the bar,” he noted, adding that the attention to detail significantly enhances the atmosphere during musical performances.

Ramsey is also focused on integrating the Electric Grinch into the community. He plans to participate in annual events organized by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and is considering hosting his own events to spotlight undiscovered local talents.

“I think these types of events are an opportunity for the community to come together to see what downtown Schenectady is all about,” he said.

In terms of food and drink, the venue promises an exciting array of options. Ramsey highlighted the contributions of mixologist Joe Boudreau and Simone’s Kitchen.

“Joe Boudreau, a very talented mixologist, came up with our signature cocktail list for the Electric Grinch. Some of the most popular choices so far include the Bow and Arrow as well as the Smores Martini, which is our twist on an espresso martini. High Five is our kitchen collaboration with the owners of Simone’s Kitchen, which will be serving elevated pub grub with a rotating seasonal menu. Everyone who has come in so far has been raving about their Fried Chicken Shawarma Sammy.”

Starting the Electric Grinch was not without its challenges. Ramsey described the difficulties of renovating a building that had been abandoned for more than two decades.

“The building was abandoned for over 20 years so it was a major learning curve to manage a construction project that required such a transformation to create my vision. I am very fortunate that the building owner, Noah Smith, supported me through all of the hardships and obstacles. Supply-chain issues were definitely a factor that prolonged the project – our front door alone had a 20-week lead time. The guidance from the city of Schenectady and the help from Metroplex really contributed to bringing the vision to life.”

Looking to the future, Ramsey has ambitious plans for the venue.

”We really want to make the Electric Grinch a household name. In the near future we’re excited to be planning a big St. Patrick’s Day block party – so be on the lookout for updates on this. One of our biggest long-term goals is to build a rooftop in the upcoming year, which will expand our outdoor space options and provide an amazing view of City Hall and downtown Schenectady.”

The Electric Grinch is open from Wednesday to Saturday with varying hours. While a complete schedule of performances is still being finalized, updates and announcements are available on the Electric Grinch’s Facebook page.

With its unique blend of music, community engagement and a warm, inviting atmosphere, the Electric Grinch is poised to become a key player in Schenectady’s cultural scene.