Saturday March 22, 1:00 pm This is a free event, all are welcome

Join Cayetano Valenzuela of Black Rabbit Studio for a conversation about the inspiration behind his vibrant public murals, including the iconic "Mighty Salt City” in downtown Syracuse. Discover how his unique blend of illustration and hand lettering brings magic and wonder to Central New York communities through his fine art and public art practices. Q&A moderated by Michael John Haegerty, founder of the Bank Alley District.

Sunday March 16, 2:00 pm This is a free event

Join us for a converstion and Q & A with artist Manuel Hernandez, as he discusses his large-scale mural painting and the ways this work is reestablishing his connection to the cultures of indigenous populations in America from a new perspective.

February 28, 2025

Doors Open at 7:00pm

Performances 7:30pm - 9:00pm Free

Hosted by artist, Sofia Gutierrez, please join us for an evening of live acoustic music performances by the Syracuse-based musicians Honey for the Bees, Jessie Elizabeth, Rachel Bass of Know Nothing Band, and Sofia Violet.

Honey for the Bees is an indie-folk group based on Haudenosaunee land (Syracuse, NY). Lyrically-driven and harmony-laden, with a dose of angst, their songs feature queer stories, heartbreak, and poetic resistance. 

Jessie Elizabeth(she/her) is an indie Folk/Americana artist based in Syracuse, NY who uses emotive storytelling, gripping melodies, and intimate vocals to connect with her audience. She draws inspiration from her love of the earth and from themes of self-discovery, free-spiritedness, relationship dynamics, and navigating societal pressures. Jessie instinctively weaves elements of multiple genres into her songs, resulting in an overall indie writing style and uniquely alternative sound within the world of Americana music. Her debut studio album is slated for release in the summer of 2025, with teaser singles 'ADK' and 'The Catalyst' available now. 

Rachel Bass (she/they) is a musician from occupied Onondaga territory. Trained in classical guitar and voice, she began writing and performing original music as a teen. Currently, she is 1/2 of local fusion duo, Know Nothing, which was reactivated in 2024 after a long pause. Rachel often sings about relational angst, social-political disappointment, and the specter of death. She is inspired by music from medieval Europe, colonial America, postcolonial West Africa, and beyond. With a nearly lifelong passion for early music, you may also spot her as lead soprano in CNY's only (semi)professional vocal ensemble, Schola Cantorum of Syracuse.

Sofia Violet (she/her) is a Filipino-Mexican-American singer/songwriter and  welcomes you to her dreamy blend of genres. The LA-born artist delivers a concoction of breathy vocals, R&B melodies, and playful tongue-in-cheek writing. Her recent release “Origami Hearts (feat. Saint Luke)” explores the push-and-pull of yearning through folding origami.

Sofia Gutierrez (they/them) is the host for this event. They are the Founder of a community design studio called Futures in Public Space, and a tattoo & muralism apprentice at Habitat Tattoo Collaborative in the Gear Factory. They work in a variety of mediums, including fine arts, architectural design, graphic design, vocal performance, and more. Currently, they are a Community Engagement & DEIA Arts Fellow at CNY Arts and a Program Leader at La Casita Cultural Center. They are passionate about fostering community and promoting diverse perspectives in the arts. As an artist & activist, they hope to reinvent public space use, support culturally-sensitive design, and promote access to the arts in low-income communities of color.