Club Scene – Sharkey’s
Summer is finally here and now is the time to find the best summer hang out in all of Central New York. If you are looking for a great place to enjoy sun, sand, great music, hanging out with friends, good food and, of course, ice cold drinks, then look no further than Sharkey’s! Sharkey’s is conveniently located at 7240 Oswego Rd. in Liverpool. What really makes Sharkey’s unique is that it is a sports bar, a beach hang out, and even a banquet hall, all under one roof! The large and open layout of Sharkey’s allows for plenty of room for indoor activities like darts and ping pong and the outside boasts a patio bar, and the most beach volleyball courts in CNY. Sign ups for summer leagues for all skill levels is now open at thebeachatsharkeys.com.
I met up with Jim and Kristin Nichols who were sitting on the patio at Sharkey’s on a beautiful spring day. Kristin was sipping on a Cruzan Rum Bucket and Jim was enjoying Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum. They were watching their teenage sons, Walker and Ben, playing beach volleyball in one of the league matches. “There is nothing better than watching your kids play volleyball, and if they keep playing they will be really good,” Jim says proudly. Jim grew up on the beaches of Southern California, played 15 years on the AVP Pro beach volleyball tour, and met the love of his life, and wife, Kristin while playing at a beach tournament. So his best memories are of spending his days at the beach. This is the atmosphere that he has tried to bring to Sharkey’s. Jim told me that back in California people would automatically go to the beach after work or on the weekend to see what was going on and who was there, because that’s where everyone would hang out. Now, if you take that idea, and add in some ice cold Bud Light, you get Sharkey’s! Jim said that he loves to come to work because he gets to see all of his friends at Sharkey’s, and every day is like a party where everyone knows everyone. It is obvious that volleyball is Jim’s passion and a big part of what is happening at Sharkey’s, but they also have a ton of other great events throughout the summer!
If you love live music then you absolutely can’t miss the Summer Concert Series! Sharkey’s has had a Thursday Summer Concert Series since they opened in 2010. This year Sharkey’s has teamed up with Performance Harley Davidson to make Thursday nights the best ever. Jim told me that a good customer and now good friend, Kevin Latz, told him that his good friend, Rich Milazzo, at Performance Harley Davidson wanted to partner with Sharkey’s for Bike Nights on Thursdays. Performance Harley Davidson has hosted their own Bike night in years past at their store, but Rich suggested joining forces with Sharkey’s to create a Bike Night for the ages! Everyone knows that Performance Harley Davidson means bikes in Syracuse so this was the perfect fit. Now, starting at 6 pm, every Thursday night this summer will be Performance Harley Davidson Bike night at Sharkey’s, featuring classic rock.
Think it can’t get any better? Well think again! We all know that Summer is short in Syracuse and we love being outdoors listening to music. So, although Sharkey’s can not make summer twice as long, they thought ,why not make the summer twice as good? So, Sharkey’s has added a second night of music and festivity on Wednesday nights. The brain child of Frank Yaizzo, the general manager of Sharkey’s and all around great guy, he came up with the idea for a Wednesday Concert series that would have music, Ice cold beer, and would also provide steamed little neck clams from Sharkey’s famous Grub Pub! Add in the help of Sam Adams and Wednesday nights has become “Bands, Cans and Clams with Sam.” It is the perfect mix of classic rock, country, 80’s, and horn bands.
Sharkey’s, with the help of Kevin Latz, has found the best bands in Syracuse and they play for you at the awesome venue that is Sharkey’s, every week, rain or shine, starting at 6 pm! Did I mention that it’s free? For a list of bands playing both Wednesdays and Thursdays check out their website at sharkeysbarandgrill.com.
There is one other event that you absolutely must know about happening at Sharkey’s this summer. Mark your calendar for Saturday August 15th for Victory for Vets. This year is the second annual Victory for Vets event raising money for an awesome local cause, Clear Path for Veterans. They will be featuring bands such as Frank & Burns, Chris Taylor, Dirtroad Ruckus, Pour White Trash, TJ Sacco and The Todd Hobin Band. Admission is $10 and all proceeds go to Clear Path for Veterans whose mission is to support local veterans. The gates open at 11am and it is sure to be a great day supporting a great cause. You can find additional information at victory4vets.com.
If you aren’t already sold on Sharkey’s as your perfect summer hang out, don’t forget that Sharkey’s has the “Best Happy Hour in the Universe!” Monday through Friday you can get 2 for 1 drinks all Happy Hour long! Monday Pong starts at 9 pm, Tuesday night is trivia night starting at 7:30 pm, there are DJ’s playing all of your favorites to dance to starting at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and there is live music on Fridays all year long. For more information check out sharkeysbarandgrill.com or better yet, get up and head to Sharkey’s right now!
(Photo of the Nichols Family: Ben, Walker, Jim and Kristin)
Music & Events Calendar
