In Syracuse, New York, the tradition of house shows has been kept alive by Syracuse University and SUNY ESF students for many years. These houses function as concert venues operated by the students who live there, even adopting their own venue name in most cases. From September of 2021 to February 2024 The Harrington house became a home for new musicians to show off their talents during concerts run right out of the basement. The six student co-founders: Sam Stehle, Will Harrington, Ray Satchwell, Jack Filkhorn, Tim Dean and Jake Ryerson shared a passion for the local music scene, with most of them having attended local shows together since high school. It only made sense then, to start a music venue of their own once they all moved in together. What started as pre-recorded music playing off a speaker for 50 people quickly turned to live music for upwards of 200 people, long lines out of the door, and an entire staff helping run and maintain shows. It was a venue for students by students who all shared one common trait: a strong love for music.
At first glance The Harrington house is unassuming, a giant house rented by college students surrounded by other giant houses rented by college students. At night, the house is clearly anything but ordinary, and often attracts lines that stretch all the way down the driveway. November 7 2021, Syracuse NY.
After settling on a simplistic drawing of Will Harrington's head as the logo, it was spray painted on a sign that is displayed on the side of the house for every show. Pictured from left to right; Sam, Will, Jake, Jack, Ishe, Lorenzo and Josh. October 22 2021, Syracuse NY.
Lauren Juzang and her bandmates Anish and Vir during soundcheck. Artists arrive hours before the doors open to do one final soundcheck. April 2 2022, Syracuse NY.
Next to the stage area in the basement is a small room where performers, techs and visual artists store their gear. It is also a great shortcut past the crowd to behind the stage area, and as a result has been boarded up and broken through several times. January 27 2023 , Syracuse NY.
Vir checks his notes before performing at the Valentines Day show. February 11 2022, Syracuse NY.
If you happen to get caught in the crowd it can be a struggle to see what's happening up front. Despite this, The Harrington has many regulars who come to every show. October 7 2022, Syracuse NY.
Groups gather in the driveway to escape the heat of the basement. October 7 2022, Syracuse NY.
Rhodes Corduroy members Cooper and Aidan. April 1 2023, Syracuse NY.
The artist's perspective of the crowd. As soon as the basement fills it becomes impossible to tell how many people are actually in the house, on many occasions it reaches upwards of 200 people. April 3 2022, Syracuse NY.
After stripping his shirt off Joe Morgan launches himself into the crowd during the Mardi Gras show. March 4 2022, Syracuse NY.
Rapper Zak G changes his tune for The Harrington's jazz show, bringing the crowd together with Frank Sinatra. January 27 2023, Syracuse NY.
Well known artist and Syracuse graduate Charlie Burg got his start playing music in college settings similar to The Harrington. He says the venue reminds him of the houses that used to throw shows when he was a student. April 2 2022, Syracuse NY.
Tim taking a break behind the stage. January 27 2023, Syracuse NY.
Everywhere you turn in the Harrington basement there's writing on the walls, literally. Spare sharpies left behind from expressive attendees are often found the next morning. April 25 2023, Syracuse NY.
The day after a show is usually a hazy gathering of artists and staff to clean up the basement. November 7 2021, Syracuse NY.
As the night devolved, and the artists left the stage, many took to dancing. January 27 2023, Syracuse NY.
The tiny basement windows are covered with trash bags before every show, preventing the peeping eyes of the public and more importantly, the police from having a glance. April 2 2022, Syracuse NY.
The Harrington boys. From left to right standing; Jake, Ray, Sam, Tim, Jack. Crouching; Will.
In March of 2023 I created this foldout zine in preparation for what we were told would be The Harrington’s last show. It (coincidentally) took place on April Fool’s Day which was a fitting explanation for throwing two more shows before closing the doors for good. I printed over 80 copies and, with the help of Sam and our friends Lucas and Bay, got them all cut and folded to give out to attendees. Sam wrote a goodbye letter to attendees and Will crafted a haiku inspired by the house as a final sendoff.
"We're getting out while the getting is good We wanna leave you with a few choice words" // "This community is a place for creativity. We are here to promote free and open expression."
"Money and popularity should never be your first priority. Do it for the music and the people you'll meet."
"We love you guys, and if you ever listen to a band in a basement ever again Think of us"
"Closing Words by Will Harrington" "A right on Sumner Big driveway w/knight on guard the harrington home"