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22+ shows to see this week: March 30-April 6

Twiddle photographed in San Francisco on July 23, 2019.
Jay Blakesberg
/
Jay Blakesberg
Twiddle photographed in San Francisco on July 23, 2019.

We exit March and enter April as Twiddle brings its farewell tour to the State Theatre of Ithaca, Tennis plays at Homer’s Center for the Arts, and Blaque Dynamite and Dan Pugach make their Ithaca debuts at Deep Dive! Plus, the Fiddlehead Frolic returns to BJM School and Annatto kicks off its residency at The Downstairs.

Note: the events are listed below in chronological order, in two separate sections.

Let’s Dance!

Hosted by belly dancers Alicia Free and Anya Hamer, the Wanah Dance Cafe Rites of Spring Event will feature “West Asian, North African & Hellenic Dance & more fabulous arts in our community.” The cover charge “includes VIP access to the barrel room and an amazing dance show” and goes toward paying the performers. Taksim Ithaca will provide live music

When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Liquid State Brewing Company

Cost: $10; advance tickets are available online here

Event Info

Jack Yarbrough
Provided
Jack Yarbrough

Piano Echoes

The Cornell Department of Music continues its run of numerous organ and piano concerts, as Jack Yarbrough presents forms in the air / echo studies, a piano recital featuring the music of Morton Feldman, Arthur Lourié, Tomasz Sikorski, and Josef Matthias Hauer. “Exploring themes of resonance, echo, and rhythmic weightlessness, the piano’s unique sonorities are allowed to unfold over an expansive timescale.”

When: 8 p.m. Thursday

Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell

Cost: free and open to all

Event Info

Blaque Dynamite
Provided
Blaque Dynamite

Dazzling Debut

Acclaimed drummer-singer-songwriter Blaque Dynamite will make his Ithaca debut at Deep Dive. He’ll be showcasing the powerful blend of jazz, hiphop, gospel, and funk that has garnered him more than a dozen Downbeat Music awards and a Grammy nomination. Wingnut, COOKIE., and Jacks Muñiz will open the show

When: 9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Deep Dive

Cost: $20 day of show, available online here and at the door

Event Info

Read an interview with Blaque Dynamite here!!

Perfect Pair

Dara Anissi and Martin Shamoonpour will team up for an intimate concert in downtown Ithaca. “Our music is primarily original Middle Eastern music influenced by Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Kurdish music with elements of Jazz, Progressive Rock, and West African music.”Anissi plays the oud, an ancient stringed instrument that gave birth to the guitar; Shamoonpour plays the daf, a Persian frame drum.

When: 7-9 p.m. Friday

Where: The Downstairs

Cost: $5

Event Info

Let the Good Times Roll

Rose and the Bros will play a GrassRoots Zydeco Dance at the CSMA’s Hamlin Ballroom. They’ll be playing songs from their two albums as well as from their forthcoming record. Wine from Sweet Land Farm Cellars and Cider from South Hill Cider will be available for purchase. Open to all ages.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Community School of Music and Arts Cost: $10 suggested donation to benefit the GrassRoots Music Academy

Event Info

Xak Bjerken
Emma Duell
/
Provided
Xak Bjerken

Homeward Bound

Cornell’s Center for Historical Keyboards will host a presentation titled “Homeward.” Joined by soprano Rachel Schutz, pianist Xak Bjerken performs music by composers of his Nordic and Slavic heritage—Grieg, Sibelius, Janáček, and Rachmaninoff.

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell

Cost: free and open to all

Event Info

Nine is Fine

Grammy-nominated drummer and composer Dan Pugach brings his nine-piece ensemble to Ithaca. Hailing from Israel, Pugach moved to the United States in 2006 to pursue a career in music after three years of service in the IDF playing drums for The Air Force Band and attending the Rimon School of Jazz at the same time. He received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music, where he studied with Terri Lynn Carrington, Hal Crook, and Joe Lovano, and an M.A in music from the City College of New York, where he studied with Mike Holober and Scott Reeves. His arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” from his 2018 debut album “Dan Pugach Nonet - Plus One” was Grammy-nominated for Best Arrangement for Instruments with Vocals.

