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)
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
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
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
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
Read about the debut Ithaca Night Bazaar here!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
