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29+ shows to see this week: June 15-22

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kevinkinsella.com
Kevin Kinsella

The Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park, the New York State Blues Festival returns to Syracuse, and Melissa Etheridge comes to Geneva in another busy week on the CNY music scene. Plus, Kevin Kinsella plays the Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series, Brandy Clark and Judy Collins come to the Center for the Arts in Homer, and Dave Mason visits Hammondsport.

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)

Nick Lowe (center) and Los Straitjackets
Provided
Nick Lowe (center) and Los Straitjackets

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

Event Info

Amy Lavere and Johnny Dowd
Amy Lavere and Johnny Dowd

Joining Forces

Local icon Johnny Dowd is in the midst of an upstate New York tour with Memphis-based roots duo Amy LaVere and Will Sexton, and they’ll team up for a show overlooking the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Expect to hear songs from their individual albums, as well as material they developed together during Dowd’s recent visit to Memphis.

When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Lucky Hare Brewing, Hector

Cost: donation welcome

Event Info

Heather Mull
Tommy Stinson

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

Event Info

Jason Isbell
Alysse Gafkjen
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Courtesy of the artist
Jason Isbell

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

Event Info

Provided
Vicious Fishes

So Bazaar

The Ithaca Night Bazaar returns for its second monthly event, with dozens of regional food, drink, and crafts vendors offering their wares. This month’s bands include local favorites Vicious Fishes, Rochester rockers Maybird, and Sun Parade from Western Massachusetts; Binghamton’s Parlor City Burlesque will also return to provide a couple of sets of entertainment.

When: 6-11 p.m. Thursday

Where: Ithaca Farmers Market Pavilion, Steamboat Landing, Third Street

Cost: $20 in advance, available online here; $25 at the gate

Event Info

Read about the debut Ithaca Night Bazaar here!

Kev
Provided
Kevin Kinsella

Hometown Happening

The Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series continues with Kevin Kinsella, the Ithaca native who has released several reggae-rich albums with Tribulations, John Brown’s Body, and under his own name. He’ll be showcasing songs from his forthcoming album, including his just-released single “Take a Look,” as well as his classic JBB material with backing from Dub Apocalypse. Find out more here.

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday

Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion, The Commons (Rain location is The Range, which will be open to all ages until 8 p.m.)

Cost: free

Event Info

Guitar Grooves

The Marriott Summer Jazz Series continues at Monks on the Commons with Steve Brown, the virtuoso jazz guitarist who taught for decades at Ithaca College.

When: 8-10 p.m. Thursday

Where: Monks on the Commons

Cost: free; donations welcome

Melissa Etheridge
Provided
Melissa Etheridge

Heartland Rock

Melissa Etheridge brings her “One Way Out” to the Finger Lakes, promoting her album of the same name that includes nine songs she wrote in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s “that never made the cut… until now! The time is finally right, and fans will finally get a deeper glimpse to who Melissa was then.” Expect to hear many of her well-known hits, including “Come To My Window,” “Bring Me Some Water,” and “I Want to Come Over.” Find out more here.

When: 8 p.m. Thursday

Where: The Smith Opera House, Geneva

Cost: $45-$350, available here

Event Info

Dom Martyr
Dom Martyr

Welcome Return

After the Ithaca Night Bazaar, head downtown for the official after-party featuring electronic duo Dom Martyr – a new project from Angelo Peters and Alicia Aubin – along with the return of the Galactic Escort Service, the local all-star improv collective that held down Monday nights at Casita de Polaris for a few years until derailed by the pandemic.

When: 10:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: The Upstairs

Cost: $10

Event Info

Blues in the ‘Cuse

The New York State Blues Festival will mark its 30th anniversary with three days of free music at the state fairgrounds. Thursday’s bands include Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Los Blancos, and GA-20. Friday’s lineup features the Carolyn Kelly Blues Band, Ron Spencer Band, and The Kingsnakes. Saturday’s bands include Jocelyn and Chris, Vanessa Collier, and JJ Grey and Mofro. See https://www.nysbluesfest.com/ for the full schedule and lineup.

When: Thursday-Saturday

Where: Chevy Court, New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse

Cost: free; VIP packages are available here

Event Info

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. Next up is DJ ha-MEEN, who will spin disco, funk, and house at this family-friendly event.

