Tommy Emmanuel kicks off the State Theatre of Ithaca’s fall season, Cas Haley returns to Deep Dive, and, Maddy Walsh brings her All-Star Band to the Commons to conclude the 2023 Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series!
Brave Words
Cornell Cinema continues its film series, “Arts Unplugged: Laurie Anderson,” with a screening of “Home of the Brave,” a “compelling, visually dynamic concert film and Laurie Anderson’s directorial debut.” Compiled of live performances filmed during her first world tour, the film includes songs from her 1984 album 1984’s “Mister Heartbreak” and selections from her 1983 “United States” show, along with eclectic, experimental visuals blending film, animation, dance and electronics.
As Anderson describes, “My work is a combination of film, music, electronics, storytelling, dancing, social commentary, impersonation, animation and anything else I come up with. What I do has been described as ‘high-tech opera,’ ‘live art,’ ‘electronic stand-up comedy,’ ‘avant-rock,’ and that clumsy label ‘performance art,’ which always sounded to me like a bad translation from German. Fortunately, nobody knows what ‘performance art’ refers to.” (Variety)
The screening is part of the College of Arts & Sciences' special Arts Unplugged event “Building an Ark: A Conversation with Pioneering Artist Laurie Anderson on Innovation and Storytelling.”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Willard Straight Theatre, Cornell University
Cost: $6-$10, available online here
Their Home is in Indiana
The Downstairs will host a night of original America, as Dakota Curtis and the Dark come from Bloomington, Indiana, to join forces with JP Payton and Loveday (of Freight).
“Encompassing sounds of early rock & roll, classic country & heartland rock, with hints of spaghetti westerns and frantic cosmic energy, Dakota Curtis and The Dark is force of nature. One part Steve Earle and one part Lou Reed, Dakota expertly narrates life in the hardscrabble Midwest with an art rock flair. Come check out this Hoosier trio on their 2023 NE tour while you can.”
“While both JP and Loveday remain busy with Freight's ever-expanding tour schedule, the duo have crafted an in-demand intimate show that finds them reaching new audiences near and far. Known for infectious harmonies, country-tinged singable choruses, and undeniable stage chemistry, JP and Loveday combine the best of Freight's road-tested material and delve deeper into each individual's unique songwriting and vocal stylings.”
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: cover charge
Fiery Fingers
The State Theatre of Ithaca kicks off its 2023-2024 season with the return of guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel joined by opening act Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.
Emmanuel is currently touring in support of his newly released full-length collaborations album, "Accomplice Two," which includes guests such as Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Michael McDonald, Jamey Johnson, and Raul Malo.
“The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. His fans are in love with his unbound talent as a guitarist of multitudes, his ability to play three parts at once, always with pure heart and real soul. He is a true virtuoso. But he seems as delighted always with the magic of the music as the audience, if not more, and his joy illuminates everything. It’s one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistibly infectious invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does. ‘The joy,’ he says, ‘is there always because I’m chasing it through music. Seeing the surprise in peoples’ eyes is worth living and working for... I can’t help but play to the people with all my heart, which is overflowing with joy of being in that moment that I’ve worked all my life for. And here it is!’”
Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams will open the show. The pair have performed with Hot Tuna, Bob Dylan, and other legendary acts, but have focused on their own material in recent years with the albums “It Was The Music,” “Contraband,” and their self-titled debut. Their latest release “Live at Levon’s!” was recorded at Levon Helm Studios in 2019 and features the single “Angel of Darkness.”
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $29.50-$54.50, available online here and at the State box office
Texas Troubadour
Deep Dive will host the return of Texas-based singer-songwriter Cas Haley, who burst onto the scene in 2007 on NBC’s “Americas Got Talent” performing his acoustic reggae cover of The Police’s “Walking On the Moon.” Since then he has released seven albums of original music mixing Southern soul roots with reggae-inspired rhythms. His latest album is “Boots, Rock, Reggae, Vol. 1,” a collection of America’s favorite country and rock songs arranged in his signature southern soul reggae style.
Roadman, the solo project of Jon Petronzio (John Brown’s Body, Black Castle, Revision) will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $14 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
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
The Best Medicine
“ComedyFLOPs presents All You Can Eat Improv, a live, entirely made-up show based on your suggestions. We do our shows in support of local non-profit organizations so join us for laughs and music as we raise money to support Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, … a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services and information, a fierce advocate, and a committed partner to advance equity and improve health outcomes for all.”
