Visit Syracuse

Sep 29, 2009

Topic: Events |

syracuse_gear_factory
An artist studio in The Gear Factory

Syracuse is one of those cities that you only frequent when there’s a reason to go. My reason was a Skynard concert back in 2001 – I’m shaking my head too. Had I only gotten lost in Armory Square, I never would have had to witness 2,000 grown men in cowboy hats gathered together, worshiping the good old, Southern boy flag.

Armory Square is a more accessible, more modern, more compact, more tourist friendly Elmwood. Armory Square is a square, so every store, bar, restaurant is at your fingertips, just spin in a circle. There is no walking a mile down the road to hit up the next retailer. Secondly, Armory Square is comprised of numerous historical buildings with a variety of architecture that has been spruced up – Syracuse spends money rebuilding their facades. Awnings, eccentric signage and unique window displays give the Square the needed urban detailing and modernity. Just take note.

Because I love my strong brew, again begin the trip at a coffee shop. Freedom of Espresso is located at the heart of the Square and serves up a nice house with a side of sticky baked good deliciousness while you savor their industrial décor. The insides of the coffee hideout contain hordes of hipsters, newspaper readers and its local owners amidst high ceilings, exposed pipes and geometrical café props.

Where? 142 Walton Street
You can visit anytime before 10 PM!
How much? This shop is locally owned, so there will be no paying Starbucks prices.

Wander around the square, even if it’s cold. The retailers here are all small-time and have the time to chat about the quality of their goods.

*Correction: OHM has since closed. Thanks for the update!

OHM Lounge. This venue gives priority to rhythm-based artists and DJs that focus on experimentation and collaboration. They offer a live painting series – again, no nudes per say, but lots of synthetics. Artists bring their goods, DJs bring the electronica and it’s an all night clusterfunk of color and noise. Oh, and they have a good selection of liquor, but its suggested that you don’t waste the bartender’s time. They are a feisty crowd that is used to regulars.

Where? 314 South Franklin Street
You can visit until 2 AM!
How much? Depends who spinning and how much they think they’re worth.

You may need to ask for a private tour, the Gear Factory is still semi-private, but it’s well worth the email. This once-vacant warehouse is now home to 30 some creative tenants, refurbished into a live, work, record space that puts Syracuse back on the radar of art fags. In what owner Destito hopes is the near future, the Gear Factory will convert yet again to a more public arena with a rehearsal studio, gallery, cafe and roof-top green space/park. Pulled from JerkMagazine, “In mid-60s Manhattan, The Factory served as Andy Warhol’s studio, a place where the iconic pop artist produced many of his famous silkscreens. But it also became a gathering place for fashionable creative types, celebrities, and social oddities. The Velvet Underground played there, sometimes Bowie dropped by. Many movies–like the recent Sienna Miller flick Factory Girl–would later document the scene. The Factory went down in history.”

Where? corner of South Geddes and Fayette
You can visit when the man says you’re allowed
How much? Free with an email to rickdks@earthlink.net

Next on tap is The Warehouse Gallery, but you’ll have to pull yourself from the grip of the Square. Nathan Cordero is currently exhibiting through November and has covered the wall with paintings that refer to urban art while also creating an assemblage – through the inclusion of everyday objects into the artwork. An excellent draftsman, his art is about self-expressed desire to take street art into the galleries.

Where? 350 West Fayette Street
You can visit from 12-6 PM
How much? Free! Super Cool!

Next stop, Lao Village. This Laotian and Thai restaurant serves up the best vegetable-laden comfort food that I have ever experienced in WNY. It has a slightly swanky atmosphere, so it is not a bad idea to dress up to wine and dine.

Where? 208 West Genesee Street
You can visit from 4-9 PM
How much? Under $20

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3 Shouts to “Visit Syracuse”

  1. Tweets that mention The Artery Magazine – Art, Music and Subculture on the East Coast » Blog Archive » Visit Syracuse -- Topsy.com says Sep 30 at 12:25 am

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  2. Frank says Sep 30 at 8:00 am

    The weekend of Oct 10th would be a good one to come to Syracuse and see the Gear Factory, hosting the free art exhibition “Reply” by (R)evolution (these twice yearly free events host 30-50 artists and have hundreds of patrons.) Visit the MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/vivaevolution.

  3. Armory Square says Sep 30 at 10:30 am

    Thanks for the plug for Armory Square! I too love Freedom of Espresso. But unfortunately Ohm is now closed. There are still plenty of other great bars and restaurants like Al’s, Empire Brewing, Opus and others.

    Armory Square

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