It’s another busy week on the CNY music scene: Modest Mouse, the War on Drugs, and the Wood Brothers are at Beak & Skiff; Los Straitjackets and Nick Lowe come to the Homer Center for the Arts; and Jason Isbell and Sheryl Crow come to CMAC! Plus, a remarkable array of styles will be showcased on area stages, with everything from jazz, Celtic, and rock to metal, punk, and folk available for your listening pleasure.
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!
(Note: the concerts are listed below in chronological order)
Rongo Revival
Richie Stearns and Friends will reconstitute The Rongo Band that played old-time tunes and fiddle music at the now-defunct Rongovian Embassy in Trumansburg. Richie will be joined by longtime compatriots Rosie Newton, Steve Selin, and Ben Gould for a mix of old-time tunes, country classics, and original songs.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Room with a Vieux
The CFCU Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series kicks off its 2022 season with Vieux Farka Touré, the acclaimed guitarist from Mali who is carrying on the legacy of his father, the legendary Ali Farka Toure. Vieux just released a new album, “Les Racines,” which see him “return to the deep roots of the Desert Blues music that his father introduced to the world and Vieux spent most of his career to date exploring, experimenting with, and expanding.” Find out more about him here.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion, The Commons
Cost: free
Blues on the Farm
The Brewhouse Blues Jam will feature many of the Tuesday Bluesday players who have kept the spirit of the music alive in Ithaca over the past decade. The house band will start off the evening, with others welcome to join in as the night progresses. “Thankful for a Farm to Fork Grant to help us spice up our CSA pick-up night with our Brewhouse Blues Jam! … Hopshire feels honored to host and carry on a long-standing Ithaca blues jam tradition. We invite you all to come on out and enjoy the Blues whether or not you play an instrument. All you have to do is bring yourself and your Blues attitude. You pick up your CSA share and we will supply the mojo. All are welcome.”
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Hopshire Farm and Brewery
Cost: free
Floating On
Modest Mouse returns to upstate New York, with frontman Isaac Brock and company touring to promote their latest album, “The Golden Casket,” which produced the single “We Are Between.” Find out more here.
The Cribs, the British indie rock band that comprises twins Gary and Ryan Jarman and their younger brother Ross Jarman, will open the show.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday (postponed from Tuesday due to bad weather)
Where: Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards, 2708 Lords Hill Road (Route 80), LaFayette
Cost: $49.50-$164.50, available online here
Edge of Experimentation
The ElectroZone returns to present a show featuring Sunnnner (“outsider, experimental no-wave from Boulder, Colo”.), Thurbs (“modular synthesizers, electronic drums, wah-wah guitars, and sometimes saxophones from Ithaca”), and Black, MA (the Ithaca-based DJ project of Lexi Turner).
When: 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost:
Triple Threat
The 86ers will team with the Sugar Lumps to support the Swamp Rats, the Florida-based duo of Scotty Crow (guitar) and Andy Starkey (banjo) that blends folk, punk, bluegrass, and blues influences.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Pete’s Cayuga Bar
Cost: small cover
Welcome Return
Resuming a Cornell Reunion tradition that’s more than a century old, The Savage Club of Ithaca will return to the stage after a two-year hiatus to showcase its eclectic brand of entertainment. The Savage Club of Ithaca is a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization, with a “mission to cultivate a lifelong pursuit and enjoyment of the arts through our support of community groups and events.”
When: 8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Statler Auditorium, Cornell University
Cost: $15, available online here
Funk for Lunch
The Funky Lunch debuts in downtown Ithaca, with some of Ithaca's favorite DJs spinning disco, house, and funk every Friday from noon to 1:30 p.m. First up is Proper Philth, who will spin acidic disco and much more at this family-friendly event.
When: 12-1:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion
Cost: free
Family Ties
Postponed from Dec. 12, 2021, this is the Walsh Family's annual variety show, as well as the official release of Ted Walsh’s latest album "Historical Fiction.” (Read a feature story from December about the album here.) GoGone will round out the evening with a set of originals and a few covers.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Hopshire Farms and Brewery
Cost: free; donations welcome
Musical Gumbo
Plan Z is a “collaboration of originals mixing jazz, funk, blues, fusion, with plenty of soul.” The band features Zaun Marshburn on drums and synth, Paul Merrill on trumpet, Mike Stark on keys, Marc Devokaitis on sax/flute, Ryan Zawel on trombone/sousaphone, Keir Neuringer on alto sax and Jason Tubbs on electric bass. Opening is The Bigness, an indie pop/rock band founded in 2011 by singer-songwriter Kristin Bigness and her partner, John Bueno
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: $10
Let’s Dance
Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca returns with its Ice Cream Social and Annual Meeting (6-7 p.m.), followed by HFDI’s first contra dance of 2022, featuring music by The Contradictions and calling by Katy Heine and Nancy Spero. Early registration to provide vaccination information by email at hfdi.webmaster@gmail.com is highly recommended. Everyone must provide proof of full vaccination either through early registration or at the door. N95, KN94, or surgical masks are required and must be worn.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Stewart Park, Large Pavilion
Cost: $10 for members, $12 for non-members
Trophy Life
“An Evening with Lonnie Park” will celebrate the longtime stalwart of the central New York music scene, who recently shared a Grammy win for Best New Age Album for “Divine Tides,” recorded with ex-Police drummer Stewart Copeland and Indian superstar Ricky Kej. The event will feature an open reception and a short concert with live performances and video appearances from artists Park has worked with over the years, including John West, Jon Rogalia, David “Rock” Feinstein,” and more.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: free
Waging War
The War on Drugs returns to Central New York, touring to promote its latest album, “I Don’t Live Here Anymore.” Led by Adam Granduciel, the band is known for its blend of energetic rockers and introspective ballads, with lots of fiery guitar solos thrown in for good measure. Find out more about them here.
Lo Moon, an indie-rock band from Los Angeles, will open the show.
When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette
Cost: $50-$55, available online here
Sounds of Seattle
Celebrating the classic grunge of the early 1990s, Seattle Sons aim to perform "’album accurate’ staples of the era as well as the evolution of the music from the off-shoots and ‘neighboring’ bands – those who might not have come from Seattle, but exhibited the popular spirit of the era.” The group features members from regional bands such as Brand New Sin, Stone Soul Foundation, Rattlebasket, and Nineball.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday Where: Garrett’s Brewing Company, Trumansburg
Cost: small cover
Jazz Underground
Doc'sology – pianist Greg ("Doc") Loewen, drummer De Wayne Perry, and bassist Walt Lorenzut – will present an evening of classic jazz standards and original compositions. Find out more here.
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: small cover
Circle of Song
Sacred Root Song Writers Night is a bi-monthly musical performance that started in 2016. Hosted by Andrew Alling, the showcase features three to five local or regional musicians, each playing a 20 to 40-minute set of their original music. This week’s lineup includes Ana Florencia, Leah Taylor, Bob Cat of The Local Farmers Union, and Alison Mullan-Stout.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: donation requested
Village People
Trumansburg Porchfest returns, with more than 40 bands playing on porches around the village streets from noon to 5 p.m. Then at 5-6:30 p.m., gather on Union Street for a special performance by The Sim Redmond Band to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Trumansburg. Free parking is available in the village municipal lot and on Main Street (do not park on the village side streets.) For more information, visit www.tburgporchfest.com; the band schedule will be posted there with an interactive map.
When: noon-6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Trumansburg
Cost: free
In Tribute
“It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute to The Beatles” will feature Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Badfinger featuring Joey Molland, and Denny Laine – (founding member of The Moody Blues and Wings) performing their own hits plus selected songs from The Beatles’ albums “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver.” Expect songs such as “I Saw the Light,” “Hello It’s Me,” “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” “No Matter What,” "Go Now,” and more alongside Beatles classics.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
Cost: $75-$135, available online here
Saturday Night Vibe
Rev up for next weekend’s Ithaca Reggae Festival with the official Pre-Party show at Ithaca Beer featuring the Analogue Sons, the ska-dub-jazz-reggae-rock collective featuring drummer Lars Burggren, keyboardist Michael Stark, trombonist Alicia Aubin, guitarist Jason Shegogue, saxophonist Lee Hamilton, and mixmaster Aaron Speiser. DJ Hill will round out the festivities.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ithaca Beer Company
Cost: free
Bang Your Head
The Heavy Metal Meltdown, featuring Queensrÿche with special guests Quiet Riot and Kix will come to the Southern Tier this weekend. All three bands found commercial success in the 1980s, with Quiet Riot scoring hits such as “Bang Your Head,” while Queensryche released several stellar concept albums, including 1988’s “Operation: Mindcrime” and 1991’s “Empire.” (By the way, founding Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo recently returned to the band, which will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of its breakout album “Metal Health” in 2023.)