When: 7-9 Wednesday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $5 suggested donation
A Rake’s Progress
Theoretical Events and Angry Mom Records will host “A Nite of Beautifully Broken Music,” featuring Eugene Chadbourne along with local duo Wooden Lung (Johnny Dowd & Rocket Morton).
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Angry Mom Records
Cost: $10 at the door
Double Feature
The Galactic Escort Service returns every other Wednesday to Deep Dive, promising “another epic journey through sonic cosmology.” Core players include Tenzin Chopak, Emmett Scott, Michael Schuler, Josh Oxford, and Ashley Ickes, who on the spot create improvisations on a variety of instruments. “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.”
This week’s edition will feature screenings of “Amadeus” and Mrs. Doubtfire, with guest violist Kyle Armbrust joining the Galactic Escort Service for the evening.
When: 9:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10
Blurring Boundaries
Cornell University’s Department of Music continues its “Midday Music in Lincoln” series with a performance by dragonchild x Sunken Cages. “Ethio-American saxophonist D.A. Mekonnen (dragonchild) and Indian-born drummer/electronic music producer Ravish Momin (Sunken Cages) create an exciting new global music that draws from their respective cultural backgrounds, as well as contemporary electronic music. Sunken Cages plays electronic and acoustic drums, triggers melodies and textures, and generates loops in real-time, while dragonchild shifts between saxophones and electronics.”
When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Lincoln Hall B20, Cornell University
Cost: free and open to the public
Raving On!
Cortland Repertory Theatre will host the return of Todd Meredith, one of CRT’s most popular performers. “Born in Buffalo, raised in Albany, Todd has become America’s favorite Buddy Holly Tribute Artist! CRT audiences remember him from our production of ‘Buddy!’ and ‘Ring of Fire,’ as Carl Perkins in ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ and the many concerts at CRT Downtown with his band The Rave-Ons. Now, Todd is back with an intimate acoustic concert of familiar hits and his own original material.
“Special guest Kyle Lacy has been performing, recording, and producing in the New York area since 2013. While on the road with his first band ‘Harlem River Noise’ he developed a blues and soul-driven
guitar and vocal style that has been the cornerstone of his songwriting. He spent two years on the road full-time before going solo and his debut album ‘The Road to Tomorrow’ was released in 2020.”
When: 2-4 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday
Where Cortland Repertory Theatre, 6799 Little York Lake Road, Preble
Cost: $35, available online here
Songs to Sing
Local singer-songwriter Rena Guinn returns to South Hill Cider to showcase songs from her latest album, “Is This Now?”
“Her love of folk, old-style country, rock and roll, blues, and Americana, deeply influences her songs. Her father was a musician, singer, and songwriter and raised her to be an avid listener and connoisseur of real music. You will find her with her acoustic guitar and foot tambourine, singing her heart out. She has a way of sharing emotion through her voice that grabs the listener and leaves them wanting more. Her songs can be graceful and soft and also, edgy, honest, and fiery. She is not afraid to lay out the truth or be vulnerable with her life challenges and joys and share them with the audience. Her vocal range and exploration have been known to silence a bar and tug on the heartstrings. She will have you dancing, swaying, and maybe crying. In 2021 she released her debut EP, titled, 'Shine.' Recorded at Sunwood Recording in Trumansburg NY with owner and engineer, Chris Ploss. She was accompanied by many talented musicians from the Ithaca area. This EP was produced by musician and producer, Bill Ring.”
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Read a recent interview with Rena Guinn here!
