Where to Jerk This Weekend
Graphic by Max Weinstein
Grab your cowboy boots, some body glitter and your best tote bag because you’re going out this weekend! We at Jerk Magazine have compiled an extensive list of events happening this weekend in the Syracuse area. From small house parties to vintage markets, we promise there is something for everyone.
Thursday, Sept. 24:
Stoney’s Line Dancing
It’s a trend that has been taking college towns by storm: line dancing. Considered a simple, easy-to-learn dance style that combines precise steps with a little bit of boogie, going line dancing is a great way to make friends and connect over how ridiculous you feel wearing cowboy boots. Reach out to @stoneys_cuse on Instagram for the location. Tickets are priced at $5.
Friday, Sept. 25:
Charm: Queer Dance Party
Hosted by The Song & Dance in downtown Syracuse, Charm is advertised as a fun dance party “for the girls, the gays, the theys and anyone who knows how to act around hot people.” This is an 18+ event that costs about $12 and opens at 9 p.m. It promises attendees a good time and lots of “questionable eye contact across the dance floor.”
Big Blitz w/s/g What? Concert
Also in Downtown Syracuse, a restaurant and small concert venue, Funk ‘n Waffles, is hosting a double feature concert. Big Blitz is a three person electronic-jazz band, hailing from Pittsburgh, who take the stage with their unique energy and put everything they can into each performance. What? is a group of friends from the Hudson Valley who met while studying at SUNY New Paltz. Their music is a funk/rock fusion that takes inspirations from Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and Phish. This show starts at 7 p.m. and costs around $13 to attend.
Burnable CDs, Amanda Rogers and AUK Concert
This triple-header show at the Pink Rock Culture Co-op features three very different styles of music. Burnable CDs is a small, contemporary trio that blends ambient collage and classical music into one melody. Amanda Rogers is known for her soulful, introspective lyrics that are formed as ways to interpret the “human condition.” AUK is a Syracuse indie-rock band that uses instrumentals paired with their melodies. This show is said to go from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m..
Saturday, Sept. 26:
Handle with Care Vintage Market
At the McCarthy Mercantile Building, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., a massive vintage market will be happening. There you can find jewelry, vintage clothing, local businesses, live music, flash tattoos and food. Make sure to check it out and grab some new staples for your closet.
Brotality - Jaws Of The Earth Release Show
If metal and hardcore music are your thing, this show at Funk ‘n Waffles would be perfect. Brotality, a New York brother duo, are a self-titled “thrash and groove-metal” band. Their two special guest openers are Krusade and CHAR, which both adorn similar music styles. This event starts at 8 p.m. and has a 16+ policy or below 16 with parent or legal guardian.
Nights at Cage
An underground music network, who organize fun nights with student musicians and DJs. This weekend’s event has just been announced, themed “Once Upon a Cage." The announcement, via @nightsatcage on Instagram, features medieval photos, and notice to possible attendees that it will be $5 at the door to enter. The address is only available if you message the Instagram account. It starts at 10 p.m. and, based on past events, will surely be an amazing night.
Sunday, Sept. 27:
Westcott Street Cultural Fair
An all-day event on Westcott St., highlighting the multicultural pockets within Syracuse. At noon, there will be a parade through the street. Following the parade, at 12:30 p.m., the fair will take place, and there will be stands from over 40 different vendors. This festival started in 1991, and is a great place to connect with the unique central New York community.
Jazz Jam
Every Sunday, Funk ‘n Waffles hosts the iconic Jazz Jam, a free for all ages event for up-and-coming artists to perform their work and get their name out there. While the name Jazz Jam suggests only Jazz music, it offers a little something for everyone. Genres stretching from improvisation to swing to house rhythm can be heard. This event occurs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and requires pre-registration or box office check-in due to the limited capacity of the venue.
MusicCares Open Mic
Also at Funk ‘n Waffles every Sunday is the MusicCares Open Mic. This event is slightly different from the Jazz Jam, as it is an 18+ event and ticketed. All proceeds from the tickets are donated to MusicCares, a non-profit charity dedicated to providing musicians financial assistance for welfare and health needs. The event starts at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.