Suzanne Vega comes to the Center for the Arts in Homer; Will Fudeman, Cloey Tierno, and Kid Bess mark the release of their new CDs; Annie Burns plays two area shows; and Cortland hosts its first Local Music Market. Plus, more holiday concerts continue throughout the week!
Note: the events are listed below in chronological order, in two separate sections. And see the list of regional concerts at the end of the post!
Ready to Return
The Analogue Sons return to the Argos Warehouse, ready to showcase their blend of reggae, jazz, dub, soul, rock, surf, and Eastern European music. The band includes Mike Stark (keyboards), Lars Burggren (drums), Aaron Speiser (dubs, melodica), Alicia Aubin (trombone), Lee Hamilton (sax), and Jason Shegogue (guitar); they’ll be playing mostly original songs with a few cool covers.
When: 8-11 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: $10
Going Big
The Deep Dive House Big Band continues its every-other-Wednesday residency under the direction of local jazz professor Greg Evans, who teaches at Ithaca College and Cornell University and plays drums with Rose and the Bros and other area bands. The DDBB will feature players from Cornell University, Ithaca College and the greater Ithaca Community every other Wednesday for the coming month.
When: 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free; ages 18 and up
Songs to Sing
Singer-songwriters Jacinta Whitcome and Colleen Countryman team up for a show in downtown Ithaca. About the artists: “Jacinta Whitcome is a songwriter whose music career began in Cambridge at the legendary Passim. While her focus is on songwriting, her literary ventures include poetry, creative nonfiction, and postmodern fiction. Her songwriting and music has been described as ‘observational post-folk with pulverizing poetics on top of mesmeric finger-picking.’
“Colleen Countryman’s music centers around danceable, syncopated grooves paired with heartfelt themes of making connections in unexpected places and embracing change. Her songwriting has been informed by funk and soul records (like Prince, Carole King, and Vulfpeck) as well as authentic story-tellers (like Bonnie Raitt). Colleen has played in numerous bands, recently supporting Ariel Arbisser (with whom she has co-written some songs), Freight, and the Auroras.”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: donations welcome
Ready for Release
Cortland singer-songwriter Cloey Tierno will celebrate her debut album "I Fell in Love with the Rain" with an album release party at Rose Hall. The album features a collection of 14 songs written by Cloey, who’s a senior at Cortland High School, and brought to life by the talent of multi-instrumentalist Gabe Cummins and producers Cummins and Chris Merkley.
Opening the show is Jenna Noelle, another Cortland High student who has been performing a mix of original songs and covers with pop and R&B influences since 2019.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Rose Hall, 19 Church St., Cortland
Cost: $15, available online here (each attendee will receive a copy of "I Fell in Love with the Rain" with admission!)
Swing Thing
Zingology will host a swing dance in Enfield. “Dance your socks off at one of the best dance halls in the county! Zingology plays vintage jazz and gypsy swing classics and features Brian Keeler and Art Godin on guitar, Joanna Green on violin and vocals, Ted Caldwell on bass, Greg Ezra on drums, and Brian Earle on clarinet. The Enfield Valley Grange offers a wonderful, spacious, oak-floored dance hall upstairs. But apologies - it is not ADA accessible! Masks are strongly encouraged and we will keep the space well ventilated for safety.”
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Enfield Valley Grange, 178 Enfield Main Road, Enfield Cost: $10
Ready for Release
Two area favorites will combine forces to celebrate the release of their new CDs: “Friday Night Nowhere” by Dan Forsyth and “Pearls” by KidBess. Known as a co-founder of Driftwood, Forsyth will be joined by drummer Sam Fishman and bassist Ryan Cirbus for this show. Kid Bess, the stage name of Bess Greenberg, will be joined by her band the Magic Ring, which includes Mike Amadeo on bass, Joe Alston on guitar, Jeff McAuley on cello, and Moses Valle on drums.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Atomic Toms, 196 State St., Binghamton
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door; $40 ticket pre-order includes both CDs. Go here to purchase tickets.
Read a recent interview with Dan Forsyth here!
Intimate Evening
Suzanne Vega returns to Central New York for “An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories.” Since emerging as a leading figure in the 1980s neo-folk revival, Vega has scored several hits, including “Luka,” “Tom’s Diner,” and “Solitude Standing.” Her latest release, 2020’s “An Evening of New York Songs and Stories,” was recorded live at the Café Carlyle in Manhattan and includes “songs that were inspired by New York City or for which New York provided the backdrop.” Find out more here!