“Pugach is an ace composer and arranger. It is pretty incredible to realized that ‘Plus One’ is the drummer’s debut album. It sounds fully formed and completely evolved." –– All About Jazz

When: 9 p.m. Friday

Where: Deep Dive

Cost: $14 in advance, available online here; day of show, $20

Event Info

An image by Skeleton Hands
Provided
An image by Skeleton Hands

Glitch Mode

Delaques returns to downtown Ithaca, as Yoshi Aerson and Tony DeVivo showcase their “funky, jazzy stylings” accompanied by the mesmerizing glitch art projections of Skeleton Hands.

When: 9-11 p.m. Friday

Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar & Tea Lounge

Cost: $5-$10 sliding scale

Event Info

Alchemy (left) and Sarah VanNorstrand
Provided
Alchemy (left) and Sarah VanNorstrand

Frolicking Fun

Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca returns with the Fiddlehead Frolic, a day of dancing featuring Alchemy (Rachel Bell, Karen Axelrod, and Eric Martin) with calling by Sarah VanNorstrand. “A fabulous medley will feature local favorites the O’Shanigans and a dream team of area callers.” Dance workshops and an open jam will round out the festivities. Masks are required. “We encourage all participants to rapid test the day of the event, and to be up to date on their vaccinations.” See the event page for the day’s complete schedule.

When: 12:30-10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Beverly J. Martin School

Admission: (Members/Non-Members/student rate): Afternoon Only— $15/$18/$9; Evening Only—$15/$18/$9; Entire Frolic—$25/$30/$15

Event Info

A Variety of Fools

The Savage Club of Ithaca presents its April Fools Variety Show, promising “A fun musical event for all.”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Savage Club Community Performance Space, 1004 Auburn Road, North Lansing

Cost: donations will benefit renovations of the club’s community performance space

Event Info

Battlemode
Provided
Battlemode

Set Phasers to Stun

The Electrozone returns with another cool show, this one “a fun night of video game inspired music and other electronic fun.” The headliner is Boston-based electro-pop duo Battlemode, “the vibrant and irrepressibly energetic work of mismatched but inseparable friends Biff and Kris. Together they create dynamic electro pop that embraces the sounds of the past in order to look forward; incorporating the glitchy 8-bit chiptune sounds that accompanied adolescent days spent playing Gameboys, and reinvigorating them amongst contemporary synth.” Rochester’s Captain L3mo and Ithaca’s own Gorgonne round out the bill.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar

Cost: $10-$15 sliding scale

Event Info

Silent Sounds

Cloud Chamber Orchestra (Robby Aceto, guitars; Peter Dodge, keyboards, trumpet, etc.; Chris White, cello) will perform with the 1923 German silent film “Warning Shadows,” as part of the Finger Lakes Film Festival (FLEFF). "An illusionist turns a shadowy puppet show into a violent premonition of what might occur if the wife of a jealous German baron continues to flirt with dinner guests in this German expressionist classic."

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Cinemapolis

Tickets: available online here and at the door

Event Info

Russell E.L. Butler (left) and Glitter Skulls.
Provided
Russell E.L. Butler (left) and Glitter Skulls.

Going Techno

Microtones returns with another stellar show, this one featuring live sets from Russell E.L. Butler and Glitter Skulls. “Russell Ellington Langston Butler is a Black artist from Bermuda, living and working in New York City. Russell has painstakingly cultivated a unique artistic expression that integrates and investigates themes around process, technological innovation, the archive, and decolonization. Their works have taken the form of vinyl records, digital audio releases, live A/V performances, and special archiving projects.”

“Glitter Skulls is the live techno project of Ithaca-based filmmaker and sound engineer Chris Knight. Knight’s mind-melting improvised performances draw on trance-inducing synthesized rhythms with procedurally-generated glitchy melodies and acid bass lines.”

