News
News:
23rd Annual Candlelight Series
Date:
Saturdays, July 5th to Aug.16th
Details:
On Saturday, July 5, the 23rd annual Armory Square Candlelight Series celebrates the spirited holiday 4th weekend with a Syracuse Symphony Orchestra performance titled "Star Wars Spectacular." Beginning at 8:00 pm, Conductor Daniel Hege will lead the musicians in Calvin Custer’s arrangement of the National Anthem, followed by a two-hour free concert including selections of energetic classical music to the vigorous Star Wars excerpts. During intermission between the program's first and second half, short films from the '08 Syracuse International Film Festival will be shown.
At 6:30 pm that same night, in continuing a tradition of introducing audiences to Central New York's up and coming younger stars, Candlelight will feature Lauren Sageer, a solo vocalist and 2008 graduate from West Genesee High School who sang with WG's Jazz Band, has performed before events at the Carrier Dome and is a recent recipient of SALTY Awards (Syracuse Area Live Theater Youth) for her work in school musicals.
After July 5, Candlelight continues its free Saturday night concert Series through
August 16 with the following major performance groups and opening young talent acts, all entertaining on the Main Stage located at the corner of W. Jefferson and Franklin Streets:
• July 12 - Central New York Jazz Orchestra (the Stan Colella All Star Band)
• July 19 - Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (Andrew Friedrichs Jazz Trio)
• August 2 - Syracuse Opera (Vocalist Andrew King)
• August 9 - Paul Robeson Performing Arts Co. (Sinanymous Jazz Quintet)
• August 16 - Mario DeSantis Orchestra (Young talent TBA)
Other components of the six-weekend event will include fine outdoor candlelight dining with varied menus prepared by Armory Square restaurants. There will also be a choice spot in the Franklin Street Park for those who choose to bring their own picnic.
The Candlelight Series is a program of the Armory Square Association, free to the public and made possible by a Grant secured by Senator John A. DeFrancisco. The City of Syracuse and the Downtown Committee provide additional support. This year’s corporate and Armory Square business contributors are: T. J. Sheehan; "Toasted Head, Robert Mondavi Private Selection and Woodbridge Wineries"; syracuse.com; Ambrosia; Blue Tusk; Kitty Hoynes; Industry; Jefferson Clinton Hotel; Jet Black; Mr. Shop; Pioneer Companies; RHS Holdings, LLC; and Way Off The Beaten Path.
STREET CLOSING PLAN FOR CANDLELIGHT SERIES
July 5 and July 19
-Jefferson Street - From the Center Armory Garage heading west to the tunnel behind the MOST will be closed to traffic on Saturday, July 5 and July 19 from 8 am to midnight approximately. This is to allow for the setup, execution and breakdown of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra performances.
-Franklin Street, between Jefferson and Walton Streets, will be closed from 8 am to midnight.
-The two blocks of Walton Street will close from 4 pm to midnight.
July 12, Aug. 2, Aug. 9 and Aug. 16
-Jefferson Street - From the Center Armory Garage heading west to the tunnel behind the MOST will be closed to traffic from 4 pm to midnight approximately.
-The two blocks of Walton Street will close from 4 pm to midnight.
SIGNAGE WILL GO UP ON ALL AFFECTED STREETS MID-MORNING INDICATING THAT THE STREETS WILL CLOSE AT 4 PM AND ALL CARS SHOULD BE OFF THE STREETS BY THEN.
At 6:30 pm that same night, in continuing a tradition of introducing audiences to Central New York's up and coming younger stars, Candlelight will feature Lauren Sageer, a solo vocalist and 2008 graduate from West Genesee High School who sang with WG's Jazz Band, has performed before events at the Carrier Dome and is a recent recipient of SALTY Awards (Syracuse Area Live Theater Youth) for her work in school musicals.
After July 5, Candlelight continues its free Saturday night concert Series through
August 16 with the following major performance groups and opening young talent acts, all entertaining on the Main Stage located at the corner of W. Jefferson and Franklin Streets:
• July 12 - Central New York Jazz Orchestra (the Stan Colella All Star Band)
• July 19 - Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (Andrew Friedrichs Jazz Trio)
• August 2 - Syracuse Opera (Vocalist Andrew King)
• August 9 - Paul Robeson Performing Arts Co. (Sinanymous Jazz Quintet)
• August 16 - Mario DeSantis Orchestra (Young talent TBA)
Other components of the six-weekend event will include fine outdoor candlelight dining with varied menus prepared by Armory Square restaurants. There will also be a choice spot in the Franklin Street Park for those who choose to bring their own picnic.