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $45-$50, available online here
Dynamic Duo
MSZM – the duo project of Michael Stark and Zaun Marshburn – will perform in downtown Ithaca: “25 years of music, intuition, trust, spontaneity allows these fellas to maneuver in many directions together & explore endless new territory. Piano, organ, bass pedals and drums with the spirit uniting Stark & Marshburn performing a collection of intimate songs and stretching improvisations.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10
Bon Ton Roulet
Rose and the Bros return for their first holiday dance party since 2019, ready to lay down the propulsive Cajun and American grooves that have characterized their two albums, including 2022 “It’s Music.” Living Myths, a new project from Angelo Peters (Dom Martyr, Big Mean Sound Machine), will close out the evening.
When: 8-12 p.m. Friday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: $15 at the door
Fling Thing
DJs Anthony Mansfield, Kamal Naeem, Hill, and Rob Morley will present “Winter Fling” at The Cherry Arts. “Let's welcome winter with a proper throw-down! Local heroes unite for a house and techno dance party with an early art show to boot! Expect a transformation of the space, great music all-night, hi-fidelity sound system and yule-time cheer!”
When: Friday (art opening 9-10 p.m., dance party from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.)
Where: The Cherry Arts
Cost: $5 before 10 p.m., $20 after 10 p.m.
Ready for Release
Ithaca singer-songwriter Will Fudeman will host a release show for his latest album, “What It Takes.” He’ll be joined by some stellar musicians, including David Frumkin, Abbe Lyons, John Simon, Jon Hilton, Colleen Kattau, and Sera Smolen, for the show.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday (rescheduled to Sunday!)
Where: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora St.
Cost: $10 suggested donation; masks are encouraged, but not required
Music Market
Rose Hall in downtown Cortland will host the inaugural Local Music Market. “Support your favorite local musicians, venues and events with our first-ever Local Music Market! We'll have merch tables full of stocking stuffers, a beer/wine cash bar and live music featuring a mash-up of great performers from our area.” Here’s the lineup:
3-3:30 p.m. Madd Daddy (tabling 3-6 p.m.)
3:30-4 p.m. Rick Starmer (tabling 3-6 p.m.)
4-4:30 p.m. Modern Band (tabling 3-6 p.m.)
4:30-5 p.m. Cloey Tierno (tabling 3-6 p.m.)
5-5:30 p.m. Phil Muka jam (tabling 3-6 p.m.)
5:30-6 p.m. Quona Hudson (tabling 3-9 p p.m.)
6-6:30 p.m. Dana Twigg (tabling 3-6 p p.m.)
6:30-7:30 p.m. Chris Merkley and Molly Reagan jam (tabling 3-9 p p.m.)
7:30-8 p.m. Mike Aiken (tabling 6-9 p p.m.)
8-8:30 p.m. Rollin' Rust (tabling 3-9 p p.m.)
8:30-9 p.m. Past My Bedtime (tabling 3-9 p p.m.)
The following venues/events also will offer merch and tabling: PorchFest
Seedstock, Center for the Arts of Homer, and Cortland Repertory Theatre.
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Hall, 19 Church St., Cortland
Cost: free
It’s a Celebration!
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Grant Cooper, will present “Holiday Celebration” at Ithaca College. “Join the CCO and Maestro Cooper as he brings his special brand of holiday good cheer to Ithaca audiences for the first time, and experience the joy of a side by side with our Youth Orchestra musicians! Our program also features cello soloist Joshua Jang, a winner of the 2020 CCO Lee Strebel Memorial Youth Concerto Competition.”
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College
Cost: $10-$35, available online here (livestream tickets also are available)
Seasonal Sounds
Local saxophonist Jesse Collins will host the “Holiday Spectacular 2022,” a “fun, very merry holidays three-set show” featuring the Jesse Collins Quartet with special guest De Wayne Perry and an opening set by Off The Rails.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Brooktondale Community Center
Cost: $10 at the door
Goin’ Honky Tonkin’
Put on your dancing boots, as local band Red Betty will host a honky-tonk dance at the Enfield Grange. “We'll also be celebrating our bass player Josh Chamberlain's birthday!”
