e057 - The 315NY Weekly

Hi {{ first name | reader }},

Happy Friday, 315. Mother's Day is Sunday, and the region is leaning all the way in. Brunches, markets, train rides, zoo days, breakfast spreads, flower bars. If you haven't planned anything yet, this issue is your last chance. Utica Zoo is doing a 9am brunch with zoo admission included. The Adirondack Railroad runs a Mother's Day brunch ride from Utica to Remsen on Saturday and Sunday. There are markets at Salt City Market in Syracuse, Central Square, Swistak Farm in Rome, and Deja Brew in Pulaski. Brunches at Curtis Manor, Beeches Manor, Bad Apple Social in Watertown, and Prison City in Auburn. Whatever angle works for the mom in your life, the option is on this list.

The music slate this week is heavy on tributes and headliners. Seven Wonders bring Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks to Middle Ages on Friday. 90s Unplugged at the Westcott Theatre on Saturday covers Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, STP, Alanis Morissette, all unplugged in one night. Elton Rohn (rated one of the world's top Elton John tributes) plays Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn. The World Ballet Company brings Cinderella to The Stanley in Utica on Friday. The Syracuse Orchestra closes its season with the Grand Finale Masterworks on Saturday. And the headliner of headliners: Grammy-nominated saxophonist Ravi Coltrane plays the Smith Opera House in Geneva on Friday night.

The food and drink calendar is stacked too. The Syracuse Food Truck Takeover & Market returns to the CNY Regional Market on Thursday, kicking off its weekly run for the season. Davina & The Vagabonds bring high-energy live music to the 443 Social Club. The Landmarks of Greater Utica host a Spring Tea on Saturday. And on Friday night, Booziest Caesar opens at Studio24 in Syracuse, where two actors get genuinely drunk while the rest of the cast scrambles to keep Shakespeare on track. Audience participation, puppets, and "the greatest conspiracy of all time."

Outside of Mother's Day, a few standouts. Massena's Spring Fever Fest brings field events, a torch-lighting ceremony, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to Alcoa Park. World Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, with ornithologist Susan Willson leading a walk at Indian Creek Nature Center. The 10th Annual Right to Run 5k/19k in Seneca Falls celebrates the history of women's rights. Fulton Speedway opens its season Saturday night. And Boozy Bingo at Geneva on Thursday asks you to dress in your favorite decade. This week's Foodie Corner heads to Watertown for Craft 836 Canteen, the Coffeen Street spot known for handcrafted pizzas, the Watertown Mule cocktail with house-made ginger beer, and a Sunday brunch worth the drive. More on that below.

Best, Jono

Personalize your vase and design a beautiful floral arrangement for yourself or someone special this Mother's Day at Restoreforlife Hub in Syracuse. Music, mimosas, and charcuterie included.

The Seven Wonders are world-class musicians paying homage to the music of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. Enjoy this live show at Middle Ages in Syracuse.

Two actors get drunk as a skunk while the rest of the cast scrambles to keep the story on track. A hilarious romp through Rome filled with audience participation, puppets, and the greatest conspiracy of all time. Check it out at Studio24 in Syracuse.

Enjoy this season finale celebration concert at Syracuse's Oncenter.

Re-live the heyday of the MTV Unplugged era. Featuring the music of Nirvana, AIC, Pearl Jam, STP, Alanis Morissette and more, all in one night, all unplugged. Join the fun at the Westcott Theatre in Syracuse.

R&B vibes for the queens this Mother's Day. Join us in Downtown Syracuse for music, hors d'oeuvres, and great energy.

Bring the whole family to the zoo for a Mother's Day Brunch. Pamper the women in your life with a menu courtesy of the expert catering team. Zoo admission is included in the brunch ticket price.

Show some love for local this Mother's Day. Join us at Salt City Market for the return of Syracuse's favorite open-air market.

The Syracuse Food Truck Takeover & Market returns to the CNY Regional Market every Thursday starting May 14th. Whether you're craving something savory, sweet, or somewhere in between, there's something for everyone.

Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with high-energy live shows, level-A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers' commanding stage presence. Catch the show at the 443 Social Club in Syracuse.

Join us in Central Square for a special Mother's Day Market filled with unique finds, gifts, and local vendors. Bring your friends, shop small, and find something special for the moms in your life while supporting your local community.

