There are plenty of “acoustic” or “unplugged” events taking place this weekend. You should unplug, too. You’re allowed to take pictures and brag to your friends via social media about what you’re doing.
With unplugging, we mean “relaxing.” Thanksgiving is at the end of the month, which means the December holiday season is right around the corner. With that being said, there are a few arts and crafts events coming up. There is also a model train expo for all the hobbyists out there.
California Guitar Trio, Patchy Sanders and The Young Novelists are all in-town, and they’re ready to play for you. Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb will be warming everyone up tonight, essentially the opening act, playing at Auburn Public Theater.
There will be two improv shows, one long-form and the other short-form, one a fundraiser to benefit suicide awareness. A couple performances are closing this weekend as well.
When all else fails: Enjoy beer at the beer festival on Saturday to warm up for Syracuse Beer Week, beginning Sunday.
Be sure to enjoy this weekend responsibly.
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Weather Forecast
(Subject to change, of course.)
- THURSDAY
Temperature: 72 degrees / 60 degrees
Conditions: Summer weather returns.
FRIDAY
Temperature: 75 degrees / 48 degrees
Conditions: Late spring weather returns.
SATURDAY
Temperature: 52 degrees / 38 degrees
Conditions: Early spring weather returns.
SUNDAY
Temperature: 49 degrees / 35 degrees
Conditions: December 2014 weather returns.
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What’s good this weekend?
The longtime comedian has made several appearances in late night television and has a handful of live standup albums. He’s stopping into Syracuse this weekend, bringing his observational humor along with him.
Where: The Crouse Hinds Theater, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Nov. 6: 8 p.m.
Cost: $37.75 | Oncenter Box office at 760 S. State St. | (315) 435-2121 | Ticketmaster
If you haven’t heard the acoustics of Center for the Arts, the craftsmanship of the California Guitar Trio’s music could be the best icebreaker for you. The instrumental band, which is noted for musical and storytelling abilities, makes its way through Central New York to scenic Homer.
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S. Main St., Homer
When: Saturday, Nov. 7: 8 p.m.
Cost: $28 (general) | $23 (senior) | $15 (students 18 and older)
The beverage-based tournament returns to The York for Round #3. Four more bartenders will compete, and one will move on to the next round. Cost includes a one free beverage, free samples of the cocktails concocted and food.
Where: The York, 247 W. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Sundays: Nov. 8: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $20 (advance) | $25 (door)
Craft New York Brewers Festival
The flyer says 40 state breweries, the description says “over 50 New York breweries” … Either way, there will be plenty of decisions and craft beer varieties to enjoy. Come see, learn and enjoy what our state has to offer and what brews resonate with you.
Where: The Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 7: 5-8 p.m. (general admission) | 4-8 p.m. (VIP Pass)
Cost: $15 (designated drivers) | Admission: $40 (advance), $50 (door) | VIP: $70 (advance), $80 (door)
Looking for a reason to get your holiday shopping done or at least get a head start on it? Head over to the Fayette St. gallery to browse a variety of locally-made crafts.
Where: The Delavan Center Art gallery, 509 W. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Nov. 6: 5-8 p.m. | Saturday, Nov. 7: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Central New York’s longest running short-from improv troupe will be taking the stage for their monthly show. Dinner is optional, at slight additional cost and will be held at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt
When: Saturday, Nov. 7: 6:30 (dinner) | 8 p.m. (show)
Cost: $25 (Dinner and show) | $12 (show only)
Folk Art Guild Festival of Crafts
The Folk Art Guild of Rochester comes to Syracuse for a weekend-long event filled with artisan crafts made from state and locally-sourced materials. It’s another way to get your holiday shopping done a little early.
Where: DeWitt Community Church, 3600 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt
When: Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, Nov. 8: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb
The acoustic guitar duo, who are CNY household names, will offer their unique styles and storytelling tonight at the Auburn Public Theater.
Where: Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St., Auburn
When: Thursday, Nov. 5: 7:30 p.m
Cost: $15 (advance) | $20 (door)
One part Greek tragedy, one part contemporary twist — the recipe that makes the Redhouse production so appealing. The titular character bears two sons in exile, but comes home to find her husband has left her. Hell hath no fury…
Shows:
Thursday, Nov. 5: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6: 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7: 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7: 8 p.m.
Where: The Redhouse Arts Center, 201 S. West St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Nov. 5 – Saturday, Nov. 7
Cost: $30
The Oregon folk outfit brings their storytelling and stringed musical craftsmanship to a very fitting CNY venue: The Nelson Odeon.
Where: The Nelson Odeon, 4035 Nelson Road, Nelson
When: Friday, Nov. 6: 8 p.m.
