The chalkboard outside of Bull McCabe's promising "Live Music, great food, cold beer" sums up this Union Square tavern. Formerly Tir Na Nog, this old-school Irish pub features team trivia and karaoke, as well as live music. While the menu consists of traditional pub fare, it also offers $4 burgers Tuesdays through Thursdays, as well as a traditional Irish breakfast on weekends.
Strathmore presents a lively and diverse program of art exhibitions, concerts and performing arts programs, as well as literary lectures and events. Artistic offerings presented in the Music Center include world-class performances by major national folk, blues, pop, jazz and classical music artists.
Strathmore is home to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Strathmore, National Philharmonic, Washington Performing Arts Society, Levine School of Music, CityDance Ensemble, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras and interPLAY; see the Strathmore website for schedule information. The Prelude Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and pre-concert meals. The Strathmore Tea Room is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Strathmore is accessible from the Grosvenor/Strathmore Metro stop and via car, with a parking structure across the street.
Situated high atop the breathtaking Niagara River Gorge, just minutes from Niagara Falls, in historic Lewiston, Earl W. Brydges Artpark has been Buffalo-Niagara and Western New York's premier summer destination for music and performing arts since 1974. Artpark's 150 acre picturesque landscape features a main stage theater and outdoor amphitheater. The park is open year round, however the primary season is during June, July and August.
Parking and public transportation at Artpark
Artpark has four on-premises parking lots. Lots A & B are located at the "Upper Entrance" at the foot of Portage Rd and Lots C & D are located at the "Lower Entrance" at the foot of South 4th Street. The price of parking varies. Please note: If the event is sold out it can take quite awhile to get out of the parking lots. There is also limited parking along village streets, within walking distance from Artpark. Please park according to posted signage.
Artpark is a stop along NFTA Metro bus route 50B Lewiston. Schedules for Metro buses can be found on the NFTA website.
Getting tickets at Artpark
You can charge tickets by phone with any major credit card by calling the Artpark Box Office at 716-754-4375 or 1-888-223-6000. Tickets may also be purchased online at artpark.net or tickets.com. To purchase tickets in person and save on service fees, visit the Artpark Box Office at 450 South 4th Street in Lewiston, located at the Mainstage Theatre entrance.
Types of concerts at Artpark
Artpark offers live music throughout the summer via two concert series. Tuesday in the Park, presented by First Niagara Bank, draws classic rock legends while the Wednesday concert series, sponsored by Coors Light, caters more to up-and-coming acts that attract a younger crowd. Both concert series take place at Artpark's three-tiered Outdoor Amphitheater, which rests atop the Niagara River Gorge.
Other places to visit near Artpark
Niagara Falls, one of the world's most famous natural wonders, is less than a 20-minute drive via Robert Moses Pkwy. Historic Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown is just 15 minutes away as well.
Where to stay near Artpark
There are a handful of bed and breakfasts and motels located right in Lewiston, just moments from Artpark. The venue recommends staying at Four Points by Sheraton in Niagara Falls, NY. Additional places to stay in the Lewiston/Niagara Falls area can be found at the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce website.
Insider tip for visitors to Artpark
Since 2011, Artpark has offered a limited amount of front-of-stage, priority tickets for each concert event. The standing-room-only tickets allow fans to see their favorite bands and music artists up-close and personal.
Author's bio: Jillian Smolinski is a Western New York native, music enthusiast and freelance writer who loves to visit Artpark for live music, theater productions and that spectacular view of the Niagara River Gorge.
