Sage Haus, a new off-campus live music venue, made their awaited debut this Saturday with the “Farmers Market” event. A charming jubilee featuring an array of second-hand and vintage pop-up shops, homemade treats, and enchanting sounds from the bands, XO and Hydrogen. And yes, it was everything that I had hoped it would be and even more.

So, welcome to “The Farmer's Market” - an outdoor daytime showcase where pop-up shops and live music all converge in a warm spectacle. The event artfully blends together a dash of whimsy with a commitment to sustainability and the community. Imagine a gathering where eco-consciousness can meet with a touch of melodic vocals (swaying to Hydrogen’s breezy 90s grunge vocals while XO breathes new life into alternative classics). A delightful nostalgia trip that doesn’t just stop at the live music, but invites you back to revel in the sounds of 1992 with vintage and second-hand pop-up shops right outside the venue.

The event was thrown in collaboration with the Crossroads Collective (in which the co-founder, Anjali, is the president of), AwkwardFish, and Passion Fruit Studios, who all came together with a shared message of pushing for sustainability on the campus and building community.

*Image taken at the "Farmer's Market" by Kylie Adedeji*

Miles Scherer, the marketing head behind Crossroads Collective (a student-led organization that helps bridge the gap between Syracuse University and the local community), set up a booth inviting the Sage Haus community to engage with their message. Sitting down for a quick interview about the collaboration, Scherer explained, “Being here at Sage Haus is all about connecting people, and I think this venue here attracts a crowd that really attracts good people and good vibes. And that’s exactly what we are looking for here at Crossroads, it’s a natural fit.”

Holly Anderson with her brand, Awkwardfish, set up a booth selling her custom sustainable designs at the show, explained that the common message of sustainability at this event was the main reason for the collaboration for Sage Haus, “There are so many basics in the landfill, and honestly, half of the thrift stores are just plain T-shirts. So, finding a way to repurpose that is so important.”

Haiden Nourse with her business, Passion Fruit Studios, also set up a booth selling a handmade collection of jewelry such as earrings, rings and necklaces, explained how she originally got involved with Sage Haus, “It seemed like a really positive and supportive environment and they really were about empowering artists and just letting us do our thing. They are not charging us a commission, it was really about giving us a platform and I just love music too.”

The two founders, Anjali Engstrom and Romy Van Almen, created the Sage Haus as a venue that invigorates the audience with a truly unique experience. The Haus establishes itself as a sort of “live show chameleon”, changing up the sound with every event hosted ranging from the basement boiler sets that we know and have grown to love to acoustic folksy shows in their own living room. Sage Haus is a semester-long capstone project of the two founders, who plan on going abroad for the next two consecutive semesters. (So, get in while you can!) “We want it to be something that people remember when we’re gone and be like ‘Damn, I miss Sage Haus’.” VanAlmen commented.

So, when Friday night rolls around and you get tired of walking down Frat Row #1 and #2 or finding yourself walking into a function with a shuffled playlist of 2017 YouTube intro oontz-oontz, take up a chance with the Sage Haus where each night literally reinvents itself.

Welcome to the Sage Haus.