The City of Auburn is adding another festival to a summer packed with lots of opportunities to enjoy outdoor fun in downtown Auburn! The Sizzlin’ Summer Kick-Off will take place on Exchange Street Plaza on June 25th, featuring two live band performances on the Showmobile stage, fine artist displays & food vendors serving up your summer favorites, plus beer, wine & cider sales. This event will happen rain or shine, with the City Parking Garage serving as the back-up venue.
The event’s creation & location were influenced by the success of the IGNITE the Winter event held back in March. The City’s Department of Public Works, led by Superintendent Mike Talbot and City Parks & Recreation Clerk Kim Bauso, wanted to add another free family activity downtown, while showcasing local artistic & musical talent. Members of City Council and Mayor Quill are also very supportive of funding community events. “This event is also made possible due to the strong partnership/collaboration with the Downtown Auburn BID and member of IGNITE. Both agencies are very motivated to enhance downtown Auburn, and they have the resources to bring fun, creative events to the community,” said Kim Bauso.
Vending
Participating food vendors include Auburn Pub, Buffalo Wild Wings, John Paul Academy II, Knights of Columbus, Moondog’s Lounge, 3Leaf Tea & more. Participating artists & vendors include Donna Clark, interactive children’s craft; Amanda Tallcot, painting, graphics & mixed media; Marie McMillan, jewelry; Kim Leubner, drum circle; Sara Douglass, painting, sculpture, graphics & Young Living Oils; Kayla Clark, face painting & Henna tattoos; and Pete Cramer, shitake logs & permaculture plants.
Live Music
There are 2 bands performing on the Sizzlin' Summer Showmobile stage. From 4 - 6:15PM enjoy a performance by the local band Space Monkey Mafia. This new musical configuration was recently formed with members from other popular acts. The band features Sean Muldoon (Stone Soul Foundation) on vocals; Ryan Meyer on guitar & vocals; Tom Lusk on drums (both formerly of Shonuff & American Monster Band); Damian Bauso on key board (Inside Job, Guac); and Will Miller on bass (Miller Street Groove, American Monster Band). They are a rock/blues/R&B/reggae band playing original songs written by Ryan & Sean, as well as soulful covers. You can give them a listen here: https://www.facebook.com/SpacemonkeymafiaNY/
The second act, playing from 6:30 - 9PM, is called I Am Fool. This Syracuse-based band featured J Brazill on rhythm guitar & vocals; Mike Sweeney on lead guitar; John Clark on drums; Reverend Ken on bass guitar; and Tamaralee Shutt on vocals, trumpet & keyboards. They are fun, danceable and quirky—always a good time. Check out their website: http://www.iamfool.com/ or find them on Facebook.
Mayor Quill shared, “I am looking forward to an evening full of great music, food & arts. This collaboration between the City of Auburn, BID & Ignite is sure to make it a- can’t miss event.”
Councilor Giannettino said, “We all look forward to summer, and this event will be a great way to start the season. Congratulations to the City of Auburn, the Auburn Downtown BID and members of IGNITE for collaborating on another free family-friendly event in Downtown. Hopefully the Sizzlin’ Summer Kick-Off will become an annual tradition just like IGNITE the Winter.”
So if you haven’t yet attended a downtown festival yet, now is the perfect time. Also, the City & BID have many more exciting summer events planned, and info will be available on all the other happenings.
Music on the Mall: July 8th 7 – 10PM
Music on the Mall: August 12th 7 – 10PM
Founder’s Day: August 13th 10AM – 10PM
Music on the Mall: September 9th 7 – 10PM
City Summer Concert Series
Plan to attend the City’s Summer Concert Series running July 5th – August 31st. Tuesday evening’s location is Hoopes Park with music from 6:30 – 8:30PM followed by family-friendly movies. Thursdays, the location is Market Street Park, with music from 6:30 – 8:30PM, and some Wednesday evening performances will be staged at Clifford Field and other rotating City parks, same timeframe.
For more info on downtown events please call the BID 315.252-7874, or visit www.auburndowntown.org.