The Candlelight Series is a program of the Armory Square Association, free to the public and made possible by a Grant secured by Senator John A. DeFrancisco. The City of Syracuse and the Downtown Committee provide additional support. This year’s corporate and Armory Square business contributors are: T. J. Sheehan; "Toasted Head, Robert Mondavi Private Selection and Woodbridge Wineries"; syracuse.com; Ambrosia; Blue Tusk; Kitty Hoynes; Industry; Jefferson Clinton Hotel; Jet Black; Mr. Shop; Pioneer Companies; RHS Holdings, LLC; and Way Off The Beaten Path.
July 5 and July 19
-Jefferson Street - From the Center Armory Garage heading west to the tunnel behind the MOST will be closed to traffic on Saturday, July 5 and July 19 from 8 am to midnight approximately. This is to allow for the setup, execution and breakdown of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra performances.
-Franklin Street, between Jefferson and Walton Streets, will be closed from 8 am to midnight.
-The two blocks of Walton Street will close from 4 pm to midnight.
July 12, Aug. 2, Aug. 9 and Aug. 16
-Jefferson Street - From the Center Armory Garage heading west to the tunnel behind the MOST will be closed to traffic from 4 pm to midnight approximately.
-The two blocks of Walton Street will close from 4 pm to midnight.
SIGNAGE WILL GO UP ON ALL AFFECTED STREETS MID-MORNING INDICATING THAT THE STREETS WILL CLOSE AT 4 PM AND ALL CARS SHOULD BE OFF THE STREETS BY THEN.
News:
Armory Square Businesses Expand, Move, Open
Date:
April, 2008
Details:
Click here for the story on News10Now.
The Downtown Committee and the City of Syracuse hosted a special grand opening ceremony for Joette's at Armory Square and highlighted three Armory Square businesses which demonstrate the strength of this historic downtown district. Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll said, "I have to congratulate Joette's for knowing a good thing when they see it. Armory Square is a great business and entertainment environment. Joette’s decision to move their location toward the center of the Square is an indication of their commitment to our downtown. I wish them the best of luck." "Armory Square is the hub of owner-occupied retailing in Syracuse," said David A. Mankiewicz, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. "These businesses are a good sign for our economy and are great examples of the independent entrepreneurship that drives successful retail downtown."
Joette's at Armory Square
Just five years old, this thriving Armory Square retailer, featuring women's accessories, celebrated its grand opening in a new, expanded location at 121 Walton Street. Joette's has added 30-percent more square footage and expanded sections of merchandise in its new store. As part of today’s grand opening celebration, Joette's is offering all customers 20-percent off the price of any item of their choice. There is also a raffle for a $200 Joette's gift certificate. "We are very happy and proud to be part of Armory Square," said Joette Mancuso. "This area has been so good to us that when our lease was up, there was no doubt in our minds that we would want to find a new location – with more space – in the same area."
Kenn Kushner Designs
After operating one of the area’s premier designer jewelry stores in the Armory Square area for a decade, Kenn Kushner moved to Fayetteville at the end of 2004. Kushner recently moved back to Armory Square after an absence of just over three years. “The grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence,” said Kushner. "I moved out to Fayetteville and found out that, in fact, business is better here in Armory Square - and you can’t beat the atmosphere." Located at 183 Walton Street, Kushner carries several brands of designer jewelry, including his own line. He also creates custom designs, to order.
The Black Olive
There are plans for Armory Square to have its first Mediterranean restaurant in the coming weeks. The Black Olive will be located at 316 S. Clinton Street. The menu will include Greek, Arabic, and other cuisine native to the Mediterranean region. Owner Basilios Koumanidis says he intends to "start with breakfast and lunch" and will open for dinner in the future, upon obtaining a liquor license.
The Downtown Committee and the City of Syracuse hosted a special grand opening ceremony for Joette's at Armory Square and highlighted three Armory Square businesses which demonstrate the strength of this historic downtown district. Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll said, "I have to congratulate Joette's for knowing a good thing when they see it. Armory Square is a great business and entertainment environment. Joette’s decision to move their location toward the center of the Square is an indication of their commitment to our downtown. I wish them the best of luck." "Armory Square is the hub of owner-occupied retailing in Syracuse," said David A. Mankiewicz, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. "These businesses are a good sign for our economy and are great examples of the independent entrepreneurship that drives successful retail downtown."
