What a year it has been – Syracuse, New York received a ton of visitors, music lovers, spectators, including touring powerhouses! Top caliber world renowned performers came in to entertainm locals and visitors with monumental concerts! One of Syracuse’s largest venues, the Lakeview Amphitheater (better known as Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview) became THE destination for cutting edge production and magnificent showdowns. The venue attracted some of the biggest names in music, including legendary rock phenoms, giant country powerhouses, massive festivals, and pop sensations! The year 2024 was truly a remarkable period for music and tens of thousands of fans had a blast! In addition to great music, attendees also had a chance to taste some delectable grubs and enjoy the venue’s myriad of refreshments! Before we say goodbye to 2024, we reminisce on the most fantastic times the year has brought us so here’s a list of the most groundbreaking and jaw dropping performances at the Lakeview Amphitheater!
Shout out to 2024’s most dynamic performers as they made their way to New York’s most beloved concert destination. Lakeview Amphitheater was visited by monumental tours that brought together music fans in one fantastic venue. From May to September, the venue was packing with life, music, and great times. Definitely the perfect place for magnificent productions, Lakeview was sure to deliver the summer season with a bang!
May
In the middle of spring, Lakeview Amphitheater opened with a bang and one of its biggest performers, Judas Priest, definitely had the ground shaking. The legendary heavy metal band delivered an unprecedented setlist packed with Earth shattering hits, including “Panic Attack,” “Breaking the Law,” “Painkiller,” and tons more. The show was also held as part of their massive Invisible Shield Tour, promoting their latest album with the same name. The stop in Syracuse served as their groundbreaking finale for the Norht American leg and we’re not kidding when we report that Judas Priest had the crowd going into a frenzy. It was the biggest metal show to come to New York that season and suffice to say, Lakeview Amphitheater definitely handled the heat.
Besides Judas Priest, May also saw the arrival of Hozier’s critically acclaimed Unreal Unearth Tour with special guest Allison Russell. The massive outing arrived in Lakeview and served astounding hits, including Hozier’s monster hit, “Take Me To Church.” The folk soul phenom was sure to belt out his remarkable vocals. The sold out rager received a ton of amazing reviews that’s for sure. Lastly, before May came to a close, country superstar Kenny Chesney came in with his special guest Megan Moroney. These powerhouses surely brought the house down with their monumental hits.
June
The month of June was just as eventful. As things are heating up in Syracuse, so were the shows! Lakeview Amphitheater welcomed stunning performers including artists of the giant touring monster, the Outlaw Music Festival. This traveling fest featured only legends – Willie Nelson and Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Allison Kraus. The show brought together three Rock and Roll Hall of Famers in one show – imagine that! Of course, these rock and country icons brought their mighty catalogs and sent fans on an exhilarating high.
Speaking of legends, another one turned up at Lakeview. Monumental songwriter James Taylor came in to entertain his bands with his All Star Band. You betcha this event brought out a diverse crowd – from ballad loving old timers, to newfound listeners. Also a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Taylor ended May with a remarkable set. Moreover, country music continued to take over Syracuse with the arrival of Lainey Wilson, who also brought along Zach Top and Ian Munsick as support acts.
July
Syracuse sure loves its country music. The month opened with a magnificent showdown featuring country star Jason Aldean who was in town for his Highway Despeardo Tour! The “Try That in a Small Town” singer brought out all the country lovers, having them on an exhilarating high as he delivers his multi platinum selling hits. Following Aldean’s massive showdown, another string of country sensations arrived at the Lakeview. Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Ashley Cooke all joined forces to give an amazing night of smashing hits. The Damn Good Time World Tour headlined by Davis was an unforgettable country extravaganza. It was this moment that Davis was slated to go global and indeed he found his phenomenal commercial success, thanks to astounding performances including the one at Lakeview.