When: 12-1:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion

Cost: free

Event Info

Positive Vibrations

The Ithaca Reggae Fest returns after a two-year hiatus, bringing two days of positive vibrations to the southern shore of Cayuga Lake. The festival kicks off with a free event Friday at the Large Pavilion, with Mad Professor whipping up a special tribute to the late Lee “Scratch” Perry; Double Tiger also will do a DJ set. Saturday, the festival continues with a full day of bands, including 10 Ft. Ganja Plant (mixed by Scientist), Kabaka Pyramid, Sim Redmond Band, Root Shock, Mosaic Foundation, Thousands of One, The Far East, JonnyGo Figure, and Drum to the Beat! with Otha Da. See ithacareggaefest.com for the full scoop

When: 5-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday

Cost: free on Friday night; $20 in advance, $30 at the gate for Saturday, available online here

Event Info

50 Years of Jazz Fest

“’Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story’ weaves together live performances and interviews from the 50th anniversary of the iconic festival, featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry, along with a wealth of archival documentary footage from the past half century. This film not only captures the Festival in all of its beauty and glory, but also delves deep into the rich culture of The Big Easy.” Directed by Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern.

When: Runs Friday-Thursday, June 17-23, with screenings at 5:15 p.m. daily

Where: Cinemapolis

Cost: $9

Event Info

Metasequoia returns to the Upstairs Thursday night.
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Metasequoia

Three of a Kind

Three excellent local bands – Metasequoia, Bob Roberts Calamity, and Harry Nichols – will join forces for a Friday night concert on Ithaca’s South Hill. Metasequoia recently released an excellent new album, Harry Nichols just put out a new EP, and Bob Roberts Calamity is finishing up their album for New Vine Records.

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: South Hill Cider

Cost: $10 at the door

Event Info

Steve Grills
Aaron Winters
Steve Grills

Road Scholars

Steve Grills and the Roadmasters come to Trumansburg, bringing with them their vast repertoire of classic blues tunes. The Rochester-based band is led by guitar master Grills, who has drawn inspiration from Robert Lockwood Jr., Earl Hooker, Freddie King, and Albert Collins, along with records by Big Bill Broonzy, Leadbelly, and Lightnin' Hopkins from his father's record collection. His 2011 album, “After Hours,” teamed him with pianist Ernest Lane, who worked with Ike Turner and Robert Nighthawk. Find out more here.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Garrett’s Brewing Company, Trumansburg

Cost: small cover

Event Info

Bring the Noise

The Electrozone presents a big summer show, featuring Black Leather Jesus, Straight Panic, Moonbeam Terror, Prayer Rope, and Eating Scabs For Protein.

When: 7-11 p.m. Friday

Where: Forest City Lodge, 536 W Green St., Ithaca

Cost: $10-$15 sliding scale

Event Info

Tom Paxton and the DonJuans
Provided
Tom Paxton and the DonJuans

Power of Three

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and folk icon Tom Paxton teams up with the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter duo The DonJuans - Don Henry and Jon Vezner. “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… just to name a few! Within days of writing and playing together, they knew they were onto something. Now they’re taking it on the road!” Find out more here.

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Smith Opera House, Geneva

Cost: $28, available here

Event Info

Personal Blend
Provided
Personal Blend

Feelin’ Good

Rochester reggae-rockers Personal Blend return to Ithaca in the midst of Ithaca Reggae Fest weekend. The septet released its debut album “Skin Deep” in 2016, and continues to expand its repertoire of “feel-good, party-vibe music” that has earned them fans around the region. The band’s latest release is 2019’s “Heavy Currents.”

When: 10 p.m. Friday

Where: The Upstairs

Cost: cover charge

Event Info

Pure Prairie League
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PurePrairieLeague.com
Pure Prairie League

Classic Country

Legendary country-rock band Pure Prairie League will showcase some of their hits, including “Amie,” “Let Me Love You Tonight,” and “Sad Luke.” Together for more than 40 years, the band currently features founding member/pedal-steel innovator John David Call, drummer Scott Thompson, keyboardist Randy Harper, bassist Jared Camic, and guitarist Jeff Zona. Find out more here.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Smith Opera House, Geneva

Cost: $32.50-$42.50, available here

Event Info

Roots Rock

The Americana Rock Night returns to downtown Ithaca, with host band The Dart Brothers joined by local icon Johnny Dowd and Finger Lakes roots-rockers Mortal Combine for a “raucous evening of take-no-prisoners roots music with attitude. Get ready for an eclectic night of fun.”

When: 9 p.m. Friday

Where: The Range

Cost: $5

Event Info

Double Tiger

Keeping It Going

The official Ithaca Reggae Fest after-party will take place in downtown Ithaca, with Double Tiger returning to the Range for a “soul shakedown party.” Frontman Jay Spaker will be joined by an all-star band that includes members of Jimkata, Mosaic Foundation, John Brown’s Body, the Analogue Sons, The Comb Down, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, and the Sim Redmond Band to perform songs from his two albums released by Easy Star Records. DJ Hill will spin tunes throughout the night.

