Saturday, July 7: Dio Day in Cortland and more

The second Dio Day Cortland 2012 Tribute Concert takes place today at the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex (4292 Fairgrounds Drive, Cortland). Proceeds from $15 ticket sales will will go to the Ronnie James Dio Fund for cancer research and music scholarships for students at Cortland High School and other area schools

Bands scheduled to perform include Steve Southworth and Rockabilly Rays (1 p.m.), The Wreckly (2 p.m.), Charlie Bertini Band (3 p.m.), The Hurtin' Units (4 p.m.),  The Cafferty Band (5 p.m.), Mark Doyle and the Maniacs (6 p.m.), The Rods (7 p.m.), Blind Spots (8 p.m.), and Hangman's Heart (9 p.m.).

Gates open at noon.

CNY Festival

The CNY Central Syracuse Festival celebrates the Fourth of July today at Syracuse's Inner Harbor with vendors, games, amusement rides, local eateries, and great live music. Admission today is free (compliments of the City of Syracuse).

Here's today's schedule:

• 1 p.m. - Kicking Daisies (Winner of Radio Disney 2010 Next Big Thing contest)
• 2 p.m. - Dead End
• 2:45 p.m. - Syracuse Silver Knights (interactive soccer demos, mascot, autographs)
• 5 p.m. - Magician Jim
• 6 p.m. - Stan Colella All Star Band
• 7:30 p.m. - Syracuse Brigadiers Alumni Band
• 8 p.m. - Stan Colella Orchestra
• 9:30 p.m. - Fireworks over the Water Extravaganza with the music of the Stan Colella Orchestra

Also today

• Emerald City and fireworks at Paper Mill Island (136 Spensieri Ave., Baldwinsville), 6 p.m. - $5 adults, free 12 and under.
• Symphony Syracuse Brass Quintet kick of the 28th annual Candlelight Series  at downtown’s Armory Square (West Jefferson and Franklin streets), 7 p.m. - Free.
• Barenaked Ladies, Cracker, Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd and the Monsters at Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (3355 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua), 7 p.m. - $25, $39.50, $53, $63.
• Phish at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs), 7:30 p.m. - $135-$180.

At the clubs

• 3’s A Crowd Band at Dilaj’s Motor Inn (Route 34, Auburn), 8 p.m.
• 50/50 at Monirae’s (688 County Route 10, Pennellville), 10 p.m.
• Colin Aberdeen at Higie’s Iron Horse Saloon (Route 11, Mattydale), 8 p.m.
• Backflash at Sunset Park Campsite (455 Sprague Road, Memphis), 7 p.m.
• Tommy Barr at Bluewater Grill (11 Genesee St., Skaneateles), 9 p.m.
• Case and Davidson at Harpoon Eddie’s (611 Park St., Sylvan Beach), 7 p.m.
• Chris Terra Band at Shifty’s (1401 Burnet Ave.), 9 p.m.
• Decree at Fusion (3705 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse), 10 p.m.
• Donna Colton and Sam Troublemaker at Auburn Ale House (288 W. Genesee St., Auburn), 8 p.m.
• Elephant Shoes at Anyela’s Vineyards (2433 West Lake Road, Skaneateles), 4 p.m.
• Emerald City at Papermill Island (136 Spensieri Ave.), 5 p.m.
• Extremists at Tommy’s (145 Railroad St., Newark), 9:30 p.m.
• Fate at Beginnings II (6897 Manlius Center Road, East Syracuse), 9 p.m.
• Flipside at Lake Como Inn (1297 East Lake Road, Cortland), 2 p.m.
• Kim Fetters and Andy Rudy at Pascale Wine Bar and Restaurant (104 Limestone Plaza, Fayetteville), 8:30 p.m.
• Letizia and the Z Band at MJ’s Chill ‘N Grill (8201 Oswego Road, Liverpool), 9:30 p.m.
• Miss E and Paul at Pizza Man Pub (50 Oswego St., Baldwinsville), 9:30 p.m.
• Krystina Nilsson at Redhouse Café (219 S. West St.), 11 a.m. Jazz.
• Papa Joe Band at Waterfront Tavern (204 River Island Drive, Brewerton), 8 p.m.
• Paulie Palooza at Mac’s Bad Art Bar (1799 Brewerton Road, Mattydale), 2 p.m.
• Raised On Radio at Bridge Street Tavern (109 Bridge St., Solvay), 8 p.m.
• Rebound at Turning Stone Resort and Casino (5218 Patrick Road, Verona), 10 p.m.
• Rewind at Carnegie Café at the Maplewood Inn (400 Seventh North St., Liverpool), 8 p.m.

