e059 - The 315NY Weekly
Your weekly fix of news, events, and eats from around the 315.
Hi reader,
Happy Friday, 315. Memorial Day weekend is here. The 315 marks it the way it should be marked, with parades and ceremonies in every region. Fulton's Memorial Day Salute is Saturday with Rev. George Reed leading the parade as Veteran of the Year. Monday brings Massena's parade kicking off at 9:30am at Sacred Heart Church, Canton's wreath-laying ceremony on the Main Street bridge at 10:30am, Potsdam's procession from the High School down Garden Street at 9:30am, Phoenix at noon, New Haven at 2pm, and Auburn's full Memorial Day events on Genesee Street starting at 11am, capped with the Downtown Partnership's Food Truck Rodeo on Market Street.
If you're not at a parade, the music slate is the strongest it's been all year. Demola the Violinist plays the Palace Theater on Friday with an electric violin set that crosses every genre. Leonid & Friends bring their note-for-note Chicago tribute (plus Earth Wind & Fire, Steely Dan, and Deep Purple) to The Smith in Geneva, same night. Samantha Fish brings her Paper Doll World Tour to the Westcott on Thursday. Eileen Ivers, the Grammy-winning fiddler, returns to the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Sunday with her new project The Brigideens. And Menopause the Musical 2 lands at the Landmark on Wednesday.
The North Country is doing something different this week. The Grasse River Players premiere "Beer: A Love Story," an original musical by Elaine Kuracina set in 1900 Grand Rapids, about a widow fighting to run a brewery against her family's wishes. Three shows Friday and Saturday at the Crary Mills Community Center. The Ogdensburg Garage Sale Weekend runs all three days. And the Morristown Gateway Museum hosts its Spring Artisan Festival at Red Barn Preserve.
Outdoor season is officially open. The Diana Jacobs Band kicks off the Summer Music Series at North Street in Geneva with funk and soul on the patio. Sterling Valley Vineyards hosts live music both Saturday and Sunday. The Oneida County Public Market opens its season Saturday. Weedsport Speedway runs the Super DIRTcar Heroes Remembered 75 on Sunday. The Ogdensburg Garage Sale Weekend runs all three days. And the silent disco scene is having a moment, with parties at Funk 'n Waffles in Syracuse and The Foundry in Oswego on the same Friday night. This week's Foodie Corner heads to Waterloo for Connie's Diner, the family-run 1950s-style spot that's been a Finger Lakes destination since 1989. More on that below.
Local Events
Syracuse Area
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Arcanite Pictures: Oracle in the Aperture 📸 10am - 5pm
Arcanite Pictures was started to highlight emerging artists, emphasizing the personal narrative angle and diaristic storytelling in photography. Come check it out at Light Work in Syracuse.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Demola Live 🎶🏻 7:30pm
Adored by millions across the world, internationally recognized multi-genre violinist and award-winning artist Demola the Violinist brings his electric personality and musical talent to any stage. Catch the show at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Jess Novak 🎶 6pm
Come out to Harvey's Garden in Syracuse to enjoy some live music.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Silent Disco: Music Through the Decades 🥳🎶 7 - 11pm
Get ready to groove at the most happening Silent Disco in town. Our talented DJs will be spinning a mix of decades, ensuring there's something for everyone. Join the fun at Funk 'n Waffles in Syracuse.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Perennial Sale 🌱 9am - 12pm
The Garden Club will be selling a wide variety of perennial plants at the Tops Plaza in Baldwinsville.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Sydney Irving Unplugged 🎶 4 - 8pm
Sydney Irving is a rising pop-rock singer-songwriter whose music showcases heartfelt lyrics and powerhouse vocals. Catch the show at the Manlius Cantina.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Spring Bazaar 🌸🛒️ 11am - 5pm
Come to the Cozmic Cauldron in Liverpool to check out local small businesses, crafters, food vendors, artists, musicians and more.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
Sign Making Workshop 🎨 6 - 8pm
Join us for a Sign Making Workshop at Harvey's Garden. Your host Jade will walk you step by step through creating one of her 3D Wood Signs or Porch Signs.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
Menopause the Musical 2 🎭 7:30pm
Come see this hilarious musical at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Samantha Fish 🎶🎸 7pm
Samantha Fish brings her Paper Doll World Tour to The Westcott Theater in Syracuse. One of the most formidable guitarists of her generation, Samantha Fish deals in her own unmatched brand of bravado, bringing both mind-blowing power and extraordinary emotionality to everything she creates.