Cost: $22 (advance) | $24 (door)
The Saturday Night Live alum and character actor makes a special appearance in Syracuse and at Destiny USA’s comedy club. Yeah, you can do it.
Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6 at 9:45 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7 at 9:45 p.m.
Where: Funny Bone Comedy Club, Destiny USA, Syracuse
When: Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7
Cost: $30 | (315) 423-8669
The Crunch hosts the Albany Devils Friday evening and then the Binghamton Senators on Saturday.
Where: Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Nov. 6: 7 p.m. | Saturday, Nov. 7: 7 p.m.
Cost: $16, $20 | (315) 473-4444
Syracuse Opera: “Glory Denied”
Based on Tom Philpott’s book, Syracuse Opera is retelling the story of Colonel Jim Thompson, who is America’s longest-held prisoner of war.
Where: Carrier Theater at Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Nov. 6: 8 p.m. – Sunday, Nov. 8: 2 p.m.
Cost: $46 | Available online | (315) 476-7372
Steve Martin’s comedy takes place in Germany and focuses around a wardrobe malfunction pertaining to said article of clothing. Shows run Thursdays to Sundays. For the first five people coming through the door on-the-hour sharp
Where: Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Nov. 5 – Sunday, Nov. 8: 7 p.m.
Cost: $18 – $50 | Box office: (315) 443-3275
“We Just Are”: Fundraiser for Suicide Prevention 
The local improv collective will showcase their 2nd Annual fundraiser for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its efforts to educate, research, advocate public policy, support survivors and those at-risk.
All proceeds will be donated.
Where: “The Bank,” 451 S. Warren St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 7: 7 p.m.
Cost: $10 (suggested) | $5 (minimum)
The county and folk-based Canadian duo pays CNY a visit, promoting their latest album, Made Us Strangers. The concert is part of the Folkus Project.
Where: May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, 3800 E. Genesee St., Syracyse
When: Friday, Nov. 6: 8 p.m.
Cost: $12 (members) | $15 (non-members)
The annual Syracuse Beer Week is taking place Nov. 8 – 14 throughout the Central New York. This infographic has been found at Syracuse Beer Guy’s Facebook page.
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This weekend at the Fairgrounds
The 8th Annual celebration kicks off with the expo in the morning, and includes a variety of activities to celebrate and honor or veterans. There will be breakfast, a job fair, CNY Warrior Fitness challenge, a parade and more.
Where: New York State Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, Nov. 7: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Parade starts at noon.
Cost: $8 (adults, 16 and older) | Free (15 and younger)
Fall Finale Horse Show
Where: Toyota Coliseum
When: Friday, Nov. 6 – Sunday, Nov. 8
Cost: Free
Great New York State Model Train Fair
The 41st Annual model train fair will feature over 100 vendors and 30-plus displays.
Where: Dairy Exhibit Building
When: Saturday, Nov. 7: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $8 (adults, 16 and older) | Free (15 and younger)
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Veterans Day
The tournament will feature chefs from across Central New York, competing in friendly competition. The event will be a four-round culinary event, and the food will be judged by Austin Johnson (executive chef at The Krebs in Skaneateles), Ted Long (co-host of the morning show on 93Q), and Brandon Roth (journalist at WSTM Channel 3).
The chefs:
Mike Brown (Laci’s Tapas Bar)
SGT Ian Burress (Ft. Bragg)
Adam Coleman (Clear Path for Veterans)
Tim Cockett (private chef)
Paul Dicuia (Francesca’s Cucina)
Anthony Donofrio (Modern Malt)
Elton Ellinger (Strada Mia)
Chris Engel (Turning Stone Resort & Casino)
Albert Herrera (Avicolli’s)
Will Inman (private chef)
Jason Jessmore (SKY Armory)
Steve Landon (Free Range Catering)
SFC Joseph Mullins (Ft. Bragg)
Jeremy Patterson (Finally Ours Diner)
Scott Peeling (Frankie’s Piccolo Bistro)
Proceeds will benefit Clear Path for Veterans.
Where: Sky Armory, Downtown Syracuse
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11: 5 p.m.
Cost: $75
Local musicians are coming together to put on a show to celebrate and honor those who have served our country. Also, the musicians are veterans themselves:
John Allis (Army) on drums
Jeff Beck (Army) on guitar
Ricky Chisholm (Army) providing vocals
Bernie Clarke (Air Force) on harmonica
Irv Lyons Jr. (Army) on guitar
Jim Pavente (Marine Corps) on bass
Proceeds will benefit Clear Path for Veterans.
Where: The Ridge Golf Club, 1281 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11: 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 (suggested)