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Enfield Valley Grange, 178 Enfield Main Road, Enfield
Cost: $10 cover; BYOB
Going Underground
Mary Lorson and Billy Coté will perform in downtown Ithaca, joined by Steve Gollnick on drums and Brian Dozoretz on bass. “Mary and Billy will play songs from their Madder Rose catalog, including a few from their new LP, due out in Spring '23. They will also play some other stuff.”
When: Saturday: doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7-8:15 p.m.
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10, or what you can afford
Guitar Guy
Pennsylvania-bred blues guitarist Gabe Stillman returns to CNY to showcase his fiery style. Stillman’s 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,” released in 2021. Bruce Iglauer, founder and president of Alligator Records, called Stillman “one of the most promising young blues talents on the scene today. He’s a fine songwriter, excellent guitarist and strong singer, plus he puts on an exciting, energized show. His talent has grown by leaps and bounds over the last couple years. Don’t miss him!” Find out more here!
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Garrett’s Brewing, Trumansburg
Cost: cover charge
Tinsel Tunes
Local singer Annie Burns will host a “Holiday Shindig” at the Argos Warehouse. She’ll be joined by Torch – Doug Robinson and Harry Aceto on guitar, and London McDaniel on bass – for some holiday songs, old jazz tunes, and some originals.. Singer-songwriter Hannah Law will open the show with her blend of folk, blues, soul, and country influences.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: $15; advance tickets are available here
Triple Threat
Deep Dive will host an eclectic bill featuring Trumansburg garage rockers Vicious Fishes, Long Island funk-jazz trio MJT, and Ithaca indie-rockers The Sutras, who will be playing their first show since mid-2019.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here; $15 at the door
Brassy Sounds
“Brass instrumentalists will be part of worship music AND will accompany our traditional carol singing after worship (11:15 a.m.).” The performers include Frank Campos, trumpet; Michael Stern, trumpet; Tyler Ogilvie, horn; Ryan Zawel, trombone; and David Earll, tuba.
When: 10 a.m. Sunday
Where: First Congregational Church of Ithaca UCC, 309 Highland Road, Ithaca
Cost: free
Bluegrass Christmas
One of CNY's oldest and best-loved bluegrass bands, the Delaney Brothers will present their annual Bluegrass Christmas concert, featuring “holiday classics performed in the Delaney Brothers signature style!”
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $14-$18, available online here
Seasonal Sounds
The Burns Sisters will present their annual holiday concert, performing songs from their album “Tradition,” along with other selections from their vast repertoire. “Annie and Marie Burns and their band create uplifting, transcendent music filled with warmth and conviction. Stirring and reverent, their passionate, seductive harmonies and lyrics are bursting with spirit and soul. The Burns Sisters are renowned for their pure harmony, beautiful lyrics, and joyful energy, an afternoon’s respite in this busy holiday season.” A livestream of the show also will be available.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: 6 on the Square, Oxford
Cost: $25, available online here
Double Doings
Two of Ithaca’s top singer-songwriters, Bronwen Exter and Ariel Arbisser, will team up for a show at Deep Dive. Exter has released three solo albums, and has lots of new songs that she’ll be playing with her band of Matt Saccuccimorano (drums), John Young (bass), Mike Stark (keyboards), Jason Shegogue (guitar), and Jennifer Middaugh (vocals). After releasing her solo debut album “Risk of Love” in fall of 2021, Arbisser has put out a few more singles, including her latest, “Rabbit Hole,” which she co-wrote with Harry Nichols. She’ll be joined by Chris Ploss (drums), Andy Adelewitz (bass), Mike Caporizzo (guitar), and Colleen Countryman (keyboards).
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10 at the door
Read a 2021 interview with Ariel Arbisser here!
Joyful Sounds
Opus Ithaca School of Music will present “JOY: An Opus Faculty and Friends Concert and Fundraiser,” with faculty members and friends performing Poulenc's “Sextour for Wind Quintet and Piano,” Ewald's “Brass Quintet,” Sarasate's “Navarra for Two Violins and Piano,” Debussy's “Petite Suite Menuet for Four Hands,” and a few jazz favorites.