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Friday, July 6: Rockin' at the Harbor

The CNY Central Syracuse Festival continues today at Syracuse's Inner Harbor with vendors, games, amusement rides, local eateries, and great live music. Daily admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children 12 and under.

Each day will feature a different musical genre.Today's theme is "Rockin' at the Harbor" and  includes:

• 4 p.m. - Just Joe
• 5:15 p.m. - The Reissues
• 6:30 p.m. - 3 Inch Fury
• 7:45 p.m. - Scars and Stripes
• 9 p.m. - Under the Gun

Also today

• Atlas at Paper Mill Island (136 Spensieri Ave., Baldwinsville), 6 p.m. -  $5 adults, free 12 and under.
• Furthur (Phil Lesh and Bob Weir) at Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (3355 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua), 7 p.m. - $30, $35, $49.50.
• Phish at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs), 7:30 p.m. - $135-$180. (518) 587-3330.
• The 198th Army Concert Band at Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park (151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua), 8 p.m. - $9 adults, $4  6-17, free under age 5.
• Joe Driscoll at the Westcott Theater (524 Westcott St.), 8 p.m. - $15. 

At the clubs

• Agrestic at Old Boathouse (1397 Route 49, Constantia), 9 p.m.
• Tom Barnes at Overlook Lakeside Restaurant and Tavern (2437 Route 174, Otisco), 8:30 p.m.
• Tommy Barr at Bluewater Grill (11 Genesee St., Skaneateles), 9 p.m.
• Bob Holtz Band at Mac’s Bad Art Bar (1799 Brewerton Road, Mattydale), 10 p.m.
• Bobaflex, Devil by Design, Caustic Method at Station 58 (3504 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse), 9 p.m.
• Brian Hurry & Friends at Fusion (3705 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse), 6 p.m.
• Michael Crissan at Lake Effect (7 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville), 6 p.m.
• Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (246 W. Willow St.), 10 p.m.
• Dr. Boogie at Lighthouse Lanes (295 E. Albany St., Oswego), 4 p.m.
• E.S.P at Wise Guys Comedy Club & Bistro (201 S. Salina St.), 5 p.m.
• Fulton Chain Gang at Daiker’s Inn (161 Daikers Circle, Old Forge), 9:30 p.m.
• Hendry at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub (100 S. Lowell Ave.), 10 p.m.
• Hodson and Donelan at Cicero American Legion (5575 Legionnaire Dr., Cicero), 8:30 p.m.
• JD and Rollin’ South at Village Tavern (6 E. Main St., Marcellus), 7:30 p.m.
• Joe Whiting and Terry Quill at Suzy’s Tavern (6 Lexington Ave., Auburn), 6 p.m.
• John Spillett Jazz Duo at Creekside Books and Coffee (35 Fennell St., Skaneateles), 7:30 p.m.
• Just Joe at Stinger’s Pizza Pub (4500 Pewter Lane, Manlius), 7 p.m.
• Letizia and the Z Band at Carnegie Café at the Maplewood Inn (400 Seventh North St., Liverpool), 8 p.m.
• Lisa Lee Trio at Pizza Man Pub (50 Oswego St., Baldwinsville), 10 p.m.
• Miss E and Dovetail Joint at Anchor Bar and Grill (720 County Route 37, Central Square), 9 p.m.
• Madalyn Morgan at Henley Park (Lock Street, Phoenix), 6 p.m.
• Noisy Boys at Shifty’s (1401 Burnet Ave.), 4 p.m.
• Jamie Notarthomas at Wolffy’s Grill and Marina (2943 Lower Lake Road, Seneca Falls), 5 p.m.
• Rebound at Turning Stone Resort and Casino (5218 Patrick Road, Verona), 10 p.m.
• Smokin’ at Yesterday’s Royal (13 Canal St., Sylvan Beach), 9:30 p.m.
• Soul Sharks at Woody’s Jerkwater Pub and Grub (2803 Brewerton Road, Mattydale), 6 p.m.
• South Bay at Sharkey’s Eclectic Sports Lounge (7240 Oswego Road, Liverpool), 6 p.m.
• The Bomb at Timberview Lodge (5265 Carpenter Rd., Turin), 9 p.m.
• TJ Sacco and the Urban Cowboys at Kegs (Route 31, Jordan), 7 p.m.
• Tim Herron Corporation at Shifty’s (1401 Burnet Ave.), 9 p.m.
• Urban Knight Punks at Fusion (3705 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse), 10 p.m.
• Mark Zane at Tramontane Café (1105 Lincoln Ave., Utica), 8 p.m.