If you thought July was done with the country, guess again. The month also welcomed the arrival of country pop duo Dan + Shay. The three time Grammy winning icons were in town to deliver The Heartbreak on the Map Tour, which also featured Jake Owen and Dylan Marlowe. Besides country, Lakeview hosted a slew of rock spectacles featuring prominent names, including Train, REO Speedwagon, Yacht Rock Revue, Santana, and Counting Crowes.
August
When we say August was banging, we are not kidding! The month brought in a wide range of entertainment. From country artists, to O.G. rock kings, a comedy troupe, and an R&B fest. Legendary blues rockers ZZ Top and Lynyrd Synyard brought in their Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, a fantastically much extended outing due to high demand, while Hank Williams Jr. delivered his mindblowing vast catalog with support from Whiskey Meyers. Meanwhile, if music country kings Walker Hayes and Dierks Bentely had a contest on who had the biggest, loudest, and most dynamic show, it would be a tie. These icons were in town for their highly in demand Same Drunk and Gravel & Gold Tour. On August 3rd, the stunning R&B fest Queens of R&B Tour brought in the biggest 90s acts, led by Xscape and SWV. The show also featured Mya, Total, and 702. It was indeed a throwback spectacle you never knew you needed.
Lakeview is not just for music. It’s actually perfect for anything highly entertaining that gathers a heck ton of viewers. In this case, the most highly in demand comedy show, The Impractical Jokers stirred the crowd with their extended Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour. Reality TV stars Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano, and James Murray showed audiences a good time with a thrilling show, some behind the scene stories, never before seen footage, and many surprises. The Impractical Jokers practically sell out anything they get their hands on and this was no exception.
September
Before the summer season ended, Lakeview was sure to deliver the biggest month of them all. September was it and partly it’s due to the most groundbreaking line-up. Just imagine, Pitbull, T-Pain, Hootie and the Blowfish, Collective Soul, and Edwin McCain in the same week. Meanwhile, tribute show Killer Queen brought the house down with Queen’s most earth smashing hits. If you’re a fan of indie rock and folk, My Morning Jacket and Nathaniel Rateliff joined heads for the Eve to Eve Tour. Diversity at its finest arrived at the Lakeview thanks to Post Malone as he belted out rock, country, and rap all in one night. The Grammy nominated performer delivered titles from “Chemical,” to “White Iverson,” to “I Had Some Help.”
“Me and a friend attended an old school R&B concert at this venue. This was our first time and we had a great time. Thank goodness the weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the concert. The crowd was cool and there was no drama coming in or out the venue.” – Teresa S., Forest Hill New York
“This was such a great concert experience. Parking was easy-peasy (both in & out), bathrooms were plentiful with no lines, and the layout overall was great. I would return because the view was also pretty spectacular at sunset.” – Jessica P, Albany, New York
“This was my first experience with this venue and I’ll be back! Parking was super easy, getting into the show was seamless, and the lake view and breeze was fantastic on a hot July evening.” – Tammra S., Canandaigua, NY
Lastly, how can we not include the brain smashing Freaks on Parade Tour! Headlined by Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper, this co-headline gig was freaky, horror, jaw dropping, and head bang worthy all at the same time. Big hits also conquered the air during this monumental night of shock rock.
Indeed, it was a good summer for concert goers and Lakeview Amphitheater surely delivered with astounding shows performed by big named artists. The venue not only gave fans great music, but also cutting edge lights and sound equipment, great service, and smooth entry and exit process. Enjoying music, sights, food, and drinks here is a breeze thanks to the venue’s excellent management and vast space, accomodating up to a whopping 17,500 attendees. Surely, a visit to Lakeview Amphitheater continues to be an amazing experience.
Whether you were there during Lakeview’s amazing shows in 2024 or missed it, there is no need to worry. Year 2025 is guaranteed to be just as mind blowing – even more! And this new year is surefire to bring in the biggest, most banging shows New York has ever seen. Hurry and secure your access to Lakeview Amphitheatre this 2025!