When: 7-8:15 p.m. Sunday
Where: St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 402 N. Aurora St., Ithaca
Cost: free and open to all; donations accepted to benefit the Opus Scholarship Fund
Welcome Return
Longtime local favorite Mark Rust returns to Ithaca from Woodstock. He’ll be joined by John Simon, Dee Specker, and Russ Posegate for a holiday show featuring traditional and original music. Proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.
When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca (FUSIT)
Cost: $10 suggested donation
More Shows
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
The Jesse Collins Trio hosts “Jazz at the Market” at Brookton’s Market at 6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Rachel Beverly is at Salt Point Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Richie Stearns and Friends are at South Hill Cider at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Pat and Dan are at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday
Marc Ryan is at Mangia Stattizitto in Cortland at 6 p.m. Thursday
Scott B. Adams hosts Open Mic Night at the Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Thursdays
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to The Ridge in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
DJ Dale hosts a weekly Karaoke Night at the Upstairs at 10 p.m. Thursdays
Joe Lule is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Nate Marshall returns to Deep Dive for a happy hour show at 5-7 p.m. Friday
The Immortal Jellyfish play Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Caleb Liber is at BRU64 in Cortland at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Dana Twigg is at McGraw Box Brewing Company at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The TJ Sacco Duo is at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Just Joe plays ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Tribal Revival Duo (Marc Ryan and Tom Gath) is at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Florencia Ulloa will host “Xmas 2022,” a Christmas party and concert, at the Savage Club (1004 Auburn Road, Lansing) at 7 p.m. Friday
Trick Shot is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
Sweats are at El Rancho Mexican Restaurant and Grille in Watkins Glen at 9 p.m. Friday
Two Horse Johnson is at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Rachel Beverly is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
M3 is at McGraw Box Brewing Company at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Amber Martin (2-4 p.m.) and Madd Daddy (5:30-8 p.m.) play Summerhill Brewing’s annual Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Chateau Dusseau in Locke at 3 p.m. Saturday
The David Graybeard Trio is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
The Shylocks play ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Pat Young is at Homer Hops at 6 p.m. Saturday
DJ ha-MEEN will spin at the Latino Civic Association’s annual Holiday Party at Hotel Ithaca at 6 p.m. Saturday
F.A.R. Trio is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
Salsa Ithaca hosts its Noche Latina Holiday Dance Party at the Upstairs at 9 p.m. Saturday
The 1980 Underground returns to host its last dance event of 2022 at Sacred Root Kava Lounge at 10 p.m. Saturday (“In the shadows, beyond the deepening cold of Winter, a mysterious experience is waiting. Come out and find it!!”)
Kosmic Trio plays Brookton’s Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Jes Sheldon and Mark Westers play ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 2-4 p.m. Sunday
Bob and Dee are at Americana Vineyards at 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday
Joe Lule is at Solera Tap Room at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Marc Ryan is at the Sherwood In in Skaneateles at 4 p.m. Sunday
DJ Rob Haze and DJ Law will spin “darkwave/postpunk/ebm/goth/industrial/electro/synth/bass” for GOTH NIGHT: Dark Alternative Monthly at Modern Alchemy Game Bar at 9 p.m. Sunday
Jeremy James is at Solera Tap Room at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday
The Center for the Arts in Homer hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Regional shows
Dec. 15, Lita Ford, Touch of Texas, Binghamton
Dec. 16, Sirsy Unplugged, 443 Social Club, Syracuse
Dec. 16, Angela Perley, Abilene Bar and Lounge, Rochester
Dec. 16, Giovannie and the Hired Guns, Lost Horizon, Syracuse
Dec. 16, Almost Queen, The Stanley Theatre, Utica
Dec. 16, moe., Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo
Dec. 17, Blue Star Radiation, Westcott Theater, Syracuse
Dec. 17, Bobby Henrie and the Goners’ Rockabilly Christmas Bash, Abilene Bar and Lounge, Rochester
Dec. 17, Aaron Tippin, The L, Horseheads
Dec. 17, Bela Fleck and Punch Brothers, UB Center for the Arts, Buffalo
Dec. 17, Almost Queen, Kodak Center, Rochester
Dec. 17, Cro-Mags and Necrostalker, The Bug Jar, Rochester
Dec. 17, Lita Ford, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo
Dec. 17, Kenny G “Holiday and Hits” tour, Forum Theatre, Binghamton
Dec. 17, Blue Star Radiation, Westcott Theater, Syracuse
