Ruthie Foster visits Homer’s Center for the Arts, Queen Flash brings its tribute show to Deep Dive, and the Galactic Escort Service tips its collective cap to “Star Wars” Plus, a few top Ithaca songwriters contribute original songs to The Cherry Arts production of “As You Like It”!
In other big news, beginning Monday, July 31, Different Radio – WITH-FM (90.1 in Ithaca; withradio.org) and WRUR-FM (88.5 in Rochester) will now be known as The Route, which will offer more music! Ryan Yarmel has been named The Route music director; he has been the host of “Radioland with Yarms” on Thursday nights since 2019 and takes on this new role with a strong focus on steering listeners on the road to more music discovery.
There’s also an updated schedule, with Yarmel launching a new afternoon show at 2-6 p.m. daily. “Open Tunings” with Scott Regan remains from 9 a.m. to noon, with the World Cafe now running from noon to 2 p.m. Get the full scoop here!
Ihntro
Vintage Jazz
Djug Django returns to South Hill Cider to showcase their high-energy repertoire of gypsy swing, jazz standards, Latin rhythms, and blues. The band includes Eric Aceto, Michael Wellen, Doug Robinson, Chad Lieberman, Dave Davies, Jim Sherpa, and Harry Aceto.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Sonic Explorations
“Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and led by Jeremy Bleich’s eclectic guitar and compositional style, The Glass Key Trio explores compositions inspired by country, world music, folk, and film noir. Each composition is a vehicle for spirited dialogue between the players ushering the listener into a narrative exploration of musical landscapes.”
"The Glass Key Trio... has conceived a strange combination of folk, gospel, spirituals, jazz and experimental curiosities, all without adhering too intensely to any one, and without an easy means to genre-fy." - Santa Fe Reporter
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10-$15 sliding scale
Under Pressure
Angelo Paradiso (New Planets, Living Myths, Big Mean Sound Machine, Swamp Kids) continues his weekly residency at Deep Dive, joined by special guest drummer Emanuel Washington (Sophistafunk, Frank White Experience, Skunk City) of Syracuse.
“Angelo Paradiso (multi - instrumentalist / mad scientist) brings you a VS battle that will make that tush pop and jaw drop. Man VS machine : Angelo invites a rotating cast of characters that range in instruments, names and forms to battle machine sequences, modular synths and all things sample-able. All styles from all places. All things funky. No computers, just humans. Bring your dancing shoes, your party hat, and dial 1-800-NOREQUESTS.”
When: 8:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10
Drivin’ That Train
Regional Grateful Dead tribute band Terrapin Station returns to the “Music in the Hollow” to celebrate Jerry Garcia’s 81st birthday.
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Ellis Hollow Community Center
Cost: free
Ready to Rock
Deep Dive will host a free livestream of the Phish concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with founding members Trey Anastasio, Mike Gordon, Jon Fishman, and Page McConnell ready to satisfy their fans with a variety of musical surprises.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free!
Lotsa Laughs
Deep Dive continues its new bi-weekly comedy night, "Dive Into Comedy,” produced by Comedy On The Commons. “Brace yourselves for waves of laughter every other Wednesday, as the stand-up scene in Ithaca takes a deep dive into humor! Your hosts for the night, Mike Stewart and Andre ‘Pnut’ Williams, promise to keep your spirits afloat with their unique styles. Mike, known for his sharp wit and original observations, has been making waves on the comedy scene with his relatable humor. And what can we say about Pnut? Though relatively new on the comedy scene, his rich life experiences and nique perspective guarantee plenty of laughs and food for thought. So mark your calendars, call your friends, and get ready to dive into a night filled with laughter, good vibes, and the most diverse comedy acts in town. Who knows? You might even discover your new favorite comedian!”
When: 6:30 p.m. every other Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
May the Force Be With You
The Galactic Escort Service returns to Deep Five for a special “Star Wars” edition of Galactic Wednesday, with Ashley Ickes, Tenzin Chopak, Josh Oxford, Emmett Scott, and Michael Schuler ready to explore a sonic galaxy far, far away.
“Every other Wednesday, a core group of Ithaca-based musicians joins forces to create live improvised music on the spot. The group projects both obscure and classic films to aid in enhancing the experience as both audience and performers embark into the unknown spaces and places of the sonic realm. Guaranteed no two shows are the same, come be a part of the excitement of musical creation in real time.”
When: 9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10
Trio Grande
Fresh off its Sunday afternoon appearance at the GrassRoots Festival, the Hank Roberts Trio returns to South Hill Cider, with cello master Roberts joined by keyboardist Chad Lieberman and drummer Ashley Ickes. “They will be playing a variety of music from John Coltrane to Thelonious Monk and some original compositions, all with a focus towards incorporating improvisational energy in a multi-faceted variety of ways. Hank may even bring out his grandfather’s Jazzaphone Fiddle (one-stringed horn fiddle) to play a couple of tunes.”
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Voices Carry
The Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series continues its 2023 season with City Limits, the local classic blues rock band that includes some of Ithaca’s top players. 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.
Words and Music
Story House Ithaca will present “Make Your Writing Sing: A Writer’s Practice for Reading Aloud,” a free online workshop part of Spring Writes, an annual literary festival organized by the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.
“Writers are often called upon to read their work in public. Yet for many, reading aloud can be a nerve-racking experience. Join poet and performer Jaime Warburton and multi-instrumentalist Em Ludek for this free workshop on how to prepare yourself and your writing for performance, using a method of musical notation that brings your writing to life with sonic and rhythmic awareness that catches your audience's ear and heart.”
