Four-time Grammy winner Sarah Jarosz returns to Central New York, as does Texas troubadour Shakey Graves.
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!
Sweet Suite
Following up her Grammy-winning “World on the Ground,” Sarah Jarosz returns with “Blue Heron Suite,” released in March 2021. The multi-instrumentalist will be joined by bassist Jeff Picker and guitarist Jefferson Hamer, who recorded the suite with her, to perform it in its entirety along with other popular songs from her previous releases. Learn more here.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, with a 7 p.m. opening set from Tim Burns and the Stick Ponies (Liz Fiddle and Joey Arcuri)
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $30, available online here
MAQ Attack
South Hill Cider’s Monday Night Jazz series continues this week with MAQ, a quartet that performs everything from classic and modern jazz to Brazilian bossa and folk music. The lineup includes Eric Aceto (violin), Harry Aceto (bass), Doug Robinson (guitar, vocals), and Chad Lieberman (accordion). Learn more here. Note: Masks will be required when you are not seated. Bring your proof of vaccine for indoor service. Dancing will be allowed with masks on.
When: 4-7 p.m. Monday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free
Lessons and Carols
A beloved annual tradition returns with the Cornell University Lessons and Carols sung by the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club, interspersed with traditional readings by members of the Cornell community, with conductor Sarah Bowe and organist Anna Steppler. Co-sponsored by the Department of Music and the Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making and Cornell United Religious Work.
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Sage Chapel; the Monday performance will also be livestreamed at www.cornell.edu/video/
Cost: free
Please note important information: doors will open at 6:30 p.m. There is no indoor waiting area at Sage Chapel. Seating is limited to 75% capacity per Cornell policy and is first-come, first-served. Campus visitors and members of the public must adhere to Cornell’s public health requirements for events, which include wearing masks while indoors and providing proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Due to Covid restrictions, audience singing is not permitted indoors. A participatory carol sing will follow outdoors, weather permitting.
Coming to ‘America’
The Ithaca College Wind Ensemble, under the direction of James Spinazzola, will perform a varied program that includes: Karel Husa’s “Smetana Fanfare”; Charles Ives/Schuman/Rhodes’ Variations on “America”; David Borden/Spinazzola: Variations on “America” by Charles Ives as Heard on the Jingle Jangle Morning in Emerson Playground by You and the Signers of the United States Constitution (and who knows, maybe the FBI)”; Cindy McTee’s “The Unquestioned Answer”; Charles Mingus’s “Half-Mast Inhibition”; and Patrick Williams/Spinazolla’s “An American Concerto.” Featured performers include Greg Hesselink, cello, and Mike Titlebaum, alto saxophone. Note: This concert also will be streamed live here and will be available on-demand a few days after the concert.
When: 8:15 p.m. Monday
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College
Cost: free and open to all; masks required
Blues and Beyond
Tuesday Bluesday returns, with Dan Paolangeli, Andy Lockwood, and Friends laying down a variety of bluesy grooves throughout the evening. Special guests include Erin Mulrooney (of the Backwoods Blues Band) and Spencer Nachman and The Battlefront.
When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Dock
Cost: free
A Good Cause
The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce will present the “M&T Bank Great Big Chamber Thank You (and Auction) 2021,” a “celebratory and entertaining in-person event that keeps folks engaged and helps wrap up the 2021 year with warmth and gratitude. The evening will include ways to support local businesses and non-profit organizations alike!” As part of the Great Big Chamber Thank You ceremony, the evening will start with a networking reception catered by The Legacy by ARDM Enterprises LLC and also included the Annual Live Auction and award grants to the five Not For Profits. While not a full-fledged concert, live music will be provided by local favorites by the Cayuga Chamber and Youth Orchestras, Cal Walker, John Simon, and Singtrece. Masks and proof of vaccination are required, per State Theatre covid protocols.
When: 5:30- 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $25; Register in advance here.
Swinging Blues
Guitarists Harry Aceto and Wayne Gottlieb will join forces for an evening of blues, swing, and gypsy jazz. Expect to hear standards and a few originals throughout the night.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Brookton’s Market
Cost: free
String Thing
Richie Stearns, Rosie Newton, Steve Selin, and friends will be playing old-time music in the tasting room. Proof of vaccination is required for this indoor event. Hot soup, sausage, and cheese boards will be available, along with cocktails in addition to the cider.
When: 4-7 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free
In the Spotlight
New Vine Records’ Artist Spotlight Night returns with Leo and the Maydays teaming with Elmira-based singer-songwriter Timothy for an evening of original music in downtown Ithaca. Led by Hannah Madl (aka Leo), Leo and the Maydays just released their debut album, “Freshman,” which showcases her catchy melodies and deeply personal lyrics. The Maydays include Mike Parker, John Carter, and Tyler Flewelling. Find out more about both acts here.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: small cover
Great Shakes
Shakey Graves returns to Ithaca on his “Shakey Graves Was Here” tour. Born Alejandro Rose-Garcia, the Texas-bred singer-songwriter has released three albums, including 2018’s “Can’t Wake Up,” while building his ardent fanbase through incessant touring. S.G. Goodman, the Kentucky singer-songwriter promoting her debut album “Old Time Feeling,” will open the show. Masks and proof of vaccination are required, per State Theatre covid protocols.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: State Theatre
Cost: $30-$35, available online here.
More Events
Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge hosts its Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Crossroads Bar and Grille in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday