Malian guitar legend Vieux Farka Touré returns to Central New York, Louisiana’s Lynn Drury debuts at Deep Dive, Rena Guinn kicks off the Mill Park Music Series in Newfield, and former Ithaca favorite Mectapus reunites at South Hill Cider! Plus, catch many other bands around the area as we wind down June in the coming days.
String Thing
The Northside String Band hosts a traditional Southern old-time fiddle music jam on the deck at Deep Dive – come listen or join in every last Tuesday of the month!
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free
Songs of Summer
Florencia Ulloa presents “Summer Melodies at Sacred Root,” promising “summer vibes all night! Bring your requests and good times to the Kava Lounge … Covers, originals, sung, instrumental, to vibe to, to dance to, to sing to, to celebrate summer! Requests encouraged. Original CD music available to purchase.”
When: 7-10 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: free; donations welcome
Guitar Grooves
Vieux Farka Touré, the acclaimed guitarist from Mali who is carrying on the legacy of his father, the legendary Ali Farka Toure, returns to Central New York. Vieux recently 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: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $28-$32, available online here
Getting Started
The 2023 Newfield Music Series at Mill Park kicks off this week Rena Guinn, the local singer-songwriter who just released her first full-length album, “Is This Now?” Her style draws on folk, blues, and country influences. Series organizer JT Tompkins says: “To make the evening extra special, we are throwing an Art in the Park show, featuring artwork from Newfield students! Please join us for music, art, food, and more. See you there!”
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Mill Park, 222 Main St., Newfield
Cost: free
Read a recent interview with Rena Guinn here!
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
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free; ages 18 and up
Also: check out Greg Lofaro and The Firefly Trio at the Deep Dive Jazz Happy Hour starting at 6 p.m.
Melancholy, Baby!
The Downstairs monthly “Melancholy Midweek” series continues with Not From Wisconsin’s Angela and Dave Yantorno and John Young again joined by cellist Grace Dashnaw. “Grace is only in town for a few more weeks, and we wanted to take the opportunity to play with them one more time before they go off to new horizons!,” say the Yantornos. “Grace will play a set of their original compositions, we'll play some as a trio with Grace and then as a quartet with John Young on bass!”
When: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10/pay what you can
Read a recent Not From Wisconsin story here!
South Hill Soiree
South Hill Cider’s Community Concert Series continues with local vocal powerhouse Ariel Arbisser and her stellar band, who will perform tunes from her debut solo album “Risk of Love” as well as several newer songs including her latest single “Evening Light.”
“With over 2 million global streams, SXSW-shortlisted Ithaca singer-songwriter Ariel Arbisser is defining her own path in pop: blending throwback rock on her debut solo album ‘Risk of Love’ to a now sexy, dramatic, pop-funk sound on her latest singles ‘Bloodshed’ and ‘Rabbit Hole.’ Her performances simultaneously make you feel seen, heard, and offer a glimpse into how she experiences the highs and lows of the world. Every show will have you in your feelings with a voice that sounds like bold, public foreplay”
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Read a 2021 interview with Ariel Arbisser here!
Dynamic Duo
The Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series continues its 2023 season with the double bill of Kitestring and Noon Fifteen, two of Ithaca’s top bands. The concert series runs through Sept. 14; see the full lineup here!
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion, the Commons
Cost: free
After the show, head down the Commons to Monks for the free after-party show from 8-10 p.m.
Louisiana Calling
Lynn Drury will visit from Louisiana to showcase her “NOLAmericana” sound. “With her catchy melodies and burnished voice, Drury has been called ‘A one-woman army of soul.’ Her unique style is the product of her country music raisin' mixed with her love of R&B and p
op, and twenty-plus years of soaking up the sounds of the Crescent City. She started out calling her music, ‘Mississippi Grit, New Orleans Groove, settling finally on ‘NOLAmericana.’ Over the past two decades, that meticulously cultivated style – NOLAmericana – has brought Drury’s original music to stages all over the world. With a distinctive voice, this is definitive New Orleans Americana songstress has created her own sound in a city that, as well, moves to its own groove.” She’ll be joined by her band, which features guitarist John Fohl, bassist René Coman, and drummer Eric Bolivar.
Local roots artist Janet Batch will open the show.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10 at the door
All About the Bass
“Solo bassist Jair-Rohm Parker Wells will be embarking on a special tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Eberhard Weber's ‘Pendulum album. The tour will take Wells across Europe and the United States performing the iconic compositions from the album live on stage. What makes this tour even more special is that Wells will be performing on the NS Design Omni Bass, a unique and versatile instrument that allows him to create a wide range of sounds and textures. The music itself is a unique blend of jazz, ambient, and chamber classical textures with electronics, creating an immersive and captivating experience for audiences.
“Wells has been a fan of ‘Pendulum’ for years and was deeply inspired by Weber from an early age growing up in Munich, Germany. With his deep admiration and respect for Weber's music, Wells promises to deliver a performance that stays true to the essence of the album.”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10-$20 sliding scale
Let’s Dance
The Shorty Gorge will host its weekly swing dance at the CSMA, with a Lindy Hop crash course offered at 7 p.m. “No dance experience or partner necessary – just bring yourself!!”
When: 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Where: Community School of Music and Arts
Cost: $5-$10 sliding scale at the door
Funky Friday
Funky Lunch Fridays returns to downtown Ithaca for its second year. “Join us every Friday at noon as we bring the finest selection of funk, disco, house, and classic hop hop to the Commons. Funky Lunch Fridays is a place for young and old alike...a place to meet with friends and get your weekend started right!”
Local favorite djGOURD will spin the funk at this week’s edition.
When: 12-1:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Commons
Cost: free
Righteous Reunion
South Hill Cider’s Golden Hour Music Series continues with the return of Mectapus, which formed in July 1997. The band includes Eric Aceto, Michael Cerza, Peter Dougan, Andrew Farnsworth, Chad Lieberman, Joe Palermo, and Charlie Shew.
“Get ready for a VERY SPECIAL event! Here is your chance to see Mectapus, live for the first time since maybe before you were born, or reborn, or for a long time at least. It's been more than 15 years since the band last played in Ithaca. See them for one show and one show only. Though the band might like to say ‘we will see you soon’ and ‘we will be back,’ herding seven cats across four states in an era of chaos is ... less likely than winning the Powerball. It's so rare that we do not even have a photo of the band that is more current than the Clinton Administration.”
The band wrote original music “inspired by a wide array of genres that spoke to and influenced each of them in their own unique ways. These included Afrobeat, Latin jazz and traditional, bluegrass, country, progressive and classic rock, new age, funk, R & B, and more. Some non-musical influences also infiltrated the band's aesthetic, including puppetry, modern American history, botany, and ornithology.”
“The band strives always for joy above perfection, embodying a mantra of the band - let happiness prevail among this human infestation! Instrumentation on this night will feature acoustic and electric guitars, violin and mandolin, bass, drums and percussion, keyboards and other keyed instruments, and the occasional brass and wind instruments.”
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: $10
Dynamic Duo
Local singer-songwriter Whistlin’ Dyl concludes his “Trilogy” residency at the Downstairs. This show will feature his band Spice Rack and guitarist Kyle Madrigal.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10/pay what you can
Underground Practice
Practice at Presents returns with another cool show, this one featuring Albany’s CPS and Wiring along with local favorites Secret Service Men and BRIAN! Open to all ages.
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: $10
Read a recent interview with BRIAN! here!
Vintage Vibes
Kevin Kinsella returns to Deep Dive with his OG JBB to perform the classic tunes he wrote and sang for longtime local reggae favorites John Brown’s Body. He’ll be joined by several former JBB members, including drummer Tommy Benedetti and saxman Lee Hamilton, as well as Boston-based guitarist Van Martin. Kinsella’s latest album, “At Imperial Sound, Volume 1,” came out in February.
Roadman, the solo project of ex-JBB keyboardist Jon Petronzio, will open the show
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $14 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
More Shows
Mister Bobcat plays the Downtown Ithaca Farmers Market at 3-6 p.m. Tuesday
Charlie Reitz is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Tuesday
Madd Daddy is at Firelight Camps at 5-7 p.m. Tuesday for Emma Frisch’s launch party for her new book “Seasonal Family Almanac.”