For novice and experienced writers/storytellers in all genres. No music reading is necessary. Bring an excerpt of your own writing (<100 words).
This Story House Ithaca workshop is part of Spring Writes, an annual literary festival organized by the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: online
Cost: free, advance registration is required; please register in advance here
They Will Rock You
As seen on Broadway for Freddie Mercury’s birthday celebration, Queen Flash, one of the premier Queen tributes in North America, will come to Ithaca
“Look-a-like, sound-a-like, Johnny Zatylny has been captivating audiences by carrying on the musical tradition of Freddie Mercury since 2000. His amazing likeness with the original, matches his perfect performance of Queen songs both through his voice and his unmistakable stage presence.
“This fabulous 6-piece Queen tribute is an exciting, high-energy show that will get people out of their seats. Queen Flash is a grand, theatrical representation of the real Queen concerts, complete with vocal quality unmatched by any other tribute out there. It captures the essence of a band that transformed the music industry and set lofty standards for those who followed. Queen Flash will set the stage for a flashback to one of the world’s finest group of rock musicians!”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $28 in advance, available online here; $35 at the door
Bard Rock
The Cherry Arts presents “As You Like It,” its first-ever Shakespeare production.
“The crew is in trouble — so they're putting on disguises, marching into the forest, and not coming out until everyone's married! As You Like It is a cheeky and adventurous comedy full of passionate lovers, nefarious schemes, and ridiculous disguises. It's also Shakespeare’s most musical play, and some of Ithaca’s most beloved musicians have written sweet new tunes to bring Shakespeare's songs to life.”
“The play is chock full of songs —which will be written by some of Ithaca’s most iconic songwriters including Jennie Lowe Stearns, Nate Silas Richardson (of the Sim Redmond Band), and Maddy Walsh (of The Blind Spots).”
When: August 3 through Aug. 13
Where: The Cherry Artspace
Cost: $10-$55, depending on the performance date; tickets are available online here
Blues Power
Acclaimed blueswoman Ruthie Foster returns to Central New York to promote her latest album, “Healing Time.” “Ruthie Foster’s ninth studio album represents a new highwater mark for the veteran blues artist—a collection of songs possessing pure power, like a tidal wave of musical generosity.”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $25-$35, available online here
More Shows
Brett Beardslee is back with the blues at Rasta Ranch Vineyards at 5-8 p.m. Mondays
Mark Maynard hosts Open Mic Night at Lucky Hare Brewing in Hector at 6-8 p.m. Mondays
Patrick Young is at Bright Leaf Vineyard in King Ferry at 6-8 p.m. Monday for a special Low Country Seafood Boil Dinner by Chef Samantha Buyskes (reservations required)
Louiston is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Tuesday
LongStory is at Firelight Camps at 6-8 p.m. Tuesday
Kenneth McLaurin hosts Standup Comedy Open Mic Night at the Downstairs at 6:30 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
Yardvarks are at the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4-7 p.m. Wednesday
Cisco and the Soul Benders are at the Stonecat Café’s Pub Night at 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays
Jesse Collins and Friends host the Sandwich Sessions at Brookton’s Market at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Freight is at Ithaca Beer Company at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Evan Dillon is at Bright Leaf Vineyard in King Ferry at 6 p.m. Wednesday
Rachel Beverly is at Salt Point Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Fabi is at Cayuga Shoreline at 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays
Dana Twigg 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
Rachel Beverly is at the Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Scott Tremelo is at Atwater Vineyards at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Radio London are at Six Mile Creek Winery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Pat and Don are at Cortland Beer Company at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
The Destination is at Myers Park in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Whiskey Business is at Lucas Vineyards at 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Crossroads Bar and Grille in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Cielle on Solid Ground is at the Downstairs at 7 p.m. Thursday
Regional Shows
Aug. 1, “A Tribute to Steely Dan,” The Ridge, Chittenango
Aug. 1, Orville Peck, Artpark, Lewiston
Aug. 1, Mudvayne, St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse
Aug. 1, Regina Spektor, Kodak Center, Rochester
Aug. 1-2, Yarn, 443 Social Club, Syracuse
Aug. 3, Matt Rife, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo
Aug. 3, Happy Together Tour, Kodak Center, Rochester
Aug. 3, Jelly Roll, Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien Center
Aug. 3, The Chicks, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
Aug. 4, Fall Out Boy with Bring Me the Horizon, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien Center
Aug. 4, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, CMAC, Canandaigua
Aug. 4, Pink Martini and the Philadelphia Orchestra featuring China Forbes, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs
Aug. 4, The Wallflowers, Lincoln Hill Farms, Cazenovia
Aug. 5, Brewfest 2023 with Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass, Lincoln Hill Farms, Canandaigua
Aug. 5, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and SG Goodman, Artpark, Lewiston
Aug. 5, Def Leppard and Motley Crue with Alice Cooper, JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse
Aug. 5, The Oak Ridge Boys, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
Aug. 6, Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, Kodak Center, Rochester
Aug. 6, The Chicks, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs
Aug. 6, Godsmack and Stained, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien Center
Aug. 6, Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
Aug. 8, Pantera with Lamb of God, St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse
Aug. 8, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, Abilene Bar & Lounge, Rochester
Aug. 8, Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R., Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs
Aug. 9, Pantera, Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien
Aug. 9, Shakey Graves, Lincoln Hill Farms, Cazenovia
Aug. 10, Al Stewart and the Empty Pockets, Center for the Arts, Homer
Aug. 10, Richard Marx and Yacht Rock Revue, Artpark, Lewiston