When: 10 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Range

Cost: $10

Event Info

Feelin’ All Right

Classic rock stalwart Dave Mason returns to the Finger Lakes with his "World in Changes" tour to spotlight many of his well-known hits (both solo and with Traffic) such as “We Just Disagree” and “Feelin’ All Right,” as well as “All Along the Watchtower,” for which he played acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix’s iconic version. Rochester-bred roots rocker River Lynch will open the show.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Point of Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport

Cost: $45-$115, available online here

Event Info

Liam Lawson and La Llorona
Liam Lawson and La Llorona

Future Folk

The inaugural "Future Folk" will debut in downtown Ithaca, with host-curator Liam Lawson of local band Freight joined by La Llorona, the solo project of Ilium Works violinist-singer Alejandra Diemecke. “The Future Folk concert series is a showcase of local music blending together world folk, contemporary ‘classical,’ and electronic experimentation… Each concert begins with a half-hour of original music from guitarist Liam Lawson, followed by a set from a featured artist. To end the night, the two musicians improvise a final set together, allowing a little risk and unrehearsed magic to emerge.” The first installment of concerts will run on the third Sunday of June, July, August, and September.

When: 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: The Downstairs (below the Watershed)

Cost: $10 at the door

Event Info

The Doobie Brothers
Provided
The Doobie Brothers

Brothers in Arms

The Doobie Brothers bring their 50th anniversary tour to Central New York, with occasional member Michael McDonald return to the fold to join longtime members Patrick Simmons, John McFee, and Tom Johnston for an evening of the long-running band’s biggest hits.

When: 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse

Cost: $29.50 and up, available online here

Event Info

MAQ
Provided
MAQ

MAQ Attack

South Hill Cider’s Monday Night Jazz series returns 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 Steve Pond (percussion). Learn more here.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday

Where: South Hill Cider

Cost: free

Event Info

Brandy Clark
Provided
Brandy Clark

Endings and Beginnings

Acclaimed country artist Brandy Clark will bring her The Art of the Storyteller Tour to Homer. The songwriter has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards, including for 2022, Song of the Year (“A Beautiful Noise” performed by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile) and Best American Roots Performance (“Same Devil” featuring Carlile). “To me,” she said of her latest release, “Your Life is a Record,” “it’s endings and beginnings. You know, sometimes you have to have endings to have those beautiful beginnings. I hope people listening find themselves in me finding myself.” Find out more here. The Rollin’ Rust Duo will open the show.

When: 8 p.m. Monday

Where: Center for the Arts of Homer

Cost: $22-$25, available online here.

Event Info

Arise & Go
Provided
Arise & Go

Pluck of the Irish

Celtic trio Arise & Go returns to action for its only Ithaca show of the summer, at an outdoor venue overlooking Cayuga Lake. “In 2017, Arise & Go released their debut, self-titled EP which introduced listeners to the variety and style of this diverse group. 2019 saw the release of their full-length album ‘Meeting Place’ as members Ellie Goud, Michael Roddy, and Tim Ball showcase the unique elements of different Celtic traditions that each brings into the group’s sound.”

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Triphammer Arts, 2622 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca

Cost: $20 per car; $10 per person

Event Info

Music Makers

The Ithaca Concert Band will mark Make Music Day with a free concert in downtown Ithaca. “Make Music is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries.” Find out more here.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion, The Commons

Cost: free; donations are welcome

Event Info

Louiston
Provided
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louistonmusic.com
Louiston

Civil Songs

Louiston – the project of singer-songwriter Lou DiPietro – will kick off the 2022 Newfield Music Series at Mill Park. He’ll be joined by a full band, including drummer Chris Ploss and bassist Joey Arcuri, to play songs from his recently released album, “Civilian.” Find out more here. Fitnell Farms BBQ Food Truck and Dennis’ Homemade Ice Cream also will be on-site for the event, and organizers will be hosting an Empty Bowls Ice Cream Fundraiser at the park starting at 5 p.m. and running throughout the evening.

When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22

Where: Mill Park, 222 Main St., Newfield

Cost: free

Event Info

Judy Collins remains active musically and politically.
JC Lainez
/
Courtesy of the artist
Judy Collins remains active musically and politically.

Folk Legend

Since the 1960s, Judy Collins has been one of the leading lights of the folk music world, winning fans with her rich voice, personal lyrics, and commitment to social activism. And she’s also a gifted song interpreter – among her 50 albums including iconic renditions of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” (from her 1967 album “Wildflowers) and Stephen Sondheim’s “Send In The Clowns.” At 83, she’s not slowing down – her latest project is hosting a podcast, “Since You’ve Asked.” Find out more about her here.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22

Where: Center for the Arts of Homer

Cost: $51-$55, available here SOLD OUT!

