This week sees Maddy Walsh reprise her stellar fall 2021 album release show in a different venue, two more album release shows from two Ithaca acts – Anthony Kannon and Night of the Iguana – and two more popular local bands – The Comb Down and Road Man – in action at Press Bay Alley’s third-anniversary celebration. Plus, legendary Brit singer-songwriter Joe Jackson comes to the State Theatre!
Please be sure to check each show’s event page for various venue protocols, as well as potential postponement or cancellation information. Stay safe, and enjoy as much live music as you can in the coming days!
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(Note: the concerts are listed below in chronological order)
Two of a Kind
A longtime favorite of CNY music fans, Eilen Jewell will make a welcome return to Ithaca for a show that was postponed from last fall due to flooding. She’ll open with a rare duo set with her stellar guitarist, Jerry Miller, who’s one of the best pickers around, and close out the night with a full band set. The Boise, Idaho-based Jewell’s eighth album, “Gypsy,” was released in 2019 by Signature Sounds – it showcases her trademark blend of country, blues, and folk while further burnishing her reputation as “Queen of the Minor Key.”
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $25-$30, available online here
Words and Music
Local singer-songwriter Tenzin Chopak (Rockwood Ferry, Swamp Kids) returns for a duo show with pianist Emmett Scott. A native of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Chopak has recorded six studio albums since 2011: three under his ensemble name Rockwood Ferry, and three under his own name. He also is a composer of commissioned soundtracks for environmental conservation films for various national Parks such as Lake Clark in Alaska and Big South Fork in Tennessee.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Getting LITZ
Maryland-based electro-funksters LITZ come to downtown Ithaca to showcase their deep catalog of original material and blend of guitar riffing, powerhouse horns, and propulsive rhythms. Learn more here.
When: 10 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10, available online here
Sounds of the Future
As part of the Cornell ReSounds Project, the Cornell Department of Music presents the FutureSounds Festival. It’s an instrument-builder’s extravaganza, featuring guest builders and performers Mark Stewart, Jesse Jones, Bart Hopkin, and Cory Smythe, as well as the newly designed instruments and compositions by Cornell students from the Music Department course FutureSounds. Learn more here.
When: 10:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University
Cost: free and open to all
South Hill Sounds
The Analogue Sons come to Ithaca’s South Hill, ready to showcase their distinctive blend of reggae, jazz, soul, dub rock, and Eastern European influences on a variety of original tunes. The band includes Mike Stark (keyboards), Lars Burggren (drums), Aaron Speiser (dubs, melodica), Alicia Aubin (trombone), Lee Hamilton (sax) and Jason Shegogue (guitar). DJ Hill will spin tunes at 6-7 p.m., followed by the band at 7:30-9:30 p.m.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: $10 at the door
French Connection
French ConéXion Redux, featuring Jeremy Spindler on accordion and Bernard Kunz on guitar, is a unique cultural exploration of music in the French Musette tradition, Gypsy jazz à la Django Reinhardt, Tangos, Brazilian choros, and forrós. The two create music that sparks the imagination, whether it’s traditional standards or original compositions. The small format of the duo allows for intuitive interaction, interpretation, and improvisation at every turn of their performance.
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts
Cost: $12 in advance, available online here; $15 at the door
Buffalo Blues
Miller and the Other Sinners Trio come to Trumansburg. They’re led by guitarist-singer David Michael Miller, who has shared the stage with artists such as Gary Clark, Jr., Jonny Lang, The Steve Miller Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Shemekia Copeland, James Cotton, the late Bobby Blue Bland, and many more. The band can be described as “imagining Chris Stapleton blended with ZZ Top and Tower of Power, the structure of solid songs and freedom for moving jams.” Their latest release is the EP, “Rise.” Learn more here.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Garrett's Brewing Company
Cost: small cover
Organ Sketches
The Music at St. Luke series continues with organist Michael Plagerman, who will perform Mulet's “Byzantine Sketches.” This recital will be performed live and all are invited in person, or it will also be livestreamed at the Music at St. Luke youtube channel and available on-demand afterward.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: St. Luke Lutheran Church, 109 Oak St., Collegetown
Cost: free
Two of a Kind
Ithaca singer-songwriter Jessie Gray will perform her original songs and some covers, joined by Lydia Garrison on fiddle and vocals, who will also share a few original songs.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost: donation suggested
Release Show Redux
Maddy Walsh will reprise her solo album release show from last fall, performing both of her 2021 releases, “Humanmade Thing” and “The Tunnel Sessions,” as well as a set of brand-new music and select covers. She’ll be joined by an all-star band featuring members from the Sim Redmond Band, Gunpoets, Driftwood, and Ayurveda. The audience will also view the “Humanmade Thing” short film between sets.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $20, available online here
Read an extensive Q&A with Maddy Walsh from last fall, in which she discusses her solo projects, this all-star band lineup, and much more!
Glory Bound
Two of the best songwriters to come out of upstate New York in recent years will join forces for a show in Ithaca. Syracuse native Martin Sexton is touring in support of his latest EP, “2020 Vision,” which was released in September “as a snapshot of the pandemic, capturing moments of clarity and optimism.” The EP was produced by John Alagia (Paul Simon, Lukas Nelson) and features a guest appearance from John Mayer. Find out more here. Carthage native Mike Powell draws from a catalog of more than 200 original songs; he’ll be joined by his longtime accompanist, guitarist John Hanus.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $35, available online here
Downtown Takeover
Local nonprofit label New Vine Records is taking over the Range for May, with Friday and Saturday shows on tap for each weekend through the end of the month. Each show will feature a New Vine act paired with another local artist. The takeover continues this weekend: Friday will feature Leo and the Maydays along with Kitestring, while Saturday will feature Metasequoia. All three bands have recently released albums for New Vine Records. See the full schedule here.
When: 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Where: The Range
Cost: small cover
Read more about the new albums from Leo and the Maydays and Metasequoia.
Ready for Release
Continuing his busy, prolific 2022, hometown rapper Anthony Kannon returns to the stage to celebrate the release of his latest album, “The King is Dead.” DJ Jona will also spin tunes throughout the night. Find out more here.
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10, available online here; $15 at the door
It’s a Celebration
Press Bay Alley in downtown Ithaca will host its third-anniversary party featuring music from two of Ithaca’s top bands: The Comb Down and Road Man. There will also be specialty vendors, craft beer from Lucky Hare, and food from Smash Bros. and Luna Street Food.
When: noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; Road Man at 3-5 p.m., The Comb Down at 6-9 p.m.
Where: Press Bay Alley, West Green Street
Cost: free
A Whole Lotta Love
The Diana Jacobs Band, one of Auburn’s most popular acts, will host a long-overdue release show to celebrate its new album, “Love Each Other, Love Our World.” The soul-funk-R&B band is fronted by singer Diana Jacobs (winner of two Syracuse Area Music Awards) and her husband, bassist-guitarist Mettis Jacobs, and features some of the region’s top players. Find out more here.
https://dianajacobs.net/
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Prison City North Street Urban Farm, 251 North St., Auburn
Cost: $20 (includes a copy of the CD and light fare); available online here
Foy Sure
Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, Foy Vance has toured the world with Ed Sheeran, Bonnie Raitt, Marcus Foster, Snow Patrol, and Sir Elton John. He’s signed to Gingerbread Man Records (Sheeran’s label for Atlantic), which released his 2016 album “The Wild Swan” (executive produced by Elton John) and will release his upcoming record, “Signs of Life.” In 2019, Vance released two unique companion albums, “From Muscle Shoals” and “To Memphis”: “Recorded in a matter of days at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and at Sam Phillips Recording Studio in Memphis, the two albums pay homage to the Soul and Americana traditions that influence his songwriting.” Learn more here. Lee Rogers and Gareth Dunlop round out the bill for the show.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $32-$35, available online here
Because the Night
Local trio Night of the Iguana celebrates the release of its self-titled debut, which showcases the band’s “angular indie rock shot through with noise and atmosphere.” The group features Steve Gollnick (Hubcap, Insect Brigade), Mike Parker (Ayurveda, The Blind Spots) and Eva Revesz (Alter Koker, The Witching). Check them out here. They’ll be joined by Secret Service Men and New Motor Club, two members of the “Practice at Pete’s” indie-rock family that have each recently released an album.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $5
Strings in Spring
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will present “Mendelssohn and Shostakovich,” featuring performances of Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op 73” and Mendelssohn’s “String Quintet No. 1 in A Major, Op 18.” According to the CCO: “Mendelssohn was only 17 when he wrote this quintet, but the creativity and effortless technique on display would make this uplifting music an accomplishment at any age. Some of Shostakovich’s best music can be found in his string quartets. While these composers had vastly different styles, the two works here are connected through the clear echoes of Beethoven’s influence.” Featured performers include Anthony Bracewell, violin; Kirsten Marshall, violin; Victoria Miskolczy, viola; Brandon Gianetto, viola; and Elizabeth Simkin, cello.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: First Unitarian Church of Ithaca
Cost: $30 for adults, $10 for students with ID, 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), Chad Lieberman (accordion), and Charlie Shew (percussion). Learn more here.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free
Blues at Bonavista
Fore! Fast-rising blues guitarist Gabe Stillman tees off Bonavista Golf Course's "Concerts at the Course" Summer Concert Series. Hailing from Williamsport, Pa., Stillman quickly earned a reputation as one of the most talented young guitar slingers on the blues scene. His first two albums, “The Grind” and “Flyin’ High,” the latter on which he’s backed by the Nighthawks, have been followed by his latest album, “Just Say the Word,” which features the Texas Horns and guest appearances by Anson Funderburgh (who produced the album), Sue Foley, and Greg Izor. Find out more here.
