Westcott Theater — Attraction in City of Syracuse

If I had written this review 7 years ago, it may have been 5 stars. They have gone through some changes and I'm not convinced that it's for the better.

Bathrooms are much cleaner than they used to be. That's a plus. Still only 2 stalls for women though. I've heard that the men's room isn't that great either. On crowded nights this could be more of an issue...

But from what I understand, they don't seem to draw a huge crowd for very much these days. I used to see really interesting acts come into town to play here. Now, they are far and few between. The ticket prices seem noticeably higher than they used to be, though that may just be dependent on the show.

I guess this barrel chair thing is new. I don't know, they suck. It's an uneven floor so they could have figured out something better.

They added more bars, which I'm sure are great on busy nights. Most shows probably don't even utilize them though. The drink prices are about what you would expect.

You used to be able to go outside during most shows. This was good if you wanted to grab some food (which they don't serve) during a break or something. No in and out privileges anymore. If you smoke, you can do it in this tiny little space towards the back of the building, but it's so small. I think they were trying to eliminate people going to their car to get intoxicated, but they really just slashed away at their appeal, and I'm not convinced that it's any better now.

Though I haven't had a problem with security, I've heard from numerous people that it needs work. Can't say much else there.

All in all, check it out if something good comes around. Make your own...

Cute venue, but they have NO handicap seating for concerts. It is either standing in the crowd or paying extra to sit in the VIP lounge. When I asked about where I could sit they gave me a metal folding chair and said anywhere along the rails of the floor, which was fine until everyone started pouring in and then all I could see was the backs of people. I wasn't able to even see the stage at that point so I paid the extra to sit in the VIP lounge, which I shouldn't have had to do. Even after paying to be in the VIP lounge it was a fight to find a place to sit since there was very limited seating available. Thankfully the people I was with were able to snag a seat for me while one of the stood. Half of the VIP lounge is standing space anyways. The whole point of the lounge area is the small seating section and if you pay x amount to get in there they serve you drinks all night. There was a non drinking option as well.

There is a VIP bathroom on the main floor, but the actual bathrooms for if you don't pay VIP are upstairs. They told me I could use the VIP one so I wouldn't have to try to hobble my way up and down them. Mind you, this was after they saw me slowly trying to get up the stairs with my friend behind me to catch me if I fell.

I will say though, the security were extremely pleasant and very friendly. They tried to accommodate me the best they could with what they were working with. The security staff is the only reason I'm giving it at least 3 stars. It felt as if they went above and beyond and I was super...

In April, my band and two other bands were booked to open for Black Flag at the end of July. All of our band names are still listed on the site as playing, even today, the day of the show. The WEEK before the show was to take place, one of the bands was told that, “Black Flag doesn’t have openers,” and was kicked off the bill. Well, Dan Mastronardi, why would you book three openers if Black Flag doesn’t have them? Shortly thereafter, the other band was told that Black Flag DOES have openers, they get a 30 minute set, and be there by 4:30 PM. Meanwhile, my band has received no response to the emails, text messages, direct messages, and comments left for Dan, Lowell, and Brett - the three people who apparently organized this mess and will not answer our very simple question of, “what is going on with the show?” You’ve had an entire week to respond, apologize for the confusion, double-down on your antics…but instead you say nothing. In its own way, it’s saying everything.

The Westcott Theater is a gross, shady venue. No professionalism, no empathy, no respect for the artists they book to play. If you’re a band looking to set up a gig here, there are better venues to use in Syracuse. If the Westcott is your only option for whatever reason, then book a gig in...