Oswego County
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Silent Disco at The Foundry 🥳🎶 7 - 9:30pm
Rockin' Robin Silent Disco is taking over The Foundry, and this isn't your average night out. Everyone's dancing, but not to the same song. Sing loud. Dance harder. Laugh when you realize your friends are on a totally different channel.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Luke Parsnow at Sterling Valley Vineyards 🎶🍷 3 - 6pm
Grab your friends, your favorite people, and even your pup and come relax with Sterling Valley Vineyard for an afternoon filled with wine, music, cocktails, craft beer, cider, and amazing vibes.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Fulton Memorial Day Salute 🇺🇸 10am - 12pm
This treasured community tradition offers something for everyone. The parade will be led by Fulton's Veteran of the Year, Rev. George Reed.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Coldfront at Lakeview Lanes 🎶 7 - 10pm
Get ready for a summer of live music, great vibes, and outdoor fun at Lakeview Lanes & The Yard. Gather your friends, bring your lawn chairs, and enjoy performances under the open sky.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Sip & Shop for Her 🍺🛒️ 12 - 4pm
Join us at Old City Hall Brewery's Underground Hangout for an afternoon dedicated to supporting, celebrating, and connecting with incredible women in our community.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Cam Caruso at Sterling Valley Vineyards 🎶🍷 2 - 5pm
Wine, music, cocktails, craft beer, cider, and amazing vibes. Bring the dog. Sterling Valley delivers.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Sunset Sundays at Steamers 🎶 5 - 8pm
Live music weekly by talented local performers.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Memorial Day Parade: Phoenix 🇺🇸 12pm
Come to the Three Rivers Plaza in Phoenix to catch the start of the parade.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Memorial Day Parade: New Haven 🇺🇸 2pm
Come to the New Haven Elementary School to catch the start of the parade.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
Among Beavers 🦫 6:30pm
This program is open to all ages and focuses on beavers. How do these mammals survive all winter when ponds and marshes are frozen over? Do they hibernate? Explore the unseen details of beaver life at Amboy Environmental Education Center.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Power Yoga with Sydney 🧗 6pm
A faster-paced practice designed to build strength and endurance while calming the mind. Flow through vigorous, breath-driven sequences and explore more advanced postures. Join us at the Fulton YMCA.
Mohawk Valley Region
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Bookmark and Book Swap Craft Night 📚🎨 6 - 8pm
A cozy bookmark-making craft shop where creativity and reading come together. Design your own unique bookmarks. Join us at Candace's in Rome.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Dance Floor Takeover 💃🎶 6pm
A full-on night of music, food, and good vibes at DeMatteo's Restaurant. Name Brand Covers brings nonstop party hits: throwbacks, modern favorites, and everything built to keep the dance floor moving all night long.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Opening Day: Oneida County Public Market 🛒️ 9am - 1pm
Join us at the Oneida County Public Market for fresh flavors, local goods, and community fun. Browse locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, artisan products, and more.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
The Mad Hatter Tea Room 🫗🚂 2 - 4pm
Don't be late for a very important date. Join us in the Mad Hatter Tea Room for a train ride down the rabbit hole aboard this 2-hour round trip adventure. Dressing as your favorite Alice in Wonderland character and rabbit ears are encouraged.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Kozar's Spring Fling 🍺🎶 4pm
Come on down to Kozar's Grill in Utica for food, beer, and friends, with music by Heartbeat Duo. Proceeds benefit the Utica Zoo.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Mystery at Main Street High 🎭 5pm
For its Spring Showcase, the Capitol's very own Rising Stars youth theater program presents a two-act musical mystery. Written by Rising Stars director Janet Foote, this production features a cast of over 50 talented students. Comedy, drama, and original songs.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Eileen Ivers and the Brigideens 🎶☣️ 3pm
The Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley is proud to announce the return of Eileen Ivers to its stage with her latest musical project, Eileen Ivers and the Brigideens.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
Party on the Patio: UCMB at Portofino 🍝🍷 5pm
Outdoor gig season is here. Warm sun, cold drinks, and delicious food on a Wednesday night. Get over the hump of the workweek and come vibe with us.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
May Catalyst Meetup 👥 5:30 - 7:30pm
Come meet other young professionals under 40 at Crust Kitchen and Bar in Utica.
North Country
FRIDAY, MAY 22 - SATURDAY, MAY 23
Beer: A Love Story (Musical) 🎭🍺 Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 5pm
The Grasse River Players premiere "Beer: A Love Story," a new musical by Elaine Kuracina at the Crary Mills Community Center. Set in Grand Rapids in 1900, it follows a widow fighting to run a brewery despite family opposition.
FRIDAY, MAY 22 - SUNDAY, MAY 24
Ogdensburg Garage Sale Weekend 🛒️
Come hunt for new treasures at this city-wide garage sale in Ogdensburg.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Pet Adoption and Bake Sale 🐶🧀 1 - 4pm
Meet adorable, adoptable pets at the Paws & Pastries Pet Adoption & Bake Sale and treat yourself to homemade baked goods. Join us at the Rensselaer Falls Fire Department.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
The Classic Cruisers 🎶 6 - 9pm
Come out to Colton AMVETS Post 262 for delightful live music that's sure to get you dancing.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Spring Artisan Festival 🎨🛒️ 10am - 3pm
The Morristown Gateway Museum sponsors a Spring Artisan Festival at Red Barn Preserve.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Massena Memorial Day 🇺🇸 9:30am
Massena's Memorial Day kicks off at 9:30am, hosted by veteran organizations including the American Legion and VFW. The procession begins at Sacred Heart Church on Main Street, proceeding north before turning onto Andrews Street and finishing at Veteran Memorial Park. A formal ceremony with wreath-laying follows.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Canton Memorial Day 🇺🇸 10:30am
At 10:30am, members of VFW Post 1231 host a wreath-laying ceremony on the Main Street bridge, honoring service members lost at sea. Beginning at 11am, a formal Memorial Day ceremony honors local veterans, followed by a three-gun salute and singing by the Goldenaires barbershop group. A final ceremony at Fairview Cemetery observes local fallen veterans interred at the location.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Potsdam Memorial Day 🇺🇸 9:30am
The Memorial Day parade begins at 9:30am at Potsdam High School, proceeding down Garden Street, turning onto Market Street, and concluding at Ives Park. A community ceremony and tribute follows in Ives Park.