When: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 18
Where: Bonavista State Park Golf Course, 7194 Country Road 132, Ovid
Cost: free admission
Got the Time
Joe Jackson brings “The Sing, You Sinners!” Tour to Ithaca, which will feature songs from his whole career, including some that haven’t been heard on stage in many years. He’ll be joined by the same band that accompanied him on his last album, “Fool,” and his successful 2019 “Four Decade Tour”: Graham Maby (bass, vocals), Teddy Kumpel (guitar, vocals), and Doug Yowell (drums, vocals, electronics). Find out more here.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 18
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $39.50-$59.50, available online here
More Events
The Northside String Band is at the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday
13Degrees returns to Bar Argos at 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
Good Dog is at the Bike Bar at 6 p.m. Wednesday
Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Jeremy Bussman hosts the weekly Open Mic Night at the Upstairs at 7-10 p.m. Wednesday
JP Payton and Loveday are at Brookton’s Market at 6 p.m. Saturday
Aiken is at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse back to The Ridge in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
The Scale House Brewery hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
The Vinyl Lounge continues its weekly residency at Trumansburg’s Atlas Bowl at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
The Dutchess of Spirit Posse will host a DJ dance party at the Range at 9 p.m. Thursday
StratCat Willie and the Strays are at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
The Bob Keefe Trio is at Bright Leaf Vineyard at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday
The Purple Valley returns to Hopshire Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Tink Bennett is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The Local Farmers Union is at Summerhill Brewing at 6 p.m. Friday
The Sweats are at Two Goats Brewing at 6 p.m. Friday
M3 is at ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Dylan Doyle is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Rollin’ Rust is at BRU64 in Cortland at 7 p.m. Friday
Exit 11 is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
NEO Project returns to Little Venice in Trumanburg at 9:30 p.m. Friday
The Look is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Johnny Dowd is at Stone Bend Farm at 4-7 p.m. Saturday
Josiah is at Chateau Dusseau at 3-6 p.m. Saturday
Nick Santamarina is at Ithaca Coffee Company at 5-7 p.m. Saturday
Jen Cork is at Summerhill Brewing at 6 p.m. Saturday
The Rollin’ Rust is at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Far Trio is at Two Goats Brewing at 6 p.m. Saturday
Top Shelf is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Aiken is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
The Sorters are at Grist Iron Brewing at 12-4 p.m. Sunday
Tom Chick is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Sunday
Fools Hill in Spencer hosts its weekly Open Mic “Chill on the Hill” at 1-7 p.m. Sunday
Virgil Cain is at Homer Hops at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
The Nelson Brothers are at the Cortland Country Music Park at 2-5 p.m. Sunday ($8)
Rena Guinn is at Solera Tap House at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Chickenwire Parachute is at Two Goats Brewing at 4 p.m. Sunday
Ted Walsh and Tom Gath kick off the 2022 Firelight Live concert series at Firelight Camps (behind La Tourelle) at 6-8 p.m. Tuesday
The Center for the Arts in Homer hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday
Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Jeremy Bussman hosts the weekly Open Mic Night at the Upstairs at 7-10 p.m. Wednesday
Lynn Wiles and Jessica Bindel are at the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday