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Thursday, July 5: Country Day at the Syracuse Festival

The CNY Central Syracuse Festival continues today at Syracuse's Inner Harbor with vendors, games, amusement rides, local eateries, and great live music. Daily admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children 12 and under.

Each day will feature a different musical genre.Today's theme is "Boot Scootin' Country" and  includes:

• 4 p.m. - Fulton Chain Gang
• 5:45 p.m. - The Custom Taylor Band
• 7:30 p.m. - TJ Sacco/Urban Cowboys
• 9:15 p.m. - Christina Cole and the La Flamm Brothers

Also tonight

• Open Mike Night at Kellish Hill Farm (3192 Pompey Center Road, Manlius), 7 p.m.
• America at Vernon Downs (4229 Stuhlman Rd., Vernon), 8 p.m. - $10 - proceeds to the Food Bank of Central New York.
• Simplelife and the Todd Hobin Band at Sharky's (7240 Oswego Rd., Liverpool), 6 p.m. 

At the clubs

• Angel, Seth Marcel, Round Table Ent, Heaven Sent Instruments at Fusion (3705 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse) 9 p.m.
• Tom Barnes at Siena Restaurant (5633 W. Genesee St., Camillus), 6 p.m.
• Code Red with Gary Dunes at Empire Room at the State Fairgrounds (581 State Fair Blvd.), 6 p.m.
• Tommy Connors at Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub and Restaurant (301 W. Fayette St.), 8 p.m.
• Billy Davidson at Shifty’s (1401 Burnet Ave.), 8 p.m.
• E.S.P at Mohegan Manor, Club Sushi (58 Oswego St., Baldwinsville), 7:30 p.m.
• Frita Lay at Trexx (323 N. Clinton St.), 10 p.m.
• Grupo Pagan at Borio’s Restaurant (8891 McDonnell’s Parkway, Cicero), 7 p.m.
• Just Joe at Bull and Bear Pub (125 E. Water St.), 8 p.m.
• George Leija at Waterfront Tavern (204 River Island Drive, Brewerton), 5 p.m.
• Open Mike with Ronnie Dark’s Velveeta Nightmare Band at Mac’s Bad Art Bar (1799 Brewerton Road, Mattydale), 9:30 p.m.
• Rebound at Turning Stone Resort and Casino (5218 Patrick Road, Verona), 9 p.m.
• Romano and Friends at Café at 407 (407 Tulip St., Liverpool), 7 p.m.
• The Guise at Sullivan Park (Lake Street, Chittenango), 6:30 p.m.

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Wednesday, July 4: Syracuse Festival starts today

Celebrate the longest Fourth of July weekend ever by coming out Syracuse's Inner Harbor to kick off the first CNY Central Syracuse Festival. The event will offer vendors, games, amusement rides, local eateries, and of course, great live music. Daily admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children 12 and under.

Today's music lineup includes:

• 1:30 p.m. - Joe Whiting Band
• 3:30 p.m. - Showtime
• 5:30 p.m. - Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook
• 7:30 p.m. - Prime Time

Also today

• Diamond Someday at Johnson Park (corner of Route 57 and Vine Street, Liverpool), 7 p.m. - Free.
• Jamie Notarthomas Duo at Arrowhead Park (Arrowhead Rd., Inlet), 7 p.m.
• Symphony Syracuse at the New York State Fairgrounds (581 State Fair Blvd.), 8 p.m. - Fireworks to follow - Free. 
• Letizia and the Z Band at the Village of Manlius Amphitheater (1 Arkie Albanese Drive), 7 p.m. - Free. Fireworks to follow.

