There’s a brand-new venue in Central New York that feels straight out of a dream. Haven of the Wild isn’t just another Airbnb or event space—it’s America’s only concert venue surrounded by a living safari. Yep, while you’re singing along to country hits, you’ve got zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and more wandering just outside. Saturday night, the place came alive with a stacked lineup: local star Claudia Hoyser, cover band favorites Nicholas Stark and Them Dudes, and headliner Tyler Farr.
Claudia Hoyser set the tone perfectly. She’s one of those artists who can make a stage feel like home in seconds, her voice strong and smooth with just enough grit to keep it country. The crowd leaned in to her originals, but she had everyone belting along on the covers too—she knows how to connect, and it shows. She performed her new single, “Tides Gonna Rise,” and met with fans after her set.
Following Claudia’s more intimate set, Nicholas Stark & These Dudes took over, and man, they’re just plain fun. A band that thrives on energy, they powered through rock and country covers that had people on their feet. You could tell they weren’t just playing music—they were throwing a party, and we were all invited.
By the time Tyler Farr hit the stage, Haven of the Wild was buzzing. He delivered hit after hit with the kind of rough-edged, powerhouse vocals he’s known for. His set featured fan favorites and emotional deep cuts, like “Redneck Crazy.”
What elevated his performance was his willingness to break the performer-audience barrier. At one point he left the stage entirely and walked through the crowd, singing face-to-face with fans and making the show feel participatory and spontaneous. That kind of gesture turned his set from a concert into a shared experience.
This show at The Haven of the Wild was more than just a concert, it felt like a statement. The venue, and its bold fusion of nature and live music, passed its first real test. With acts like Claudia, Nicholas Stark & These Dudes, and Tyler Farr delivering strong, emotionally honest performances – with a wild safari as VIP guests – CNY now has a concert venue worthy of national attention.
For more on Tyler Farr, click here.
For more on Claudia Hoyser, click here.
For more on Nicholas Stark and These Dudes, click here.
For more on the only venue in America with a vip guest list of giraffes, zebras and more at –
The Haven of the Wild, click here.
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