A folk legend returns to town, two up-and-coming Nashville acts make their Ithaca debut, and three top local songwriters unveil their secrets in a special online workshop. Plus, Cornell Cinema hosts another cool event!
Please be sure to check with each show’s event page for various venue protocols, as well as potential postponement or cancellation information due to the weather. Stay safe, and enjoy as much live music as you can in the coming days!
Three of a Kind
Legendary folk singer Tom Paxton will return to Ithaca accompanied by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter duo The Don Juans – Don Henry and Jon Vezner. “Within days of writing and playing together, they knew they were onto something. Now they’re taking it on the road!” according to Paxton’s website. Collectively, their songs have been covered by Harry Belafonte, John Mellencamp, Miranda Lambert, Neil Diamond, Ray Charles, Nancy Griffith, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Janis Ian, Kathy Mattea, John Denver, Faith Hill, B.J. Thomas, Blake Shelton, Peter, Paul & Mary and Bob Dylan. Now 83, Paxton is a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and known for songs such as “What Did You Learn In School Today?” “The Last Thing On My Mind,” “Ramblin’ Boy,” “Bottle Of Wine, “Whose Garden Was This?,” “Goin’ To The Zoo,” and more.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $35-$40, available here
Nashville Night
Nashville comes to Ithaca this week as Seaforth teams with singer-songwriter Dillon Carmichael for show at the Dock. The country-pop duo Seaford includes songwriters Tom Jordan and Mitch Thompson, who moved from the Northern Beaches of Australia to Nashville to make their musical mark. Learn more here. Carmichael will release his album, “Son Of A,” on Oct. 22; it includes the single “Pickin’ Up Girls,” featuring the Cadillac Three. His previous album, “Hot Beer,” included the hit “Big Truck.” Find out more here. Area favorites Chasing Neon will open the show.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Dock
Cost: $25, available online here.
30 Years and Counting
Known for hits such as “Walk on the Ocean,” “All I Want,” “Something’s Always Wrong,” and “Fall Down,” indie rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket are marking 30 years as a band – they formed in 1986, but took a few breaks along the way. The current lineup includes founding members Glen Phillips (vocalist-guitarist), Todd Nichols (guitar), bassist Dean Dinning (bass), and recently added drummer Josh Daubin. Stephen Kellogg will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $45 and up, tickets are available by calling 607-749-4900 or online here.
String Master
Delta Mike Shaw will come to the Trumansburg Farmers Market, showcasing his extensive catalog of rootsy originals, along with the occasional cover song.
When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Trumansburg Village Park, corner of Routes 227 and 96
Cost: free
Event Info
https://www.facebook.com/events/152768970192201
Abundant Vibes
Local singer-songwriter Kevin Kinsella will showcase songs from his deep repertoire, including his work with John Brown’s Body, various solo projects, and recent recordings. His latest release is “Festival,” a collaboration with Johnny Cosmic. Find out more here.
When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Stonecat Café, Hector
Cost: free
Dynamic Duo
Joe and San – the duo of Joe Arcuri and Sandrinne Edstrom – will come to Ithaca’s south hill to showcase their acoustic chops, luscious harmonies and insightful lyrics. Arcuri is known for playing bass with Driftwood and many other regional bands, while Edstrom has an impressive stage, dance and musical background. Michael Schuler will round out the lineup on bass. Finger Lakes Flatbread will sell wood-fired pizza throughout the night.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free
Piano Man
The “Midday Music” series features pianist Thomas Feng, who will perform “Duets for Two Hands” with works by Ann Southam, Vivian Fine, and Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou.
When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Lincoln B20, Cornell University
Cost: free
Going Solo
Hot on the heels of releasing his latest album, “No Man Is An Island,” hair-tossing keyboardist Samuel B. Lupowitz returns to downtown Ithaca for a solo show at the Lucky Hare stage. He’ll play a variety of material from his past and present projects, along with whatever else inspires him.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Press Bay Alley
Cost: free
Singers and Songs
In a Spring Writes workshop “A Demystification of Songwriting,” Ithaca favorites Jennie Lowe Stearns, Johnny Dowd, and Mary Lorson will break down their individual writing practice. “We will investigate this craft with hopes to reveal as much of the mystery of the process as possible. Each will perform a song or two that they have recently written. We will also address the deeper questions surrounding why we write songs and what are some surprising effects the process has on us in our lives.”
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Online
Cost: free; register in advance here
Cinematic Masterpiece
Cornell Cinema will present a special screening of “The Goddess” (1934), with live musical accompaniment by Min Xiao-Fen (pipa) and Rez Abbasi (guitar). A masterpiece of Chinese cinema's silent era, this heart-wrenching tale stars legendary actress Ruan Lingyu as a single mother who works as a prostitute so she can afford an education for her young son. Min's score was released as the album “White Lotus” in June. “The music she has written draws from across the spectrum of Chinese heritage, including references to Tibetan chants as well as other folk forms, while remaining in contact with her jazz influences.” (New York Times) Learn more here.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Willard Straight Theatre, Cornell University
Cost: $12 general, $10 students ($2 off for All-Access Pass holders)
Whale of a Project
The Cornell Department of Music presents the Whale Listening Project, a series of events taking place that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking multi-platinum recording “Songs of the Humpback Whale” and explore the meanings of whale songs through a new sonically immersive installation piece and a collaborative workshop.
When: Thursday-Sunday
Where: various locations
Cost: free
World Music
The Cornell Concert Series presents a virtual concert from composer, trumpeter, santur player, and vocalist Amir ElSaffar. With a classical background, he is also conversant not only in the language of contemporary jazz, but has created techniques to play microtones and ornaments idiomatic to Arabic music, using techniques from Iraqi maqam music to create an innovative approach to harmony and melody.
When: This concert will be available for free through Sept. 29
Where: Online at cornellconcertseries.com; you will not need an account to view the video during this time.
Cost: free
Event Info