It’s a life that takes Erik ‘Goose’ Henning and his band, Polar Bear Club, across the United States and around the globe. One that gives Henning the chance to rub elbows with rock ‘n’ roll greats like Slash of Guns N’ Roses. And one that keeps him away from his hometown of Syracuse for 7-8 months each year. For Henning, there is no place like home.

 

‘I miss my girl, the food and my family,’ he said.

 

Henning will return home this Friday with Polar Bear Club for a show at Syracuse’s The Lost Horizon at 6:30p.m. (doors open at 6). Playing in Syracuse means Henning will return to where it all started. Going to shows in Syracuse since he was young is what got Henning into music in the first place.

 

‘I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for going to shows in Syracuse as a kid,’ he said.

 

Knowing people in the local music scene brought Henning to Polar Bear Club. The band formed in 2005 and Henning joined in 2008. The group — comprised of guitarist Nate Morris, drummer Tyler Mahurin, bassist Erik Henning, vocalist Jimmy Stadt and guitarist Chris Browne — shares a lot of history. They all met and grew up with each other in the same music scene.

 

‘I can’t imagine playing with any other group of guys,’ Henning said.

 

Polar Bear Club plays what Henning describes as melodic rock with punk influences. However, the band’s sources of inspiration are diverse. Henning favors Motown and bands like The Descendents, but is most inspired by his peers. Hearing music by his friends in bands like Balance and Composure motivates him to work harder at his own music.

 

‘It’s like, ‘God, I want to make an amazing record,‘’ Henning said.

 

Going to shows in Syracuse has given Henning an awareness of the local music scene. Crowds and venues come and go, he said, but Syracuse always has something to offer in the way of music. 

 

Henning remembers The Furnace as the ideal venue. People of all ages would go just to hang out even if they didn’t like the band. The Furnace has since closed, but Henning said there are still plenty of great venues in Syracuse, like The Lost Horizon.

 

‘Personally, it’s one of my favorite venues in the world,’ he said.

 

This Friday, Polar Bear Club will play a mix of songs from all of their albums, including their most recent record, ‘Clash Battle Guilt Pride.’ They may also perform a cover, but Henning won’t say for sure. He wants to keep some elements of surprise for the show.

 

What won’t be a surprise, though, is the audience. Henning says he hopes to see a lot of familiar faces at Friday’s show.

 

Surrounded by his friends and family, Henning’s homecoming show with Polar Bear Club is sure to be something special.

 

insimonc@syr.edu