Event Info

Donald Fagen of Steely Dan
Provided
Donald Fagen of Steely Dan

Do It Again

Steely Dan brings its “Earth After Hours” tour to upstate New York, with Donald Fagen and company delving deep into the group’s vast catalog. The Dave Stryker Trio will open the show

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23

Where: St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse

Cost: $22 and up, available online here

Event Info

Raedwald Howland Bolton
Provided
Raedwald Howland Bolton

More Shows

Wayne Gottlieb and Harry Aceto play the Firelight Live concert series at Firelight Camps (behind La Tourelle) at 6-8 p.m. Tuesday

Rena Guinn plays Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 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!)

Gerard Burke plays the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4-7 p.m. Wednesday

The Argos Trio plays the Argos Inn at 5-7 p.m. Wednesday

Tim Braley and Doug Yaeter play the Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday

Wingnut plays Ithaca Beer at 6 p.m. Wednesday

Rob Ervin is at Drifters on Owasco 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

Eli Elkus is at the Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday

The Sweats are at Grist Iron Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Thursday

The Ravines are at Brookton’s Market at 5:30 p.m. Thursday

Raedwald Howland-Bolton is at South Hill Cider at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday

The Yardvarks play the Six Mile Creek Vineyard’s Sunset Music Series at 6-8 p.m. Thursday

Aiken is at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday

Bendher is at Punk's Place in Candor 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 Crossroads Grille 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

RUST is at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday

NEO Project is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday

Marc Ryan is at Wolffy’s Grill and Marina at 6 p.m. Friday

Tru Bleu is at Aurora Brewing Company at 6 p.m. Friday

SingTrece and Stone Cold Miracle are at Two Goats Brewing at 6 p.m. Friday

8-Traxx Band is at Treleaven Winery at 6 p.m. Friday ($5)

Pat Young is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday

Jim VanDeuson Sr. is at Summerhill Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday

Rocco Rich and Aaron Craig are at Trax Pub and Grill at Greek Peak at 6-8 p.m. Friday

Common Railers are at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday

The Vintage Lane Band is at Wagner Vineyards at 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday

Madd Daddy is at the Finger Lakes Cider House at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday ($5)

Caleb Liber is at The Glen Haven at 8 p.m. Friday

The Longwood Jazz Project returns to Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday

Jim Catalano
/
Staff
DJ ha-MEENStaff

DJ ha-MEEN is at the Range at 10 p.m. Friday

Brian Francis is at Chateau Dusseau at 3-6 p.m. Saturday

Custom Taylor Band (3 p.m.) and Jerry Boone and The Skycoasters (6 p.m.) are at Treleaven Winery on Saturday ($10)

Telephone Party is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday

Mystic Stew is at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday

The Unknown Woodsmen are at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Saturday

Tru Bleu is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday

Off the Rails is at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Saturday

Richman and the Poor Boys are at The Westy at 6-8 p.m. Saturday

The X’Plozionz return to Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday

Bendher is at Landon's Pub in Watkins Glen at 8 p.m. Saturday

DJ ha-MEEN is at the Upstairs at 10 p.m. Friday ($5)

Sydney Irving plays at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Sunday

Mike Titlebaum and Catherine Gale are at Red Newt Winery at 1 p.m. Sunday

Austin MacRae is at the Finger Lakes Cider House at 1-3 p.m. Sunday

Tribal Revival plays a Father’s Day Brunch at Bright Leaf Vineyard at 2 p.m. Sunday

Madd Daddy is at Grist Iron Brewing at 2-5 p.m. Sunday

The Lori Lynn Trio is at Solera Tap House at 2-5 p.m. Sunday

Trevor Clark is at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 2 p.m. Sunday

Doug and Eamonn Hubert are at Wagner Vineyards at 2-5 p.m. Sunday

Bradshaw Blues is at ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 2 p.m. Sunday

Brett Beardslee brings his weekly Monday Night Blues back to Rasta Ranch Vineyards at 5-8 p.m. Monday

Marye Lobb plays Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Tuesday

Good Dog plays the 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

Li’l Anne and Hot Cayenne plays the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4-7 p.m. Wednesday

Jimmy Jam plays the Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday

The Thompson Hall Duo plays Bright Leaf Vineyard at 6 p.m. Wednesday

Red Betty plays Bike Bar Ithaca 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

NEO Project
mark malkin
NEO Project

Jim Catalano covers the Finger Lakes music scene for WITH (90.1 FM in Ithaca, WITHradio.org) and its affiliates.