"i've been playing music in ithaca for over 30 years and this town has never had a better or more supportive venue as well as being an overall cultural space [literary events etc.] downstairs is an essential part of downtown."

"The Downstairs plays an essential role in Ithaca's arts community. Ashley provides a warm, safe, respectful environment for performers and audiences to come together and support each other. I have performed in Ithaca's stand-up comedy night, hosted by Kenneth McLaurin, and in Trampoline, Ithaca's own version of The Moth storytelling series, hosted by Mickie Quinn. Both of these monthly events have found a wonderful new home since Ashley opened The Downstairs--the size is perfect and the sound quality is excellent."

"The Downstairs, in its relatively short existence, has already become a sought-after venue for local performers — including solo musicians, bands, DJs, poets, writers, stand-up comedians and more. I myself feel that I've found a creative "home" where I can host smaller, low-profile events designed for audiences who want to listen while seated with friends more so than dance and let loose."

"The staff and owner have an appreciation and love of the arts and enjoy the diversity of programming that their space can support.

There is no place in or around Ithaca like The Downstairs that can support small-scale performance art. We are so lucky to have them in our community."

"I've attended a handful of shows and presentations at The Downstairs, and I'm here to tell you: This is exactly what Ithaca needs. It is both an intimate space but an open space; I always felt close to the musicians but also like I had plenty of room around me. The space itself is gorgeous and unique to Ithaca. It reminds me of jazz clubs from other cities. This is a venue to brag about.

In short, The Downstairs is not only a remarkable venue-- it is a necessary venue, and Ithaca would do well to keep it."

"The Downstairs is the only public space in Ithaca focused on providing a venue for “outsider” non-profit driven music performance. Although it is a new space, it is already proving vital to an under-served community... and when one opens up it must be nurtured, especially if it is interested in providing something new. Let’s keep this place healthy."

"Feels like a cool friend's living room. It felt inviting and warm. I was coming here all the time... I realized this is the kind of place I want to support. I felt that the idea of collective listening was really important. For me, making the decision of becoming a member was about supporting that [concept] of community listening."

"This space offers such incredible flexibility for all sort of variety of live events... it feels like with all of the creative energy, there is going to be so much more coming down the pipeline. And I think that is what draws me to this space, future possiblities that I know I'm going to see, that I know I will get to experience if I support The Downstairs."