All Abuzz
The Honeybee Embassy hosts its final music event of the season, presenting an acoustic performance by local Cajun/Americana favorites Rose & The Bros on its back deck. “As always, outside food is welcome. We will have honey sodas, chocolates, and honey (of course) available for purchase! We can’t wait to see you there! Please no alcoholic drinks.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Honeybee Embassy at Bright Raven Farm and Apiary 4061 Swamp College Road, Trumansburg
Cost: $10 cover, free for kids under 12
Voices Carry
The Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series concludes its 2023 season with Maddy Walsh and Her All-Star Band. This band, assembled initially for the sold-out release of Walsh's two solo albums in 2021 at The Hangar Theatre, is a showcase of the region's rich musical talent, featuring members of The Blind Spots, Driftwood, Sim Redmond Band, The Gunpoets, Ayurveda, Noon Fifteen, and more. “We maaaay include some special guests as well, just to make this event an even bigger lovefest, driving home just how unique, thriving, and obscenely abundant Ithaca's music scene is,” says Maddy. “Collaboration is JOY, and we're bringing the whole rainbow of it to you.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion, The Commons
Cost: free
They Say It’s Your Birthday!
Deep Dive will mark its first year of business with a celebratory event on Thursday night. “It's our first anniversary and we'd love to celebrate it with you! If the weather cooperates, the plan is to be outside. We've got: DJ Funky Gourd, Proper Philth, Anthony Mansfield & DJ Juno plus maybe a few surprises.”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $5-$10 suggested cover
Keeping It Going
“AFTIES (A Team607 joint) at The Downstairs will feature music and ambiance by local DJs and producers, so you can keep the drinks and conversation flowing, after the show. No cover, just presence. (21+)”
2nd & 3rd Thursdays
When: 9 p.m. 2nd & 3rd Thursdays of the month
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: none
More Shows
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
Hold Your Horses is at the Trumansburg Farmers Market at 4-7 p.m. Wednesday
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Joe Lule and Rena Guinn are at Lucky Hare Brewing in Hector at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Los Finsteros are at the Stonecat Café’s Pub Night at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Hannah Toombs returns to Salt Point Brewing at 6:30-8:30 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
Salsa Ithaca presents the weekly “Salsa Wednesdays” dance event at the Range at 8 p.m. Wednesday
Gerard Burke is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Davey O is at Grist Iron Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Hannah T is at Atwater Vineyards at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Aiken is at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday
DarkWine is at Six Mile Creek Winery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
The Brewhouse Blues Jam returns to Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Crossroads in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg hosts the weekly Vinyl Showcase at 7-10 p.m. Thursdays
DJ Dale hosts Karaoke Night at the Upstairs at 10 p.m. Thursday
Regional Shows
Sept. 12, A Tribute to the Music of Genesis, The Ridge, Chittenango
Sept. 13, Pat Metheny, Center for the Arts of Homer (SOLD OUT!)
Sept. 14, Clem Snide, Abilene Bar and Lounge, Rochester
Sept. 15, Priscilla Presley, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo
Sept. 15, Hot Tuna, Kodak Center, Rochester
Sept. 15, The Machine Performs Pink Floyd, State Theatre, Ithaca
Sept. 15, No Resolve and Halocene, The L, Horseheads
Sept. 16, Ellis Paul, Six on the Square, Oxford
Sept. 15, Josh Ritter, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
Sept. 16, Patty Griffin and Jonatha Brooke, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
Sept. 17, Ani DiFranco, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
Sept. 18, Nurse Blake, Auditorium Theatre, Rochester
Sept. 18, Hot Tuna “Final Electric Run,” State Theatre, Ithaca
Sept. 19, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, State Theatre, Ithaca
Sept. 19, Geoff Tate, Center for the Arts, Homer
Sept. 19, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, MVP Arena, Albany (postponed from March 14) (POSTPONED AGAIN!)
Sept. 20, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, Kodak Center, Rochester
Sept. 21, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Joanna Sternberg, State Theatre, Ithaca
Sept 21, Kip Moore and The Cadillac Three, Kodak Center, Rochester
Sept 22, Ray LaMontagne, Kodak Center, Rochester
Sept. 22, Peter Gabriel, KeyBank Center, Buffalo
Sept. 22, Tom Rush, Center for the Arts, Homer
Sept. 23, Old Crow Medicine Show, State Theatre, Ithaca
Sept. 24, Sammy Rae and Friends, State Theatre, Ithaca
Sept 26, Beth Hart, Kodak Center, Rochester
Sept. 26, Eric Johnson, Center for the Arts, Homer (SOLD OUT!)
Sept. 28, Clannad, Center for the Arts, Homer
Sept. 30, Wheeler Walker, Del Lago Resort, Waterloo
Sept. 30, Michael Franti & Friends, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Hammondsport
