A Music Lover’s Guide to Syracuse’s Live Music Venues

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A quick Google search into Syracuse’s music venues reveals a map full of disorienting red pins ranging from historic theaters to small whiskey bars to restaurants specializing in chicken wings or waffles. While a map like this indicates music fills the lungs of this city, it can be hard to pick which places are really worth your next Friday night.

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated, jazzy evening or a brew-filled Eagles cover band moment, there’s a place for all types of music lovers in this city. According to Funk’ n Waffles venue owner and local musician Adam Gold, the Syracuse music scene historically leaned more towards the hardcore genre but has now grown to include all kinds of acts, specifically jazz-influenced and folk-Americana sounds. He credits the buzzing scene to the city’s distance from a metropolis, claiming that being far from a major city has encouraged people to “breed” music into Syracuse’s culture.

So, if you’re looking to catch some of this city’s melodies, here’s a vibes-based list of some of the funkiest venues around. 

The Westcott Theater

The Westcott Theater is a classic household name for music venues here in Syracuse. The mid-sized venue has historic roots — it was originally a movie theater that opened in 1919 and remained one until two young entrepreneurs, Sam Levey and Dan Mastronardi, purchased and repurposed it in 2007. 

Located in the eclectic Westcott Neighborhood, its lighted marquee has welcomed all kinds of acts ranging from local bands to small indie groups to a good mix of niche tribute shows. More than anything, though, the theater has served as a home for thundering electronic music sets — popular deejay Skrillex played one of his first shows there in 2011 — juxtaposing the loud thumping against the theater’s preserved historical molding. According to Gold, the Westcott Theater attracts audiences from all around Central New York and beyond, becoming a hub for Syracuse’s music scene.

Adaptable to large parties and equipped with a full bar, the Westcott Theater might just be the host of your next Friday night. You can find tickets to upcoming events here. 

The 443 Social Club and Lounge 

From the blaring synths down the Westcott Neighborhood to the historic Hawley-Green Neighborhood across Interstate 690, an intimate musical experience awaits at the 443 Social Club and Lounge. Found beyond an unassuming green storefront, the 443 is a cramped, cozy room with a couple of candlelit tables and a small stage. Owners Julie and Jimmy Leone sought to create an “up close and personal” experience to host regional and national singer-songwriters and highlight storytelling within music. 

Because of its intimate setting, the 443 has specific rules in a “listening room style,” meaning conversation isn’t allowed during live performances, and dancing has to remain non-disruptive. This allows audiences to really form a connection with performers who range from original Americana to roots-style singer-songwriters and blues artists. According to Gold, its small 75-person capacity means that its audience is a very niche group of people who frequent the shows and know the owners — and also tend to lean a bit on the older side of life. 

“They’re mostly white hairs. I was the youngest one there, and I’m 41,” Gold said. 

However, that doesn’t mean the 443 isn’t a lively spot. If you consider yourself a genuine music appreciator looking for a more laid-back kind of night, this is the place for you. The 443 has a comprehensive food and cocktail menu (including wine and draft beers) and a $15 minimum purchase requirement. Check out their event calendar here. 

Funk’ n Waffles

What started as a Syracuse University party with a waffle maker has become one of the most well-known music venues downtown. Gold and his co-founder Kyle Corea decided to expand their popular waffle and music parties to an actual business when they participated in the Panasci Business Plan Competition and attracted attention from judges despite not winning. 

Initially opened on Marshall Street, the purple-colored downtown location is now a restaurant by day and a music venue by night, featuring its signature all-day waffle-based menu. With a 200-person capacity, the venue features all kinds of genres, hosting themed nights like weekly Grateful Dead tribute Mondays and Sunday Jazz jams followed by open mics. 

According to local concert promoter Dan Smalls, Gold’s artist-centric approach makes Funk’ n Waffles stand out, attracting all kinds of audiences, from college students looking to jam out to spoken-word poets. Because Gold is a musician himself, Smalls says he cares for the venue with a passion that other venue owners don’t have. So, if you’re looking to showcase your skills in one of its open mic nights or are intrigued by waffle concoctions like “buttermilk, bacon, brie and basil,” Funk ‘n Waffles is waiting for you. 

The Fitz 

Walking into the Fitz is like stepping into a scene from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Located underneath the downtown restaurant Oh My Darling, the Fitz is decorated in true 1920s speakeasy fashion, featuring velvet lounge chairs, large patterned rugs and sexy ambient lighting. Its setting provides the perfect backdrop for small-band jazz performances, which are free and occur every Friday and Saturday.

Gold recommends this musical experience because the passion behind the project is clearly visible in every detail, including a cocktail menu that features 1920s drinks like the “Sidecar” and “Between the Sheets.” So, picture yourself, martini glass in hand, listening to some of this town’s most sophisticated jazz acts at the Fitz. 

Beak and Skiff

Known for its apple products and 1911 hard ciders, Beak and Skiff is a famous apple orchard that combines apple picking and freshly baked goods with alcohol flights and live music. Although most people who visit Beak and Skiff go for apple-related experiences, the orchard offers live concerts from local musicians every weekend in its tasting room, creating the perfect fall Saturday afternoon vibes.

During the summer, the orchard hosts a concert series in one of its open fields, building an outdoor stage and venue with a 4,500-person capacity. Smalls, whose company DSP Shows is responsible for booking the summer concert series, said that he tries to find artists who have gained some popularity through small clubs and are beginning to gain a following, so the venue serves as a launch pad. Some past performers include folk superstar Noah Kahan, Jack Antonoff’s band Bleachers, Fleet Foxes, Faye Webster and Gregory Alan Isakov. Though most of these performers fit either into a folk or indie rock category, Smalls said he simply finds acts that people would want to see outside on a sunny summer day while only paying $40 or $50 for tickets. Keep an eye out for their upcoming 2025 summer series.

Shifty’s Bar and Grill 

Home of “cold beer, hot wings and the best live music,” according to their website, Shifty’s Bar and Grill has been a staple of the community since 1969. Gold described the place as “legendary in this town” and a “true dive bar,” complete with a pool table and an old-timey jukebox. It originally opened as a small corner bar on 1401 Burnet Ave and has now expanded to have live music five nights a week. 

Featuring local roots or R&B bands like Stroke and Los Blancos, and open mic nights, Shifty’s offers a neighborhood bar experience while serving award-winning wings. But what keeps locals returning to Shifty’s is the people; the environment is only a backdrop to the connections that have been forged at the bar, like this heartwarming story about Pancho the bartender. So, if you take your beer and wings with a side of music and conversation, Shifty’s is the place for you.