Cousin Jake plays Bike Night at the Nest Tavern in Apulia at 6-9 p.m. Tuesday
Joe Hayward, Richie Stearns and friends play old-time tunes at Bike Bar Ithaca at 7 p.m. Tuesday
The Center for the Arts in Homer hosts Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesdays
Auburn Public Theatre hosts Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays
The Westy hosts its Open Mic Night at 9 p.m. Tuesdays
Venissa Santi is at the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4-7 p.m. Wednesday
The Argos Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays
Two Horse Johnson plays the Stonecat Café at 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
Jesse Collins and Friends host the Sandwich Sessions at Brookton’s Market at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
SingTrece and Thom are at Ithaca Beer Company at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Sydney Irving is at Bright Leaf Vineyard in King Ferry at 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Evan Stewart Eisenberg is at Althea’s FLX Tavern in Montour Falls at 6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Hannah Toombs is at Salt Point Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Chasing Neon plays on the Homer Village Green at 7-8 p.m. Wednesday
DJ Dale hosts Trivia Night at Revelry Yards at 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays
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
The Upstairs has resumed its weekly Open Mic Night, now at 8:30 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays
Darkwine is at Grist Iron Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Calya Lea is at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Joe Lule is at Atwater Vineyards at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
River Lynch is at Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Grassanova is at Six Mile Creek Vineyard at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
City Limits is at Punk’s Place in Candor at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Pat and Don are at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to The Ridge in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
The Jesse Collins Quintet plays jazz at Bike Bar Ithaca at 7 p.m. Thursday
Comedy in the Shire comes to Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 7-8 p.m. Thursday
TJ Sacco and Brianna Jesse play the Glen Haven at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Quinn Bedore is at Liquid State North Shore at 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday
Papa Muse plays Bagley’s Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Sweats are at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Seneca Jam are at Seneca Cheese Company at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Doolin’ O’Dey is at Summerhill Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The Tarps Duo plays at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The Soul Benders are at Hopshire Farms and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Melanie and the Boys play the Marathon Village Green at 6-8:30 p.m. Friday
The Drive is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Chris Rattie and the New Rebels are at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Erin and the Backwoods Blues Project play Seneca Lake Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Just Joe is at ONCO Fermentations at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Gabe Stillman is at the Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Destination is at Treleaven Winery at 6-9 p.m. Friday ($10)
Group du Jour plays the BoatYard Grill at 6 p.m. Friday
The Sim Redmond Band is at the Finger Lakes Cider House at 6-9 p.m. Friday ($10)
Sean Fried and Ben Wayne are at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Delta Mike Shaw Band plays Wagner Vineyards at 6:30 p.m. Friday
The Homebrewed Comedy Show plays the McGraw Box Brewing Company at 7-9 p.m. Friday
The Rollin’ Rust and Annie Kath play Rose Hall in Cortland at 7 p.m. Friday
Mini-Grits plays at Original’s Bar and Lounge in Owego at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Levi and the Wranglers are at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
The Infrared Radiation Orchestra plays an album-release show at Moondog’s in Auburn at 8-11 p.m. Friday
Regional Shows
June 27, Bonnie Raitt, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester (SOLD OUT!)
June 27, A Tribute to the Eagles, The Ridge, Chittenango POSTPONED TO July 25!!
June 27, Tears for Fears and Cold War Kids, CMAC, Canandaigua
June 27, Vieux Farka Toure, Center for the Arts, Homer
June 27, Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters, The L, Horseheads (CANCELED!)
June 28, Peter Mulvey, 443 Social Club, Syracuse
June 28, Jimmie Vaughan, Center for the Arts, Homer (SOLD OUT!)
June 28, Australian Pink Floyd, Artpark, Lewiston
June 29, James Taylor and His All Star Band, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
June 30, Falling in Reverse, St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse
June 30, Woe Is Me, the L, Horseheads
June 30, Sergio Mendes, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo
June 30-July 2, 30th Great Blue Heron Music Festival, Sherman
July 1, The Temptations and The Four Tops, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo
July 1, Kansas, Kodak Center, Rochester
July 1, Leonid and Friends, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
July 1, Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional, St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse
July 1, Big Time Rush, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs
July 1, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and JD McPherson, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
July 2, Black MIDI, Asbury Hall at Babeville, Buffalo
July 2, Counting Crowes, CMAC, Canandaigua
July 2, Leonid and Friends, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
July 2, Steve Miller Band and Joe Satriani, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
July 2, Tim McGraw, Turning Stone Event Center, Verona
July 3, Trevor Hall and the Great In-Betweens and The California Honeydrops, Lincoln Hill Farms, Cazenovia
July 3, Weezer, Joyce Manor, and Future Islands, CMAC, Canandaigua
July 3, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Ziggy Marley, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs
July 3, Shania Twain, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