Joette's at Armory Square
Just five years old, this thriving Armory Square retailer, featuring women's accessories, celebrated its grand opening in a new, expanded location at 121 Walton Street. Joette's has added 30-percent more square footage and expanded sections of merchandise in its new store. As part of today’s grand opening celebration, Joette's is offering all customers 20-percent off the price of any item of their choice. There is also a raffle for a $200 Joette's gift certificate. "We are very happy and proud to be part of Armory Square," said Joette Mancuso. "This area has been so good to us that when our lease was up, there was no doubt in our minds that we would want to find a new location – with more space – in the same area."
Kenn Kushner Designs
After operating one of the area’s premier designer jewelry stores in the Armory Square area for a decade, Kenn Kushner moved to Fayetteville at the end of 2004. Kushner recently moved back to Armory Square after an absence of just over three years. “The grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence,” said Kushner. "I moved out to Fayetteville and found out that, in fact, business is better here in Armory Square - and you can’t beat the atmosphere." Located at 183 Walton Street, Kushner carries several brands of designer jewelry, including his own line. He also creates custom designs, to order.
The Black Olive
There are plans for Armory Square to have its first Mediterranean restaurant in the coming weeks. The Black Olive will be located at 316 S. Clinton Street. The menu will include Greek, Arabic, and other cuisine native to the Mediterranean region. Owner Basilios Koumanidis says he intends to "start with breakfast and lunch" and will open for dinner in the future, upon obtaining a liquor license.
News:
Book on Armory Square to be Published
Date:
4/28/08
Details:
The Armory Square Association is proud to announce that Arcadia Publishing has accepted a proposal for a historic photo essay book on the Armory Square district. Arcadia Publishing is the leading local history publisher in the United States, with a catalog of more than 5,000 titles in print. Arcadia has previously published a photographic album of historical photographs from the greater Syracuse area authored by Dennis Connors of the Onondaga Historical Association.
The Armory Square book, however, will be the first book to offer a “then and now” look at downtown Syracuse, featuring historic photos from the early 20th century along side photos from today. There will also be a number of photos from the period just prior to the beginning of the numerous renovations that have made Armory Square the hip, urban hot-spot it is today. In this way the book will serve to tell the story of a historic neighborhood that was at one time a thriving manufacturing district before suffering a decline as many businesses closed their doors for good or relocated elsewhere, only to be reborn as an urban neighborhood now known for fine dining, unique retail, entertainment and a lively nightlife scene.
The book will be authored by Robert Podfigurny of the Armory Square Association and George Curry, a key-developer in the rebirth of Armory Square. They are expecting to release the book in the spring or early summer of 2009. The Onondaga Historical Association will be assisting in the project and providing many historical photographs. The authors are also asking the public for assistance in gathering historic photos of the Armory Square area. If you may have any and would like to contribute toward this book, please contact Robert via the Armory Square Web site at or by sending an e-mail directly to rj@rjcomm.net.
The Armory Square book, however, will be the first book to offer a “then and now” look at downtown Syracuse, featuring historic photos from the early 20th century along side photos from today. There will also be a number of photos from the period just prior to the beginning of the numerous renovations that have made Armory Square the hip, urban hot-spot it is today. In this way the book will serve to tell the story of a historic neighborhood that was at one time a thriving manufacturing district before suffering a decline as many businesses closed their doors for good or relocated elsewhere, only to be reborn as an urban neighborhood now known for fine dining, unique retail, entertainment and a lively nightlife scene.
The book will be authored by Robert Podfigurny of the Armory Square Association and George Curry, a key-developer in the rebirth of Armory Square. They are expecting to release the book in the spring or early summer of 2009. The Onondaga Historical Association will be assisting in the project and providing many historical photographs. The authors are also asking the public for assistance in gathering historic photos of the Armory Square area. If you may have any and would like to contribute toward this book, please contact Robert via the Armory Square Web site at or by sending an e-mail directly to rj@rjcomm.net.
News:
Must-visit beer spots include 2 in Armory Square
Date:
April 23, 2008
Details:
DON CAZENTRE
STAFF WRITER, The Post-Standard
www.syracuse.com
What's your idea of beer-drinking heaven?
