As one of three LGBT+ bars/clubs in Syracuse, Wunderbar contributes to much needed queer spaces. However, at the end of October, the owners of the building Wunderbar sits in will be selling, leaving Wunderbar unsure of where they will go or when they will reopen. In their last month at the downtown location, Wunderbar took advantage of their time and hosted events almost every night they were open. Though the future for Wunderbar remains unknown, the queer community in Syracuse continued to take advantage of the space Wunderbar provided in their last days.
“Wunderbar” is a documentary photography project that follows Wunderbar in their final month, examining not only the importance of queer spaces in smaller cities like Syracuse, but how community perseveres through times of uncertainty.
Wunderbar, Syracuse, New York October 7 2021. A guest sits at the bar while waiting for the night's event to start. In the main area of the building, guests are able to get drinks and bar food before going to the black box for the main event. Wunderbar, Syracuse,
Cosplay Queens event, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY September 30, 2023. Morticia Monroe wears her last outfit of the event, sporting a bright yellow wig against a blue suit. Morticia was one of three performers of the night. After the drag queens and king finished their performances, guests dressed in cosplay were invited to the stage to show off their dancing and lipsynching skills. Those performing ranged from Daisy from Super Mario Bro's to fairies wearing 6 foot wide wings.
Thinning of the Veil, Wunderbar, Syracuse October 7, 2023. Deviant Dance Productions held an immersive art exhibit at Wunderbar. The guided tour led people through three floors of performances, each involving elaborate costumes and dances. Throughout the tour, guests were given their own masks to fully immerse themselves with the actors. In addition to their label as a bar, Wunderbar is also a theater and frequently hosted different groups to bring more events to the community.
Wunderbar, Syracuse, New York, October 21, 2023. Within Wunderbar you can find two restrooms, both labeled as "all gender" restrooms. As a queer space, Wunderbar provides an inclusive environment to not only the queer community, but all those who choose to visit.
Repo Man, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY October 21, 2023. Sonic Youke, a Syracuse based ukulele group played live to the sci-fi movie "Repo Man". Throughout the movie, the band would play during all the musical parts.
Repo Man, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY October 21, 2023. Repo Man brought a crowd that spanned many ages to the event. Before the show began, the main area was filled with people waiting to file in to get the best views. During the songs, the crowd sang and danced along to the music, engaging not only with the movie but the band that made the movie live.
The last garage sale, Wunderbar, Syracus, NY October 22, 2023. As Wunderbar still looks for a new location, they have hosted garage sales to help downsize. Items varied from clothing, to trinkets, to furniture that sat in the main lounge. While Wunderbar still plans to relocate, without knowing the size of their new space they've had to sell many of their items.
Bitch, Boo! Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY, October 28, 2023. Bitch, Boo! was wunderbar's final big party at their current venue. Since it was halloween weekend, guests were encouraged to dress up in costumes. People danced along to music by DJ Shakey and DJ Cassidey until 1:00am. Panda, a guest at that night's event, was visiting Wunderbar for the first time. Dressed as morticia adams, she made sure to get photos with every person whose costume she liked. She said, "Wunderbar has a positive community and I feel bummed I didn't go more."
Bitch Boo, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY, October 28, 2023. At their last big party in their current venue, Wunderbar provided the opportunity to get tarot card readings. Attendees waited to hear what the cards had in store for their futures.
Drag Brunch Halloween Edition, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY October 29, 2023. Aggie Dune scratches the head of Shirley Jones. Jones attended the drag brunch with her family to celebrate her 92nd birthday. It was not only her first time at wunderbar, but her first time at a drag show at all. When asked how she felt about it, she said enthusiastically, "Oh, it's fantastic." Throughout the show, the drag queens made sure to give extra attention to Jones.
Drag Brunch Halloween Edition, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY October 29, 2023. Tanner Efinger, owner and managing director of Wunderbar, was the emcee for the drag show. After taking a shot with drag queen, Yuka Liptis, from shot glasses that said "Drag is not a crime", Tanner asked the crowd how many of them had never been to Wunderbar. Ages ranged from the youngest at 16, to the oldest at 92. Many had come to the show with their families. Although it was their first time at Wunderbar, Tanner encouraged them to lookout for Wunderbar's new location.
Drag Brunch Halloween Edition, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY October 29, 2023. Aggie Dune walks during her final performance of the brunch. As she moves through the crowd, attendees hold up dollar bills for her to grab. During drag performances, drag queens are tipped by the watchers. As they lipsynched around the blackbox, Tanner followed them with a laundry basket to put in all the one dollar bills they aquired.
The last garage sale, Wunderbar, Syracuse, NY October 22, 2023. Two guests sit at the bar during Wunderbar's final garage sale. After the sale, the normally filled and lively bar appeared more empty than usual. While Wunderbar may no longer exist in this location, it is not the end for them. Currently Wunderbar is looking for a new space, hoping to remain in the downtown Syracuse area. While many guests are sad about Wunderbar's departure, they remain hopeful. Kiara, an attendent at the Bitch, Boo! party expressed, "It's sad that Wunderbar is leaving, but we'll find a new space. We're a strong community and we'll find our way back to each other."