At the clubs

• Tommy Barr at Waterfront Tavern (204 River Island Drive, Brewerton), 5 p.m.
• Billy Davidson and Jon Liebing at Daiker’s Inn (161 Daikers Circle, Old Forge), 8 p.m.
• Brian McArdell and Mark Westers at Retreat (302 Vine St., Liverpool), 7 p.m.
• Cousin Jake at Cross Lake Inn and Marina (3125 Route 370, Cato), 7 p.m.
• Crooked Keel at Pfohl’s Beachouse (301 Park Ave., Sylvan Beach), 3 p.m.
• Mike Estep at Quaker Steak and Lube (3417 Walters Road), 5:30 p.m.
• George Leija at RFH’s Hideaway (1058 County Route 57, Phoenix), 6 p.m.
• Noisy Boys at Borio’s Restaurant (8891 McDonnell’s Parkway, Cicero), 5 p.m.
• Rebound at Turning Stone Resort and Casino (5218 Patrick Road, Verona), 10 p.m.
• Rock Doll at Abe’s Waterfront (8527 Greig St., Sodus Point), 8 p.m.

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Tuesday, July 3: REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent at Turning Stone

REO Speedwagon

Retro Rockers REO Speedwagon, Styx, and Ted Nugent get it on at the Event Center at Turning Stone Resort and Casino (Thruway Exit 33, Verona). The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35, $40, $45. (361- SHOW).

Also tonight

• Dave Matthews Band at Darien Lake Theme Park (9993 Alleghany Road, Darien Center), 7 p.m. - $40.50-$89.50.
• Toubab Krewe at Mid’s Park (Main Street, Lake Placid), 7 p.m. - Free.
• Symphony Syracuse 1 Thompson Park (Route 12, Watertown), 8 p.m. - Free.

At the clubs

• Brian McArdell and Mark Westers at Borio’s Restaurant (8891 McDonnell’s Parkway, Cicero), 5 p.m.
• Cato and Gary at Pfohl’s Beachouse (301 Park Ave., Sylvan Beach), 6:30 p.m.
• Flipside at O’Toole’s (113 Osborne St., Auburn), 8 p.m.
• Los Blancos at Lake Effect (7 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville), 6 p.m.
• McCardell and Westers Duo at Borio’s Restaurant (8891 McDonnell’s Parkway, Cicero), 5 p.m.
• Open Mike with Sweetlou at Lock 24 (33 Water St., Baldwinsville), 8:30 p.m.
• TJ Sacco at Jake’s Grub and Grog (7 E. River Road, Brewerton), 7 p.m.

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RIP Pond Street Wegmans

The former Wegmans on Pond Street less than 24 hours after closing its doors.

Music in the 'Cuse is and always has been about entertainment in CNY, but at its core, it's about the community in which I live. This blog has also given me a platform to digress occasionally when an issue arises that impacts my community. Such is the case with the closing of the Wegmans store on Pond Street on Syracuse's North Side.

I have lived on the North Side for nearly 30 years. I bought my first house here and one of the reasons this section of the city appealed to me was its convenient location. One of those conveniences was the Wegmans store located a half mile from my house.  I loved being able to "run up to Wegmans" when I was out of an ingredient for dinner or to pick up a muffin on Saturday morning. I almost always ran into people I knew and had a chance to catch up. I got to know many of the employees, including the young people whom I watched grow up over the years they were employed at this store. This was more than a grocery store for me and for many others in the neighborhood. It was essentially its heart.

Sign coming down Saturday

Over the years, there were occasional rumors that this store was on the chopping block. As other older stores received face lifts, "our" store remained stuck in the 1970s. But that was okay with me, as I prefer a smaller store. My shopping needs are pretty basic - just give me a good deli, fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, decent chicken, and a variety of dairy products. That's all I really need. The behemoth stores are more about want than need, and especially when economic times are tight, I have to avoid stores that are in business solely to appeal to my wants.

The company claims they closed this store due to a declining customer base and low profits. Their research concluded that only 10 percent of their customers did the majority of their shopping at this location. Well count me into that 10 percent - me and almost everyone I've spoken to since the June 1 announcement. No, I didn't go up to Wegmans once a week and load up my cart.  My shopping habits are more sporadic. I buy what I need when I need it. Still, I was at that store at least four times a week (usually more).