The writers and editors of North Carolina-based All About Beer magazine put together their list of the "top 125 places to have a beer before you die." They considered bars, festivals and drinking "situations" from Munich to London, Dublin to Portland, Ore., and New Orleans to Sydney, Australia. That's a lot of beer joints.
Two of All About Beer's top 125 places on the planet to have a beer are within two blocks of each other in Syracuse's Armory Square.
The Blue Tusk, 165 Walton St., cracks the top 50 at No. 48. That puts it a few spots lower than the SandLot Brewery at Coors Field in Denver but three places higher than the White Horse Pub, the late beer guru Michael Jackson's favorite London watering hole.
Clark's Ale House, 120 W. Jefferson St., came in at No. 97, just behind the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam but five places higher than the legendary McSorley's Ale House in New York City.
"To have two places in Syracuse, in Armory Square, on the list is just awesome," says Mike Yorton, of the Blue Tusk. "It shows that we really are on the beer map."
Upstate New York scored well overall: The clubhouse at the Saratoga Race Course comes in at No. 19; the tasting room at Matt Brewing Co. (Saranac) in Utica is No. 65; Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown is No. 85; Mahar's bar in Albany is No. 99, and the Anchor Bar in Buffalo is No. 116.
No. 1 in the world is the annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver, followed by the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium and U Fleku, a world-renowned bar in Prague, Czech Republic.
All About Beer's editors note that choosing the top 125 was "more art than science," and they invite comments, criticisms and additions. The list appears in the May edition. The full list should be posted soon on the magazine's Web site, www.allaboutbeer.com.
As with any such list, it sounds like great fodder for a bar room argument.
Don Cazentre is regional editor for The Post-Standard. He is a homebrewer and a member of the Salt City Brew Club. He can be reached at 470-2297 or send e-mail to dcazentre@syracuse.com.
STAFF WRITER, The Post-Standard
www.syracuse.com
What's your idea of beer-drinking heaven?
The writers and editors of North Carolina-based All About Beer magazine put together their list of the "top 125 places to have a beer before you die." They considered bars, festivals and drinking "situations" from Munich to London, Dublin to Portland, Ore., and New Orleans to Sydney, Australia. That's a lot of beer joints.
Two of All About Beer's top 125 places on the planet to have a beer are within two blocks of each other in Syracuse's Armory Square.
The Blue Tusk, 165 Walton St., cracks the top 50 at No. 48. That puts it a few spots lower than the SandLot Brewery at Coors Field in Denver but three places higher than the White Horse Pub, the late beer guru Michael Jackson's favorite London watering hole.
Clark's Ale House, 120 W. Jefferson St., came in at No. 97, just behind the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam but five places higher than the legendary McSorley's Ale House in New York City.
"To have two places in Syracuse, in Armory Square, on the list is just awesome," says Mike Yorton, of the Blue Tusk. "It shows that we really are on the beer map."
Upstate New York scored well overall: The clubhouse at the Saratoga Race Course comes in at No. 19; the tasting room at Matt Brewing Co. (Saranac) in Utica is No. 65; Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown is No. 85; Mahar's bar in Albany is No. 99, and the Anchor Bar in Buffalo is No. 116.
No. 1 in the world is the annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver, followed by the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium and U Fleku, a world-renowned bar in Prague, Czech Republic.
All About Beer's editors note that choosing the top 125 was "more art than science," and they invite comments, criticisms and additions. The list appears in the May edition. The full list should be posted soon on the magazine's Web site, www.allaboutbeer.com.
As with any such list, it sounds like great fodder for a bar room argument.
Don Cazentre is regional editor for The Post-Standard. He is a homebrewer and a member of the Salt City Brew Club. He can be reached at 470-2297 or send e-mail to dcazentre@syracuse.com.
News:
Membership Benefits
Details:
Parking :: Armory Square Association members can join our parking group to receive a reduced monthly rate at the
Washington Street parking garage. The garage is located between South Franklin St. and West St., and is open Monday-Friday till 10:30 PM. There is a shuttle service available to points downtown at
designated times (ask at garage).
If you would like to join the parking group or have questions about it, please call Petey Hildenbrand at 475-0141 (Hendricks Photo).
Washington Street parking garage. The garage is located between South Franklin St. and West St., and is open Monday-Friday till 10:30 PM. There is a shuttle service available to points downtown at
designated times (ask at garage).
If you would like to join the parking group or have questions about it, please call Petey Hildenbrand at 475-0141 (Hendricks Photo).
