AUBURN - Should Suzy's Tavern have its way, Auburn will have a new home for premium live music.
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
Diane and Steve Mueller, of Skaneateles, dance to Phil Petroff & Natural Fact, at Suzy's Tavern Friday night.
Diane and Steve Mueller, of Skaneateles, dance to Phil Petroff & Natural Fact, at Suzy's Tavern Friday night.
Joe Chindamo took over the space in December and added Suzy's to a long list of names the building has sported in years past, most recently Friend's.
After taking over the bar neighboring Tops on West Genesee Street, Chindamo cleaned and re-painted it, but changed little else. His major adjustment would not be an aesthetic one. Chindamo immediately began booking bands from not just Auburn, but the entire central New York area.
“Auburn needed a place to go where there was quality live entertainment,” Chindamo said.
With acts like Ruby Shooz, of Rochester, and local favorites Motley Crouton having taken the stage and Under the Gun, of Syracuse, and others still to come, Chindamo is well on his way to achieving his goal.
“We try to be diversified,” he said. “We want to appeal to everyone, not just be a rock club.”
The size of Suzy's - more than 400 square feet - lends itself to live music performances. Chindamo plans to extend the stage in the near future, as bands with heavy equipment or a large lineup sometimes find themselves cramped.
“It's bigger than most bars,” Chindamo said. “People don't have to feel on top of each other.”
Come August, Chindamo hopes to take advantage of the real estate and throw Suzy's Palooza, featuring Child's Play, Johnny Bender, Thumb and Motley Crouton with hamburgers and hot dogs being served. Suzy Fest will follow in spring of 2009.
“It's a good thing, Auburn needs some more entertainment,” said patron Al Parsons. “I don't mind paying the cover.”
Beyond its scheduled events, Chindamo hopes to bring more national musicians to Suzy's and possibly organize hotel and bus packages for Rochester and Syracuse fans. One current candidate for a set at Suzy's is Pat Benatar.
“Our goal is to make this one of the top entertainment places in central New York,” Chindamo said.
Despite the newer crowds Suzy's might draw with its music, longtime patrons such as Benny Badalamenti, of Auburn, continue to enjoy the tavern.
“I think it's nice and pleasant here,” he said. “I've known it quite a few years.”
Chindamo, who also owns Joseph's hair salon on Columbus Street, brought some restaurant managerial experience to Suzy's but quickly learned the newer elements of running a bar - namely keeping minors out. To stay safe, Suzy's checks patrons at both the door and the bar.
Chindamo also plans to offer food at Suzy's, including bar fixtures like chicken wings. But for now, he is striving to establish it as a premier spot for live entertainment in Auburn.
“It takes time for people to know what we have,” Chindamo said. “If it was that easy, everyone could own a bar.”
After taking over the bar neighboring Tops on West Genesee Street, Chindamo cleaned and re-painted it, but changed little else. His major adjustment would not be an aesthetic one. Chindamo immediately began booking bands from not just Auburn, but the entire central New York area.
“Auburn needed a place to go where there was quality live entertainment,” Chindamo said.
With acts like Ruby Shooz, of Rochester, and local favorites Motley Crouton having taken the stage and Under the Gun, of Syracuse, and others still to come, Chindamo is well on his way to achieving his goal.
“We try to be diversified,” he said. “We want to appeal to everyone, not just be a rock club.”
The size of Suzy's - more than 400 square feet - lends itself to live music performances. Chindamo plans to extend the stage in the near future, as bands with heavy equipment or a large lineup sometimes find themselves cramped.
“It's bigger than most bars,” Chindamo said. “People don't have to feel on top of each other.”
Come August, Chindamo hopes to take advantage of the real estate and throw Suzy's Palooza, featuring Child's Play, Johnny Bender, Thumb and Motley Crouton with hamburgers and hot dogs being served. Suzy Fest will follow in spring of 2009.
“It's a good thing, Auburn needs some more entertainment,” said patron Al Parsons. “I don't mind paying the cover.”
Beyond its scheduled events, Chindamo hopes to bring more national musicians to Suzy's and possibly organize hotel and bus packages for Rochester and Syracuse fans. One current candidate for a set at Suzy's is Pat Benatar.
“Our goal is to make this one of the top entertainment places in central New York,” Chindamo said.
Despite the newer crowds Suzy's might draw with its music, longtime patrons such as Benny Badalamenti, of Auburn, continue to enjoy the tavern.
“I think it's nice and pleasant here,” he said. “I've known it quite a few years.”
Chindamo, who also owns Joseph's hair salon on Columbus Street, brought some restaurant managerial experience to Suzy's but quickly learned the newer elements of running a bar - namely keeping minors out. To stay safe, Suzy's checks patrons at both the door and the bar.
Chindamo also plans to offer food at Suzy's, including bar fixtures like chicken wings. But for now, he is striving to establish it as a premier spot for live entertainment in Auburn.
“It takes time for people to know what we have,” Chindamo said. “If it was that easy, everyone could own a bar.”
The Citizens' Say
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quiveringthigh wrote on Mar 27, 2008 5:10 PM: