Syracuse, NY is buzzing with the arrival of a fresh entertainment venue set to invigorate the downtown scene. The Song & Dance, a brand new nightclub, officially opened its doors on Friday, August 4th, promising a diverse lineup of events ranging from live music to dance parties and even comedy shows. Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, this new spot aims to become a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking a vibrant night out.
The grand opening weekend kicked off with a high-energy performance by Syracuse’s own emo/pop-punk band, Career Mode. The excitement continued into Saturday night with a showcase of metalcore talent, featuring touring bands Glasswaves and Elucidate. This initial lineup immediately signals The Song & Dance’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of musical genres.
Looking ahead, the venue’s schedule is rapidly filling with an impressive array of acts. Notably, post-hardcore icons Thursday and legendary ‘80s punk pioneers Agnostic Front are slated to perform in early September, demonstrating the club’s ability to attract established touring artists. Beyond live bands, The Song & Dance is also set to host a series of themed DJ nights, catering to diverse musical tastes with events like “Gimme Gimme Disco,” “Emo Night in Brooklyn,” “K Pop Night,” and “The Taylor (Swift) Party.” A full schedule of events is available on The Song & Dance website.
Strategically situated in the basement of 115 E. Jefferson St., The Song & Dance benefits from a prime downtown location. Its proximity to landmarks like the Landmark and Red House theaters, and its position within a vibrant area brimming with bars and restaurants, makes it easily accessible and a natural addition to Syracuse’s nightlife offerings.
“We’re right here in the heart of downtown, in the middle of everything,” explains Eric Binion, co-owner of The Song & Dance alongside Dennis Ferry and a veteran of the local music promotion scene. “And we want to offer something for everyone — all genres, all sounds.” This vision of inclusivity and variety is central to the club’s appeal.
While anticipating a core audience in the 18-to-35 age demographic, Binion emphasizes that The Song & Dance aims to attract a wide range of patrons, including those with more seasoned musical preferences. While local acts will find a stage at the venue, the primary focus will be on bringing touring artists to Syracuse, enriching the city’s live music landscape. Adding another layer of entertainment, the club also plans to incorporate comedy shows into its programming, specifically targeting comedians who seek alternatives to traditional comedy club settings.
The interior of The Song & Dance is designed to be adaptable and versatile. The main performance space, characterized by black walls, is described by Binion as a “blank canvas.” This neutrality allows the venue to transform its ambiance to suit the specific genre or theme of each event. Whether it’s a punk rock show demanding a raw, energetic atmosphere or a country music night calling for a more relaxed vibe, the space is intended to complement the performance.
Spanning approximately 3,700 square feet, The Song & Dance features a well-equipped full bar offering a selection of beer, wine, spirits, and canned cocktails. While food options will be limited, pizza will be available for those looking for a quick bite. The venue’s capacity is just under 400 people for general admission shows, which will constitute the majority of events. However, some shows will offer dedicated seating arrangements. Ticket prices are expected to vary depending on the performer, with general admission shows typically ranging from $15 to $25, and higher for select headliners.
The layout of The Song & Dance is designed for smooth entry and comfortable flow. Guests enter at street level for security checks and check-in before descending to the lower level. The basement level includes an outer lobby area, providing attendees with space to move around and step out of the main performance room during shows without exiting the venue entirely.
Binion and Ferry’s venture into venue ownership stems from their extensive experience with After Dark Presents, a concert promotion company that books shows across New York State. This background has given them valuable insights into the needs of both artists and audiences, and they are aiming to fill perceived gaps in the Syracuse live entertainment scene. One such gap is the demand for themed dance nights, which have proven popular in other markets but have been underserved in Syracuse.
“We’ve booked those in Buffalo and other places and they’re really popular,” Binion notes. “But we haven’t really had a place for them around here until now.” The Song & Dance is positioned to become that much-needed space.
Compared to other downtown Syracuse venues, The Song & Dance offers a unique size and scope. It is larger than smaller clubs in Armory Square like Funk ‘n Waffles and Margarita’s After Dark, yet more intimate than larger theaters like the Landmark or Westcott Theater. This mid-size capacity aims to strike a balance, offering a substantial venue while maintaining a sense of intimacy and energy.
With a growing downtown residential population, Binion and Ferry anticipate attracting a local crowd who can easily walk to the venue. Beyond catering to fans, The Song & Dance is also focused on creating a positive experience for touring bands. This includes providing essential amenities like a high-quality sound system and a comfortable “green room” where performers can relax before and after their shows.
The green room at The Song & Dance is designed with artist comfort in mind, featuring couches, a foosball table, and a kitchenette, decorated with vintage-inspired pieces. Ferry jokingly describes it as “a little like your grandmother’s living room,” aiming for a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
Ultimately, Binion and Ferry believe that happy performers contribute to a happy audience. By creating a venue that appeals to touring artists, they hope to make Syracuse a more attractive stop for bands, further enriching the city’s entertainment offerings. “There have always been some acts that skip Syracuse, for a couple of different reasons,” Binion concludes. “We want to have a place that’s a draw for the bands, and then those bands will draw people to the club.” The Song & Dance is poised to become just that – a draw for both performers and patrons in Syracuse and beyond.