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Forest City Lodge 180

Cost: $10 in advance, available at Angry Mom Records; at the door, admission is $20 (cash or Venmo)

Event Info

Lawrence Brownlee
Shervin-Lainez
/
Provided
Lawrence Brownlee

Bel Canto

Ithaca College’s Manley and Doriseve Thaler Vocal Concert Series will host acclaimed tenor Lawrence Brownlee, accompanied with pianist Kevin J. Miller. They’ll perform a program that includes works by Robert Owens, Jeremiah Evans, Margaret Bonds, Jasmine Barnes, Carlos Simon, Brandon Spencer, Joel Thompson, and others. A leading figure in opera, both as a singer on the world's top stages, and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry, Brownlee has been captivating audiences and critics around the globe, and has been hailed as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory” (The New York Times), “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars” (The Guardian), and “one of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today” (NPR).

When: 8:15 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College

Cost: free and open to all

Event Info

Positive Vibrations

Double Tiger returns to Deep Dive, with Jay Spaker showcasing his blend of dub, reggae, funk, and soul with the help of some of the area’s top players. DJ Mike Judah, host of WICB’s “Reggae Explosions,” will spin tunes before and after the set.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Deep Dive

Cost: $9 in advance, available online here; $15 day of show

Event Info

Ready for Release

The Downstairs kicks off another residency, as Annatto, “the beats and vinyl mastermind, is taking over the joint for the first four Saturdays of April, each with a unique and unforgettable theme that will blow your mind. Annatto and friends' ‘April Jewels’ offers electrifying music and immersive entertainment in an intimate listening room with a high-quality atmosphere and libations.”

This weekend’s show will feature a night of electrifying beats, funky pop, and unique jazz-based hip-hop grooves,” as well as a celebration of Annatto's second EP release, "April Jewelz,” featuring “immersive visuals to enhance your experience.” Joining the show are jazz-hiphop duo Delaques and local funk-pop band Ten Square Miles.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Downstairs

Cost: sliding scale $5-$10

Event Info

That’s the Plan

Plan Z returns to downtown Ithaca, promising “a collaborative musical journey featuring some of the great musicians in the area. You will hear jazz, blues, soul, and funk filled originals as the group pushes their own boundaries to create something new.” The lineup includes Michael Stark (keyboards), Marc Devokaitis (sax), Andrew Battles (bass), Ryan Zawel (trombone, sousaphone), Paul Merrill (trumpet), and Zaun Marshburn (drums).

When: 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: The Downstairs

Cost: $10 suggested cover

Event Info

Fond Farewell

Twiddle brings its “Distance Makes The Heart” tour to Ithaca. The Vermont-based band – Mihali Savoulidis (vocals, guitar), Ryan Dempsey (keys, organ, synth), Brook Jordan (drums), and Zdenek Gubb (bass) – will be going on hiatus after its current tour. The group’s latest release is “Every Last Leaf,” which showcases its trademark blend of funk, jazz, rock, reggae, and bluegrass influences.

Yam Yam, a funk-soul-jazz-jam band from Harrisburg, Pa., opens the show.

When: 8 p.m. Sunday (postponed from January 27)

Where: State Theatre of Ithaca

Cost: $36, available online here (almost sold out!!)

Event Info

Tennis
Provided
Tennis

Anyone for Tennis?

Tennis – the duo of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley – will bring its “Pollen” tour to Central New York. Their 2020 album “Swimmer” featured the singles “Need Your Love” and “Runner”; it was followed by their latest album, “Pollen,” released earlier this year,

Kate Bollinger, a singer-songwriter from Charlottesville, Virginia, will open the show. Her debut EP “Look at it in the Light” came out in 2022.

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Center for the Arts of Homer Cost: $30, available online here

Event Info

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 months.