We've all read the comments on syracuse.com and other sites regarding this closure. The perception seems to be that the North Side is some kind of thug-infested battle ground and people need to fear for their lives when they leave their homes. I read comments from people who claimed they felt they were taking their lives in their hands when they went to that store and felt the employees were in constant danger. While no one is arguing that the North Side is not what it used to be, it's not nearly as bad as some people want you to believe it is.

As elderly "lifers" die off and their children either rent their homes or sell them off, the texture of the neighborhood has changed, not always for the best. One only needs to look at the headlines to see that. But there are also many people who live here who are not drug dealers and thugs - working people like me and many of my neighbors. We who have transportation made a choice to shop at this store and I can say for myself, I went there at all hours of the day and night, and never once felt as though I was in any danger. And every time I went, I spent money.

I've already scoped out Dully's, which is three blocks from my house, and in response to the closure, is now offering chicken, meats and veggies. Those quick trips to Wegmans for something to cook for dinner, will most likely turn into "running down to Dully's." I want to support local, small businesses and stop propping up these corporations who clearly do not have the best interest of the people in mind. Sure, Dully's stands to gain business, but they were motivated to do this to fill a need.

The store is closed and there's nothing we can do about that. What we can do is to continue to lobby for the company to sell this property to another grocer. Wegmans needs to understand that they are going to lose money whether they sell to another grocer or not. If there wasn't enough business to sustain this location, there can't be that much for them to lose! And, once we're out of the Wegmans habit, we'll be shopping closer to home. I am not driving to James St. to pick up a few things for Saturday breakfast or for that late-night gallon of ice cream. Tops in Shop City is five minutes from my house.

Allowing another grocery store in this location will redeem Wegmans "community friendly" image, at least for those  who depended on this store. In the end, they may actually gain back some of the disgruntled customers they lost over the way they handled this closure.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Wegmans "Contact Us" page
• Syracuse's Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today
• Better Neighborhood's Bureau (email)
• Office of the Mayor (email)
• Submit Letter to the Editor (Post-Standard)

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Sunday, July 1: Live music in and around the ‘Cuse today

Los Blancos performs today at Empire Brewing Co.

There’s always live music somewhere in CNY on a Sunday afternoon and evening! Here’s what’s going on this first Sunday in July.

• Old-Time Music Jam at Kellish Hill Farm (3192 Pompey Center Road, Manlius) 1 p.m. - $5 suggested donation.
• Sheena Sullivan Britton, Jessie Gotham and Bob Abrams at the North American Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame and Museum (1121 Comins Road, Osceola), 2 p.m. – Free admission.
• Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival at the Glenn Curtiss Museum (8419 Route 54, Hammondsport), 7:30 p.m.
• Friehofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival with Diana Krall, Chris Botti, Trombone Shorty, Orleans Avenue and more at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, noon - $55 to $110.
• Demi Lovato with Hot Chelle Rae at Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, Canandaigua, 7 p.m. - $25, $35, $49.50, $75.

At the clubs

• 2 Hour Delay at Corrado’s Restaurant at Riverforest Park (9439 Riverforest Road, Weedsport), 1 p.m.
• Ryan Burdick at Waterfront Tavern (204 River Island Drive, Brewerton), 4 p.m.
• Case and Davidson at Harpoon Eddie’s (611 Park St., Sylvan Beach), 2 p.m.
• Electric Moonpies at Castaways (916 County Route 37, Brewerton), 3:30 p.m.
• Frank and Burns at MJ’s Chill ‘N Grill (8201 Oswego Road, Liverpool), 3 p.m.
• Frenay and Lenin at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (246 W. Willow St.), 4 p.m.
• John Spillett Jazz Duo at Bluewater Grill (11 Genesee St., Skaneateles), 5 p.m.
• Los Blancos at Empire Brewing Company (120 Walton St.), 12:30 p.m.
• Miss E and Paulie Duo at Borio’s Restaurant (8891 McDonnell’s Parkway, Cicero), 4 p.m.
• Restless Soul at Dox Grill at Pirate’s Cove (9170 Horseshoe Island Road, Clay), 4 p.m.
• Dave Robertson at Dave’s Diner at Common Grounds (35 Albany St., Cazenovia), 1 p.m.
• Sons of the Empire at Pfohl’s Beachouse (301 Park Ave., Sylvan Beach), 3 p.m.

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