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Tag’s Summer Stage, Big Flats
Cost: $34.75-$109.75, available online here or by calling (800) 650-TAGS
Canadian Celtic
The Town Pants bring their 25th anniversary tour to the Southern Tier, ready to showcase their “West Coast Celtic” sound that has earned them fans around the world. Led by brothers Duane and Dave Keogh, the band also includes violinist Johanna So, drummer Jeff Tripoli and bassist Blake Probst. (Read a recent interview with the band from March 2022 here.)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: The L, 116 Breesport Road, Horseheads
Cost: $20 and up, available online here
Local Vocals
“Songs with Friends 2022” will feature a variety of Ithacans – Janine Willis, Cassi Norgaisse, Katrina Kuka, Tony Simione, Diane Kubarek, Kerry Mizrahi, Daniel A.P. Taylor, Benjamin Stevens, Chuck Burch, Em Ludek – performing songs from Bernstein, Paulus, Poulenc, Gjeilo, and more in a program “filled with mellifluous melodies, stellar solos, classical and contemporary a cappella, darling duets, and... bagpipes!”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: First Unitarian Church of Ithaca
Cost: free and open to all; masks required
Ready for Release
Rev Ezra (aka Josh Chamberlain) will mark the release of his first solo album, “These Days,” in which he “writes about a range of themes, including his reflections on conversations with his late father, his thoughts on a changing world and climate, and a desire to live a more transient life that contradicts his real-life priorities. He cites John Prine and the Avett Brothers as some of his foremost influences.” Find out more about the Western Pennsylvania native who recently moved to Ithaca here.
Good Dog – the duo of Joe Hayward and Sarah Noell – will open the evening.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10
Let’s Dance
The 1980 Underground will mark its One-Decade Anniversary with a dance party featuring “enhanced visuals, mixtape and retro flyer giveaway, and the shadow-drenched frequencies you yearn for… Dress your best. Come prepared. And come in black.”
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost:
Sunday Sounds
The Cider Sunday concert series continues with local favorites Rena Guinn and Home Remedy (Rosie Newton and Lydia Garrison), who will team up for an afternoon of homespun original music that spans country, folk, blues, old-time and more.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Finger Lakes Cider House
Cost: free
American Music
One of the most eclectic bands around, the Mavericks combine Tex-Mex, neotraditional country music, Latin, and rockabilly influences, as showcased on hits such “Dance the Night Away” and “Here Comes the Rain.”
Matt Sucich, who has toured with Counting Crows and Willie Nelson, will open the show.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
Cost: $45-$95, available online here
In Harmony
The Wood Brothers return to central New York, ready to showcase the brotherly harmonies of Oliver and Chris Wood along with the multi-instrumental talents of Jono Rix. They’ll be joined by longtime indie-rock favorites Guster and alt-folk duo David Wax Museum for this visit.
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette
Cost: $46-$50, available here
The Zounds of Zappa
See alumni of Frank Zappa bands play Frank Zappa’s music live onstage: The Zappa Band is Mike Keneally (1987-1988), Ray White (1976-1984), Robert Martin (1981-1988) and Scott Thunes (1981-1988). Each musician played in the studio and on the road with Zappa during his career. Three of these alums played on “ZAPPA 88: The Last U.S. Show,” one of the most recent offerings from Zappa Records and Universal Music. The Zappa alums are joined by Joe Travers and Jamie Kime, who are no strangers to Zappa’s music, to round out the ensemble.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Center for the Arts, Hoer
Cost: $23.75-$49.50, available online here
Get Rhythm
Dave Davies RhythMakers return for Jazz Mondays, as Dave Davies, Doug Robinson, Brian Earle, and Chad Lieberman will play classic jazz, blues, originals, and more.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m., second and fourth Mondays of each month
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Canadian Cool
Acclaimed guitarist Jesse Cook returns to Central New York. Over his 25-year-long career, the Canadian has received 11 Juno Award nominations (winning for 2001’s “Free Fall”), a Gemini Award, and 10 platinum and gold studio albums. He’s also performed on five PBS specials and recorded five live albums.
