Outdoor movies are still doing business, although it takes some mileage to reach them

Photos by Michael Davis

Twenty years ago the Syracuse New Times performed a public service to the community by publishing “Drivin’ to the Drive-In,” an ode to the ozoners that were still in operation in the Central New York area, with mentions of the four Syracuse-based drive-ins—DeWitt, Lakeshore, North and Salina—that all bit the dust during the 1980s. Two decades later some of those still-open drive-ins mentioned in the article have since shuttered, like the Marcy in the Utica region and the Airport in Binghamton. More crushing, however, is the realization that several generations of moviegoers in this market have never enjoyed the drive-in experience because those pesky multiplexes are a lot closer than those outdoor shows. And this drive-in-starved demographic doesn’t know what it’s missing.

There’s more of a chance that Larry King will get hitched again before Pink Floyd ever embarks on a tour, which pretty much leaves tribute band The Machine to sonically soothe the Floyd-starved masses. With exacting replications of Pink Floyd’s progressive rock catalog, including the monumental Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, the latter celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Floyd tour this year, The Machine is surely the next best thing to being there. The mystical music runs from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Paper Mill Island’s Budweiser Amphitheater, 136 Spensieri Ave., Baldwinsville, as part of the summertime Island Fest series. Lost Marbles will open the show. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the gate. For information, call 635-3521.

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul headline the inaugural Sterling Celtic Rock Festival

They say as one festival closes, another opens. For the town of Sterling, the completion of the annual Renaissance Festival last weekend makes way for a rousing celebration of Celtic music and dance Saturday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 22. The Sterling Celtic Rock Festival, pairing international touring bands and traditional Irish and Celtic dance, is a new venture presented by Empire Attractions. Six bands and several dance troupes will be featured on four stages.

Produce sections are ripe with strange-looking goodies that aren’t apples, bananas or pears

As you stroll through a local farm market, push a cart through your favorite supermarket or visit that quirky specialty retailer, look up from your shopping list long enough to discover the rainbow of fruits coloring the bins. There is sure to be a wealth of specimens you’ve never tried, some you can’t name and even a few you’ve never seen. 

On Thursday, Aug. 19, the return of a local favorite restaurant will have its grand opening. Sharkey’s Eclectic Sports Lounge takes up residence at 7240 Oswego Road, Liverpool, in the spot vacated by the once-popular hangout Hooligans. “People can’t wait for {Sharkey’s} to come because people have so many memories here,” says co-owner Julie Moreland, “I can’t wait to bring them back for people.”