Finger Lakes Region
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Sweet Treat Trail Pop-Up 🧀 3 - 5pm
Join us for a Sweet Treat Trail Pop-Up at New Hope Mills. Lisa Cruz with Classic Hits 99.3 broadcasts live. Cookie samples, freebies, factory tours, and more.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Summer Music Series: Diana Jacobs Band 🎶 6 - 9pm
Summer Music at the Farm kicks off with the Diana Jacobs Band on the patio at North Street. Funk and soul music with something delicious to sip.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Leonid & Friends 🎶 8pm
Leonid & Friends have blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality, and fire of American supergroup Chicago. Their repertoire has since expanded to include Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides of March, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Deep Purple, and new original material. Catch the show at The Smith in Geneva.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Free Community To Go Dinner 🍝 4 - 6pm
The Federated Church of Port Byron welcomes all for a free dinner.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Car, Bike & Truck Show 🚗🏍 10am - 2:30pm
Get your rides out and dusted off. Come down to Custom Auto at 2166 Rte 318, Seneca Falls for prizes, awards, and more.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Jess Novak at Bluewater 🎶 11am
Come enjoy some live music at Bluewater Grill in Skaneateles.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Summer Music Series: Mark Nanni 🎶🍺 2 - 5pm
Sundays just got a little sweeter for the summer. Mark Nanni kicks off the series at Prison City in Auburn.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Super DIRTcar Series: Heroes Remembered 75 🏁 4pm
Weedsport Speedway honors Memorial Day Weekend in style with the return of the Super DIRTcar Series Heroes Remembered 75. The best of the best in Big Block Modified racing is accompanied by the DIRTcar Sportsman and the winged warriors of the CRSA Sprint Car Series.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Memorial Day Parade: Auburn 🇺🇸 11am - 2pm
The City of Auburn's annual Memorial Day Parade takes place on Genesee Street. When hunger strikes, the Auburn Downtown Partnership's Food Truck Rodeo runs on Market Street.
Foodie Corner
Connie's Diner - Waterloo
Connie's Diner sits at 205 East Main Street in Waterloo, right on the main drag through town. Founded in 1989 by Connie Caratozzolo, it's a family-owned spot that has spent 35 years becoming the kind of place people drive an hour just to get to. The vintage 50s and 60s décor isn't a gimmick. It's the bones of the place. The atmosphere alone gets called out in nearly every review.
The menu runs the full diner playbook. Pancakes, waffles, Belgian waffles (with raspberry topping on monthly buffet days at nearby Grange halls, but Connie's runs them year-round). Burgers, hot patty melts, chicken parm, the Bacon Bleu burger platter (which a reviewer biking through the Finger Lakes called the best meal of the trip). Fried shrimp platters, Italian toast, grilled ham. Homemade pies and cakes. And the milkshakes are the headliner, especially the peanut butter cup, the loaded shakes, and seasonal specialty flavors. People share them. People drive for them.
Portions are generous. Prices are honest. Service is friendly and fast, and reviewers consistently note that the regulars are on a first-name basis with the staff. The coffee gets refilled before you ask. The blue cheese dressing has its own fan club. The chicken Caesar wraps could use a little more dressing, according to one of the few critical notes in 414 Restaurantji reviews. Almost everything else lands.
The ratings tell a consistent story. 4.5 stars across 219 Yelp reviews. 4.5 stars across 414 Restaurantji ratings. Listed on Wanderboat as one of the top diners in the Town of Waterloo. The diner is open Tuesday through Saturday, 6am to 9pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Cash is preferred but credit cards accepted. Take-out available. No reservations. If you've been looking for an honest, no-frills diner in the Finger Lakes that punches above its weight, this is it.
Address: 205 E Main St, Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 539-9556
Hours: Tue-Sat 6am-9pm | Closed Sun-Mon
Price Range: $ (affordable)
Cuisine: Classic American diner, breakfast all day
Ordering: Dine-in, take-out (no reservations, cash preferred)
Highlights: Peanut butter cup milkshake, Bacon Bleu burger, patty melt, chicken parm, grilled ham, homemade pies, Italian toast
Founded: 1989 by Connie Caratozzolo
Ratings: 4.5/5 Yelp (219 reviews) | 4.5/5 Restaurantji (414 reviews)
Website: connieswaterloo.com
Thank you for reading, sharing,
and being part of this.
Jono Chowdhury
Founder, 315NY