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $35.50-$39.50, available online here
Trio Grande
Fitz and the Tantrums join forces with St. Paul and the Broken Bones for an evening of original funk, soul, R&B, and pop songs that are guaranteed to make you dance. Devon Gilfillian opens the show.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: CMAC
Cost: $26-$56, available online here
Dynamic Duo
British singer-songwriter Nick Lowe and American instrumentalists Los Straitjackets will join forces for an evening of music from their combined catalogs. Best known for his power-pop hit “Cruel to Be Kind,” Lowe also penned “(What’s So Funny) ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding” and loads of other hits for himself and others. With their Mexican wrestling masks, Los Straitjackets have long been one of the more memorable bands around, but it’s their sublime musicianship and compositional that have enabled them to stand apart from the pack of other instrumental bands.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $35, available here
Tommy Time
Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson will return to Ithaca for an acoustic show, which will include songs from his solo albums, Bash and Pop records, and more recent material along with stories from his decades-long career as a professional musician.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 15
Where: Six Mile Creek Vineyard, Ithaca
Cost: $25-$100, available online here
Southern Sounds
Americana favorites Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Sheryl Crow will return to upstate New York for a show in Canandaigua, with Waxahatchee opening the show.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 15
Where: CMAC
Cost: $35-$150, available here
More Shows
Louiston is at Atwater Winery at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
The Small Kings are at Grist Iron Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Immortal Jellyfish play the Six Mile Creek Vineyard’s Sunset Music Series at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
The Inner Crazy is at the Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Aiken is at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday
The Scale House Brewery hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse back to The Ridge in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
The Vinyl Lounge continues its weekly residency at Trumansburg’s Atlas Bowl at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
The Aftermarket Band is at Press Bay Alley at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Stage Fright is at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Janet Batch and the Four-Bangers (with special guest Leo) are at Two Goats Brewing at 6 p.m. Friday
Virgil Cain is at the BoatYard Grill at 6 p.m. Friday
Amber Martin is at Summerhill Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Dave Turner is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Tribal Revival is at ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 6 p.m. Friday
The Jimmy Jam Band is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Bad Bear is at Wagner Vineyards at 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday
The Vintage Lane Band is at Finger Lakes Cider House at 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday ($5)
Chasing Neon is at Homer Field Day at 7 p.m.
Tru Bleu is at Roosterfish Pub at 8 p.m. Friday
StratCat Willie & the Strays are at Jake's Saloon in Horseheads at 8 p.m. Friday
The Bob Holtz Band is at Cortland Beer at 8 p.m. Friday
The Royal Enfield Blues Band is at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 3-6 p.m. Saturday
Billy Golicki is at Chateau Dusseau at 3-6 p.m. Saturday
Grassanova is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
The Kitestring Duo is at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
True Bleu is at Brewer's Kitchen and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
The Mike Petroff Blues Band is at Willowdale Bend in Skaneateles at 6 p.m. Saturday
DJ Mike Judah is at the Westy at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
The Dart Brothers are at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Gooseberry is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
GIO (Steve Giocondo of X'Plozionz) is at Cortland Beer at 8 p.m. Saturday
Tribal Revival is at the St. Anthony’s Festival in Cortland at 7 p.m. Saturday
The Tarps Duo is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Sunday
Horse Stories Trio is at Solera Tap House at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Amber Martin is at Grist Iron Brewing at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
The Ampersand Project at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 2 p.m. Sunday
Country Express is at the Cortland Country Music Park at 2 p.m. Sunday ($8)
Jimi Marley is at ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 3 p.m. Sunday
The PA Line is at the Scale House Brewery at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Marc Ryan is at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles at 4 p.m. Sunday
Freight is at Two Goats Brewing at 4 p.m. Sunday
Brett Beardslee brings his weekly Monday Night Blues back to Rasta Ranch Vineyards at 5-8 p.m. Monday
Joe Gibson is at Press Bay Alley at 6-8 p.m. Monday
Wayne Gottlieb and Harry Aceto play the Firelight Live concert series at Firelight Camps (behind La Tourelle) at 6-8 p.m. Tuesday
The Destination plays the Taste of the Finger Lakes benefit at the Ithaca Farmers Market at 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday (Tickets are available here!)
The Center for the Arts in Homer hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday
Gerard Burke plays the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4-7 p.m. Wednesday
Rena Guinn plays Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Tuesday
Wingnut plays Ithaca Beer at 6 p.m. Wednesday
Rachel Beverly plays Bright Leaf Vineyard 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 8-11 p.m. Wednesday
