Amanda Rogers wanted to create a space for artists like herself. As a touring musician, Rogers spent about two decades traveling and performing across Europe and North America. When Rogers returned to Syracuse, she wanted to create a calm space, free of what she called “drinking culture.” Syracuse’s nightlife is filled with pubs and bars where most musicians find performance opportunities. That led her to create Pink Rock Culture Co-op in downtown Syracuse. The venue hosts movie screenings, songwriter meet-ups and concerts — all tied through Rogers’ vision for the space. “I don’t know if there are many places like that can just morph into what an artist needs to feel like they are expressing their art and they are comfortable in the presence of a lot of people watching them or viewing their art,” Rogers said. “I love that idea. Maybe it’s a bit for me because I do feel like I’ve not found the venue in the area that feels like it supports me and my art.”The idea for the venue grew from another event Rogers created, Sub Rosa sessions, a monthly concert series. The Pink Rock Culture Co-op is located at 201 E. Jefferson St. Artists and community members can transform the 1,350-square-foot, 90-seat rental space into what they imagine for events. Rogers officially opened the space in summer 2024. So far, more than 30 events have been held there, including parties, book releases, songwriting workshops, poetry readings, open mic showcases, and karaoke nights. The next show is scheduled for Dec. 19, with performances by Dusty, Jude, and Tatum Pas’cal. Last Friday, the Pink Rock Culture Co-op presented musical performances by SAMMYS 2019 award-winner and Syracuse native Emma Jude, and Dan Saulpaugh, a New York City-based musician. Both singers performed original music, alternating between guitars, a keyboard piano, and VoiceLive Touch, an audio recording tool Jude used during her set.Emma Jude, a Syracuse-based, plays guitar with Dan Saulpaugh on Dec. 13 at Pink Rock Culture Co-op. Credit: Yolanda Stewart | Central Current“I love supporting local and independent as much as possible, but I think it’s really important too for a city to embrace people passing through too,” Rogers said. “There’s so much inspiration that can come from something new that people haven’t heard and it can really just be sort of a snowball of creativity in an area.”The musicians performed on a circular platform stage, with the signature red velvet curtain backdrop embellished with string lights. More than 25 audience members watched the acoustic and acapella-style performances.At one point Rogers joined Jude on stage for a musical rendition of “God is a Woman” by Ariana Grande. Each performer took turns harmonizing and singing verses from the song. Saulpaugh played original music and introduced each song, sharing stories about the background of the lyrics.  Similar to Rogers, having the space marks a transitional moment for Jude. The Camillus native recently returned to Syracuse after spending five years living in New York City and performing on cruise ships. She is now looking for ways to reintegrate into her hometown’s music scene. Jude’s performance at Pink Rock was her first since moving back to the area this year. Before moving away, she performed in downtown venues like 443 Social Club and Funk ‘n Waffles. Jude considers Kitty Hoynes, a place where she matured as an artist. Bringing an interactive aspect to her performances is something Jude prides herself on. “I call that my past life. I’m kind of back to rebuilding my own brand here,” Jude said. “And figuring out who I want to be and who I want to work with again here in the area.” She is proud to see the emergence of a new space in the city that invites artists in to build community and display their work in an intimate environment. Jude still plays national living room shows and at college coffee shops, she enjoys Pink Rock’s intimate space. “There are very few places that are meant for solo singer-songwriters, just honestly at all anymore. In New York City it’s a real issue,” Jude said. “A lot of them got shut down during the pandemic. So, there’s very few space for that solo singer-songwriter kind of place.”Guests sipped from mugs filled with warm tea while focusing their attention on the main stage acts throughout the night. The tea is $1 per cup and all profits go toward the space.  In the far back, across from the stage and seating area, was a lounging space resembling a cozy living room inspired by European decor. The area had plush sofas, a carpet, pink cushions, and small tables. A large painting of a Parisian street hung from the wall, and a self-serve tea station was set up at the far right corner of the space.  Even twenty years after touring around the world, Rogers has found a way to merge her interests in curating events and music into Pink Rock Culture Co-op’s mission.  “I get to incorporate all of the other creative ideas and all my other ways that I have hosted events along the way,” Rogers said. “I can just kind of put it all together.”The post Amanda Rogers made Pink Rock Culture Co-op into the venue she’s always wanted appeared first on Central Current.