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The Westcott Theater, located at 524 Westcott Street in Syracuse, NY 13202, is a renowned live music venue and nightclub that holds a special place in the city’s cultural and entertainment landscape. Originally opened in 1919 as a movie house—the Harvard Theater—it was renamed the Westcott Theater in the 1920s and served the community as a neighborhood cinema for many decades. The theater eventually closed its doors as a cinema in 2007, but soon after, local entrepreneurs Sam Levey and Jeffry Gural revived the space, transforming it into a premier venue for live music and events while preserving much of the building’s original architectural character.

Since reopening as a nightclub and concert hall in September 2008, the Westcott Theater has gained a reputation for hosting an eclectic mix of artists and genres, fostering a vibrant nightlife scene, and acting as a cultural hub for the progressive Westcott neighborhood and the greater Syracuse area. The Westcott is celebrated for its intimate yet energetic atmosphere, accommodating up to 700 people, and offering audiences an up-close experience with performers. Its diverse lineup—ranging from indie rock and hip-hop to electronic, jazz, and jam bands—reflects Syracuse’s multifaceted music scene.

The venue has played a significant role in revitalizing the Westcott business district, drawing visitors from both the local community and across Upstate New York. The theater’s layout retains its historic charm, with exposed brick, industrial features, and a prominent marquee that nods to its cinematic origins. Since its reopening, the structure has undergone upgrades to the sound and lighting systems but has remained at its original location without any major relocations, solidifying its status as an anchor of the neighborhood’s arts community.

Over the years, the Westcott Theater has hosted a wide spectrum of notable artists. Internationally recognized acts such as The Roots, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bassnectar, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Big Gigantic, Girl Talk, and ODESZA have graced its stage. It has also welcomed celebrated artists from the jam and indie worlds like Moe., The Disco Biscuits, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), Lettuce, Railroad Earth, and Lotus.

The theater is dedicated to showcasing local talent as well, frequently featuring Syracuse-based bands like Sophistafunk, Ra Ra Riot, Merbles, and Joe Driscoll. The mix of established and emerging performers has cemented the Westcott Theater’s reputation as one of Central New York’s premier venues for live entertainment.