It’s another busy weekend in and around Ithaca. Check out these shows, which offer everything from 1970s pop and fiery reggae to indie rock and Celtic folk.
Carefree Highways
Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot returns to Ithaca with his “80 Years Strong” tour, which will feature deep cuts from his many albums along with hits such as “Rainy Day People, “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Carefree Highway,” “Sundown” and “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” all tied together by stories and anecdotes from his long career.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $35-$75
Info: stateofithaca.com, www.lightfoot.ca
Reggae Return
Fronted by fiery vocalist Jessica Brown, the Syracuse-based reggae-dub-soul-rock Root Shock continues to build its fan base through relentless touring throughout the northeast. Local favorites Kite String and Road Man (solo) will open, with DJ Mike Judah spinning tunes between sets.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $12
Info: thehaunt.com, rootshockmusic.com
Joining Forces
Ithaca College bands Quail and Kyra Skye will mark the end of the semester with a show in downtown Ithaca. In August 2017, Skye released her debut album "Summer Nights" that she singlehandedly wrote, performed, produced, and mastered. Fronted by singer Maddy Carroll, Quail is an octet specializing in funk and R&B.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge and Tea Bar
Cost: $5
Info: www.facebook.com/events/801879816864893/, www.kyraskye.com, www.facebook.com/thequailtrail/
It’s a Launch
Local authors Liz Bowen and Marty Cain have chapbooks coming out – “Compassion Fountain” (Hyacinth Girl Press, 2019) and “Four Essays” (Tammy, 2019), respectively – so “we're doing a wild launch party that will also be a wild loud show!” with music sets by SLFHLP (seasonally appropriate synthy summery beats), Wildflwr (indie power trio) and Joyous Shrub 666 (surf punk for people who don't live near the ocean).
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Chantiloft
Cost: small cover charge
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2359591090939185/
Let’s Dance
It’s time for another Bowie & Company Dance Party, with DJs Bob Proehl and Alex Reed spinning tunes from David Bowie and his musical peers. All proceeds will go to Out for Health (outforhealth.org), Planned Parenthood of the Southern Lakes’ LGBT Health and Wellness Program.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Casita del Polaris
Cost: Donations
Info: www.facebook.com/events/2448139638847174/
Bring on the Brass
The Fall Creek Brass Band returns for a night of fun-filled street music that blends jazz, funk, pop, hiphop and rock influences. Expect to hear originals from their two albums, as well as their takes on classic tunes.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $5
Info: therangeithaca.com, www.facebook.com/events/2381444588573055/
Getting ‘Philthy’
The “Philthy Evolution Party” will offers sets from Proper Philth with EVO Evolution, Junkyard Theory, and the debut of The Good and the Wicked, a new funk band featuring London McDaniel, Ramsey Fulcher, Mike Barry and Daniel Borcherding.
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Lot 10
Cost: $5
Info:https://www.facebook.com/events/2253281914942625/
Take me to ‘The Other Side’
The Cosmic Joke Collective – Ithaca’s monthly creative salon – will host "The Other Side." This round will feature sets from one-man band Cozmic Theo, Heather Sandford and Josh Dolan of the 86ers, Strange Heavy’s McKenzie Lauren Jones, Honey Cave’s Lora Pendleton, and raucous old-time trio Pine Box.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lot 10 Lounge
Cost: $5
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/626823734396765/
Sego Genesis
Indie-pop band Sego will make its Ithaca debut Originally from Utah and now based in Los Angeles, the quartet takes its name from Utah’s state flower, the sego lily. The band’s latest album, “Sego Sucks,” just came out. Locals Jake and the Nowhere Men and BadNew will open.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $12
Info: theHaunt.com, www.facebook.com/SegoMusic
Coastal Celtic
Bound for Glory closes out its spring season with Castlebay, the Maine-based Celtic duo of Julia Lane and Fred Gosbell, who combine a variety of influences.
When: 8-11 p.m. Sunday
Where: Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University
Cost: free
Info: boundforglory.org, www.castlebay.net
Acoustic Alchemy
NeedtoBreathe will make its Ithaca debut. Led by brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart, this Grammy-nominated band from South Carolina will bring its intimate “Acoustic Live” tour to Ithaca. Their latest studio album, “H A R D L O V E” topped various charts in 2016, while the new “Acoustic Live Vol. 1” captures highlights from the 2018 legs of the tour. Nashville singer-songwriter Trent Dabbs will open.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $34.50-$54.50
Info: stateofithaca.com, www.needtobreathe.com