Pitbull and T-Pain bring the party to Syracuse

As the sun set on the final days of summer, Pitbull and T-Pain took us on a time machine back to the golden era of party anthems, a perfect farewell to the season. Even the security staff seemed to sense the magic in the air.

I arrived fashionably late, heart racing at the thought of missing T-Pain’s set. But in true rockstar fashion, the marketing manager whisked me to the stage in a golf cart, anxiety fading with each passing beer-chugging, bush-urinating fan I spotted. The crowd was alive, women dressed in tuxedos, rocking shades, full Pitbull swag. It was party time, and everyone knew it.

Let’s start with T-Pain. If Pitbull is the smooth operator of the duo, T-Pain is the charismatic jester, in the best way possible. His set was a whirlwind of nostalgia, humor, and high energy. As he belted out his iconic autotuned hooks, it was hard not to get lost in the moment. I’ll admit it, I was supposed to be shooting the show, but who can resist vibing along when there’s a 60-something-year-old woman next to you singing every word to “Buy U a Drank” like it’s 2007? T-Pain brought the party, and we all gladly joined in.

Then there was Pitbull, Mr. Worldwide himself. Descending the stairs like the messiah of good times, flanked by dancers, the amphitheater erupted. If the light design and stage setup were any indication, we were in for a ride. There’s something about hearing “Hotel Room Service”  live that flips a switch. It’s not about the lyrics anymore, it’s an invitation to forget about the weight of the world, to dance like you’ve got no worries.

Photo by Maxine Wallace

Pitbull’s Party After Dark tour thrilled fans on September 7, 2024 at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in Syracuse, New York.

For anyone who came of age between 2005 and 2014, these anthems are woven into the soundtrack of our lives. When Pitbull and T-Pain take the stage, it’s more than just music, it’s a reminder that for a few hours, we can escape back to that carefree era, even if just for one more song.

Photo by Maxine Wallace

Sarah Colwell (left), Brianana Galangi(center), and Kanenishon Arquiet(right), all just really love Pitbull. Here they pose for a photo.