Here is a show that earns the drive from wherever you are sitting in central New York: Parmalee at The Haven of the Wild in Chittenango on Friday, September 11. If you have not heard of this venue yet, that is about to change.
The Haven of the Wild is exactly what it sounds like — an outdoor event space set against an African savanna backdrop, with actual wildlife on the property. Giraffes. Zebras. Wide open sky. There is nowhere else in central New York where you can catch a full country show with that kind of scenery behind the stage. Doors open at 6:00 PM, music starts at 7:00 PM, and general admission means you can find your own sweet spot on the grounds. Chairs are available for purchase at the door and outside chairs are welcome — so pack accordingly.
Parmalee is the band headlining this, and they are worth the ticket. The Greenville, North Carolina quartet — brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and lifelong friend Josh McSwain — has spent the better part of a decade turning country radio into their personal scoreboard. Six number-one hits. Over 1.6 billion streams. Their single “Cowgirl” held the top spot longer than any band had managed in nearly 14 years on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Their 2025 album Fell in Love with a Cowgirl is the latest chapter, and the current single “God Knew Better” has the kind of hook that sticks around whether you want it to or not.
Live, Parmalee is known for bringing the crowd into it — not just performing at you, but working the room (or in this case, the open field) until everyone has forgotten how they got there. This show is part of The Haven’s summer concert series, which has also featured The Band Perry, Montgomery Gentry, and Drake Milligan — a lineup that tells you this venue is serious about booking.
Tickets & Details
Tickets start at $25 and are general admission (standing). Chairs available for purchase at the door; outside chairs permitted. Doors at 6:00 PM, music at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets here.