When: 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, April 5

Where: Deep Dive

Cost: free; ages 18 and up

Event Info

Sarah Noell
Provided
Sarah Noell

More Shows

Sarah Noell returns to Atwater Vineyards at 5-8 p.m. Thursday

Richie Stearns and Friends play South Hill Cider at 5-8 p.m Thursday

Pat and Don are at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday

Scott B Adams hosts Open Mic Night at the Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Thursday

Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Crossroads in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday

Tenzin Chopak and Emmett Scott return to the Downstairs at 7 p.m. Thursday

The Homebrewed Comedy Show is at McGraw Box Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday

Rev Ezra is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday

Stereopticon is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday

Gone Acoustic is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday

3-Mo-G is at Scale House Brewing at 6 p.m. Friday

Caleb Liber is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday

The Zydeco Trail Riders are at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday

Off The Rails is at BRU64 at 6-8 p.m. Friday

Greg McQuade is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday

Bad Bear is at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 1-4 p.m. Saturday

The Lakeside Drifters Duo is at Treleaven Winery at 2-5 p.m. Saturday

J9 and Company are at Chateau Dusseau at 3-6 p.m. Saturday

Insolent Cur is at Brookton’s Market at 4 p.ml Saturday

Tenzin Chopak and Emmett Scott are at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday

M3
Provided
M3

M3 plays ONCO Fermentations’ Rock Steady Round Two event to benefit Empower Parkinson at 5 p.m. Saturday

Levi and the Wranglers are at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday

Rocco Rich and Aaron Craig are at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Saturday

The Hector Prom with DJ Obvious Objects is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday, followed by Silent Disco at 9-11 p.m.

Clint Bush is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday

Chasing Neon is at Goody’s Lake Como Inn at 8 p.m. Saturday

Billy Golicki and The Therapists are at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday

The 86ers and Angela Marion team up for a show at the Range at 8 p.m. Saturday

Lutheran Skirts are at Owego’s John Barleycorn Tavern at 8 p.m. Saturday

First Saturday Salsa Night returns to the Upstairs at 9 p.m. Saturday

Cayuga Blue Notes are at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday

djGOURD
Jim Catalano
djGOURD

djGOURD will spin at a Twiddle after-party at the Upstairs at 10:30 p.m. Sunday

The Center for the Arts in Homer hosts Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays

Auburn Public Theatre hosts Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays

The Westy hosts its new Open Mic Night at 9 p.m. Tuesdays

The Argos Grove trio plays jazz at Bar Argos at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Jesse Collins and Friends host the Sandwich Sessions at Brookton’s Market at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Fresh Vintage is at Scale House Brewing at 6 p.m. Wednesday

Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday

The Salsa Night Dance Party returns to the Range at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Robert Beck is at Atwater Vineyards at 5-8 p.m. Thursday

Scott B Adams hosts Open Mic Night at the Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Thursday

Almost Queen
Provided
Almost Queen

Regional Shows

March 31, Scott Bradlee’s Post-Modern Jukebox, Turning Stone Showroom, Verona

March 31, Joshua Hyslop, 443 Social Club, Syracuse

March 31, Almost Queen, Forum Theatre, Binghamton

March 31, Florence Dore Band, Mohawk Place, Buffalo

March 31, 1DRFL and Friends Part II, Westcott Theater, Syracuse

March 31, Snakes and Stars, Funk N Waffles, Syracuse

April 1, Joywave, Empire Live, Albany

April 1, Sam Grisman Project, Geneseo Riviera, Geneseo

April 1, The National Reserve, Funk N Waffles, Syracuse

Florence Dore
Provided
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florencedore.com
Florence Dore

April 1, Florence Dore Band, Abilene Bar and Lounge, Rochester

April 1, Stryper and Vixen, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo

April 1, The Moxie Strings, 443 Social Club, Syracuse

April 1, Earth Crisis, Lost Horizon, Syracuse

April 1, Travis Denning, The L, Horseheads

April 2, The Queers, The Bug Jar, Rochester

April 5, Strawberry Girls, Lost Horizon, Syracuse

April 5, Bass Drum of Death, Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo

April 6, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Lost Horizon, Syracuse

April 6, Anvil, Empire Underground, Albany

April 7, Driftwood, The L, Horseheads

April 8, Aaron Lewis, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo

April 8, Papadosio and Space Bacon, Westcott Theater, Syracuse

April 8, The Kicks, Lost Horizon, Syracuse

See an updated, curated list of dozens of shows across upstate New York happening in March and beyond!

Driftwood
Driftwood

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