Sparta

This event is 18 and over. Any ticket holder unable to present valid identification indicating that they are at least 18 years of age will not be admitted to this event, and will not be eligible for a refund. INDIVIDUALS WHO FAIL TO PRODUCE PHOTO ID THAT MATCHES THE AGE OF THE TICKET PURCHASE WILL BE DENIED ENTRY WITHOUT REFUND.
When the world came to a halt, Jim Ward couldnt stop moving. Hed just released a reunion album, Trust the River, as the frontman of Sparta when the pandemic hit, and as tour dates dried up, Ward returned to the studio. A year later, he debuted his raucous solo record Daggers and now hes offering up yet another Sparta album to the world. I was pretty anxious and depressed, and when I feel that way I know I have to do something with myself so I dont self-destruct, Ward says. This project started in the midst of lockdown; Id turn on Logic, retreat to my studio, and just get lost for a few hours. The resulting collection of songs were entirely written on keys in what Ward considers an effort to stretch musical muscles he wouldnt otherwise have had the expanse of time to indulge in. Boldly self-titled some 20-odd years into Spartas career, the album serves as a kind of reintroduction to the band, what Ward calls a fresh slate. Formed in the aftermath of At the Drive-Ins break up, the band underwent many lineup changes with Ward as its sole steadfast member; at this point, Sparta is synonymous with Jim Ward. On Sparta, hes joined by the bands longtime bassist/percussionist Matt Miller, along with a consortium of collaborators who contributed to the album remotely, including Tucker Rule, whose percussion you hear on Daggers. Others include Thursdays Geoff Rickly, guitarist Michael James Adams, and keyboardist Kenny Hopper.Its been really important for me to grow past the music I was making before and to let go of what I perceived to be the rules, Ward reflects. Recording in a totally different way with artists I admire some of whom I didnt even know personally until I texted asking if they wanted to join me on this new record was so enlivening during a grim time.The overall effect of Sparta is one of relentless positivity, an optimism that can eclipse the darkest days. Even though I carry quite a bit of depression with me, I always wake up in a good mood. Every day of my life, I wake up positive, Ward reflects. Writing this when the entire world had stopped, there was an opportunity to lose that sense of possibility. But he refused to let that happen. Sparta supported the release in October of 2022 with a tour around America with old friends The Get Up Kids. The ability to get back on the road and see fans face to face was incredibly rewarding. There was one subject that came up over and over again while on tour. Wiretap Scars.The debut record was released 20 years ago and fans kept asking the band members about a tour to celebrate. The idea of an anniversary tour was thrown around but I was on the fence to be honest, remembers Ward. After talking with fans on The Get Up Kids tour, I was sold. Lets do it- but lets do it our way.Jim Ward is not a live in the past kind of person. I loved making that record and have a lot of great memories, but I also have a lot of not so great memories from that time period- it took me a long time to feel good in these shoes again. The band has evolved and I have no desire to go backwards.

- (585) 454-2809

- Available for pre-purchased tickets
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- Arrive at least 30 minutes before event start time

- Street parking available
- Metered parking on Monroe Avenue
- Limited free parking in nearby residential areas
- Recommended to arrive early for better parking options

- Limited wheelchair accessibility
- Small venue with some ground-level entry
- Contact venue in advance for specific accessibility needs

- 21+ for most shows
- No outside food or drinks
- No re-entry once you leave
- ID required for entry
- Cash bar

- Generally 21+ venue
- Rare all-ages shows might be permitted with parental supervision
- Check specific event details for age restrictions