Oswego is rich in history and blessed with great places to eat. Our foodie guide gives you the inside scoop on local businesses while sampling what they have to offer. Historic structures and the stories of the people who lived there are shared as well.

Welcome to the Springtime Metaphysical and Holistic Fair at Fulton Polish Home. Stop by and see vendors, readers, crafters, and healers.

Have fun and support local at this wrestling event at Lakeview Lanes.

From Las Vegas to Nashville, Abigayle Oakley blends the melodic richness of folk pioneers with the lyrical honesty of top confessional singer-songwriters. Come enjoy the music at Oswego Music Hall.

Come watch the race at Fulton Speedway.

Come celebrate Mom at this breakfast event at the Minetto Fire Department.

Celebrate Mom by taking her to a delicious brunch at Curtis Manor. Lots of yummy options, plus a complimentary mimosa for Mom.

Enjoy crafts, delicious treats, and fresh flowers at this animal swapping event in Fulton.

Test your music knowledge at LorBird in Fulton.

Create your own oil painting at The Art Scene in Fulton.

Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage. The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet. Catch the show at The Stanley Theatre in Utica.

Catch some live music at Unity Hall in Barneveld.

Let your creativity run wild. There will be two sessions: a Mommy & Me Paint Party, and an Adult Paint & Sip.

Celebrate Mother's Day with brunch and a round-trip train ride from Utica's Union Station to Remsen.

Join us for a delightful afternoon sipping tea and exploring the hidden gems of Greater Utica.

Come to Snubbing Post in Rome to enjoy classic metal and hard rock anthems from the 70s and 80s.

Shop several local businesses all in one stop. Head down to Swistak Farm in Rome.

Utica Zoo welcomes all wonderful mothers, family, and friends to enjoy the day outside on zoo grounds surrounded by wildlife.

Come celebrate Mother's Day at Beeches Manor in Rome.

Head to Alcoa Park for the Massena Spring Olympics, featuring classic field events and a torch-lighting ceremony. The park also hosts a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

Get ready to kick up some dust at The Ridge in Fort Drum. Whether you're a seasoned pro or have two left feet, come out for a high-energy night of country music and line dancing.

Join us at The Gallery in Waddington for an introduction to acrylic, pastel, and watercolor materials and techniques. Jen presents an engaging session featuring hands-on practice time. Create your own painting or card.

Come out, have fun, and support a great cause at the BLFGA in Ogdensburg.

Theresa has come up with another stunning barn quilt for you to paint on a prepared piece of plywood. Choose your own colors. Join us at The Gallery in Waddington.

Join a group of bird watchers at Indian Creek Nature Center, where ornithologist Susan Willson and birders Eileen Wheeler and Mary Beth Warburton lead a walk to enjoy migrants and local resident species.

AMVETS Post 1997 in Heuvelton hosts a dance featuring the Whisky Runners Band.

Celebrate every Mom with a bloody mary bar and food specials at 1812 on the River.

Come celebrate at Bad Apple Social in Watertown.

Ravi Coltrane is a critically acclaimed Grammy-nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. Over a 20+ year career, Coltrane has worked as a sideman to many and recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others. Catch the show at the Smith Opera House in Geneva.

Syracuse artist Alex Johns-Hamer offers a workshop on how to achieve stunning results when taking photographs. Join us at Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn.

Elton Rohn is a rocket ride through Elton John's greatest moments. One of the world's top-rated Elton John tribute shows, recreating the sparkle, spectacle, and soaring vocals of the original madman from across the pond. Catch this live show at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn.

Enjoy a delicious chicken BBQ dinner while supporting the White Springs Fire Association in Geneva.

Come out to Seneca Falls for this race, which highlights the history of women's rights.

Treat the mother in your life to a relaxing day on the patio or in the taproom, favorite beer in hand. Come down to Prison City in Auburn.

Enjoy your favorite classic rock covers at the Lunkenheimer taproom in Weedsport.

A night of laughs, music, drinks, and friendly competition at Boozy Bingo in Geneva. Whether you're feeling groovy in the 70s, rocking neon 80s, or bringing back 90s nostalgia, come dressed to impress. Expect a high-energy twist on classic bingo with music, prizes, and great vibes all night long.

Join us at Simple Roast in Auburn for a fun evening of painting and sipping. Bring your creativity and enjoy decorating flower pots while relaxing with your favorite drink.

Thank you for reading, sharing,
and being part of this.

Jono Chowdhury
Founder, 315NY