Hot Tuna, Bruce Hornsby, and Kurt Vile return to Ithaca, Geoff Tate brings his big rock show to Homer, and Lita Ford returns to Horseheads. Plus, Trevor Exter kicks off his weekly residency at the Downstairs and Hank Roberts brings his Sextet to Cornell!
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
MAQ Attack
South Hill Cider’s Monday Night Jazz series continues this week with MAQ, a quartet that performs everything from classic and modern jazz to Brazilian bossa and folk music. The lineup includes Eric Aceto (violin), Harry Aceto (bass), Doug Robinson (guitar, vocals), Chad Lieberman (accordion), and Steve Pond (percussion). MAQ plays the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free
Setting Up Shop
Area native Trevor Exter, who now lives on the West Coast, will kick off a three-show weekly residency at the Downstairs. A cellist and electric bassist by trade, Exter has recently switched to electric guitar for his current gigs. He’ll be joined by bassist John Young, drummer Matthew Saccuccimorano, and guitarist Jason Shegogue, who all play in his sister Bronwen Exter’s band.
“For most of his life, Trevor Exter has been a professional singer and cellist with his own approach to all aspects of composing, songwriting, producing, performing and touring. He’s had a few bands where he got to make a spectacle of himself, and some producers like to use him as a secret weapon. Exter has toured with De La Guarda, Steve Kimock, author James McBride, DJ Tasha Blank and his duo with John Kimock, XVSK. He frequently performs solo, and is currently workshopping new material for a forthcoming record.”
Exter also his own Substack newsletter, “Play It Like It’s Music,” which you can check out here!
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Pulling the Plug
Hot Tuna returns to Ithaca as part of its “Final Electric Run,” as founding members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady will soon be laying to rest their long-running plug-in project. Kaukonen writes: “It has been said that the music Jack and I play was transformative and that we injected an energy into our sound full of constant improvisation taking the compass on a joyride. It is still our plan to continue in our original duo format. We are not retiring from touring, but the Electric lineup of this long-lived incarnation is going fishing for a while. The road may not go on forever, but the destination is still beyond the horizon. Friends, this is the year to catch us as ‘Electric Tuna.’ We will be inviting companions old and new to join us and we hope that you will too.”
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $49.50-$79.50, available online here and at State box office
Read Ryan Yarmel's Q&A with Jack Casaady here!
Guitar Great
Jazz guitar master Julian Lage returns to Central New York to play a solo show and promote his latest album, “The Layers,” an EP that was recorded at the same time as his 2022 full length “View with a Room.” The EP, which was produced by Lage’s wife Margaret Glaspy, finds him playing acoustic guitar, including a duet with Bill Frisell. Check out this recent Acoustic Guitar interview with Lage to learn more!
Elijah Wolf will open the show; his latest album is “Forgiving Season.”
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $25 + fees, available online here
Pressure Drop
Angelo Paradiso (New Planets, Living Myths, Big Mean Sound Machine, Swamp Kids) continues his weekly residency at Deep Dive, joined by special guest drummer Joel Fadness.
“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
The Way It Is
A few years after a solo performance at the State Theatre, Bruce Hornsby returns with The Noisemakers on their “Spirit Trail: 25th Anniversary Tour.”
Originally released in 1998, Hornsby described “Spirit Trail” to Rolling Stone at the time as “...very Southern so there's a lot of songs about race, religion, judgment and tolerance. And sort of my own personal struggles with some of these issues -- or observing others with the issues.” On Oct. 27, Hornsby will release an anniversary edition of the album, which will include the original double album, four previously unreleased songs, and ten previously unreleased live performances.
“Based out of Williamsburg, Virginia, Hornsby first rose to national prominence with ‘The Way It Is,’ his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album with The Range. The title track became the most-played song on American radio in 1987 while Tupac Shakur’s timeless song “Changes” builds on “The Way It Is” and set the stage for many subsequent versions of the track. In 1991 Hornsby collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, playing on her iconic hit “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Additionally, Hornsby was a part-time member of the Grateful Dead from September 1990 to March 1992, performing over 100 concerts in America and Europe. The 13-time Grammy nominee has also solidified his status as a highly sought-after collaborator. Hornsby’s own 23 albums have sold over 11 million copies worldwide, and he has appeared on over 100 records including releases with Bob Dylan, Don Henley, the Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Ricky Skaggs, Bob Seger, Chaka Khan, Bon Iver, Brandon Flowers, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Mavis Staples, Willie Nelson and more. His most recent studio album, ‘Flicted, was released in May ‘22.”
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $39.50-$59.50, available online here and at the State box office
Ready to Rock
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Geoff Tate returns to Homer with his “Big Rock Show Hits” tour. He’s best known for being the creative force behind Queensryche, including their classic album “Operation: Mindcrime.”
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $35-$40, available online here
Organic Sounds
Cornell Music’s “Midday Music for Organ” series continues with Jonathan Schakel, who will perform Organ Psalms, including works by Reincken, Matter, and Mendelssohn.
When: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Anabel Taylor Chapel, Cornell
Cost: free
Miami Meetup Lucky Hare Brewing’s “Friendsday Wednesday” continues with MW&MW – Maddy Walsh & Miami Whizzdom is “the dynamic collaboration of Afrobeta + The Blind Spots’ Maddy Walsh and Mike Suave, showcasing the sweet and ever-expanding Miami to Finger Lakes connection, with many thanks to the mobile love circus that is the Grassroots Festival.
"DO YOU LIKE TO DANCE?! YES, WE DO! Electro-dance-pop with synth master Smurfio driving the beat, rowdy rock guitar a la El Suavador, and the two leading ladies, Maddy and Cuci, bringing the sparkling sass and soaring vocals. It’s your birthday, and we’re throwing the party.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Lucky Hare Brewing in Hector
Cost: free
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. every other Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free; ages 18 and up
House Music
"House Party with Park Doing" returns to The Downstairs. Local singer-songwriter Park Doing says: “Every 3rd Wednesday I am hosting a ‘House Party with Park Doing’ at the Downstairs in Ithaca, NY. I bring my stereo system to the club and play records - Post Punk - Berlin School - Psych - LoFi - House - Psych - Glam - Trash Techno - Wave. Then I perform - and then play more records! Fun!”
When: 8-11:55 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: no cover!
Read a recent interview with Park Doing here!
Songs to Sing
South Hill Cider’s Community Concert Series continues with the Travis Knapp Trio.
“The Travis Knapp Trio is bound to uplift you. Travis' hopeful songs and clawhammer banjo are supported by the smooth bass, hand percussion, and vocal harmonies of Jon Keefner & Kiera Carman. Come sing along and dance to the sun setting over distant hills.”
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Six in Synch
The Hank Roberts Sextet performs in Barnes Hall. The group comprises “dynamic virtuosic instrumentalists Hank Roberts – cello and compositions, Brian Drye – trombone, Dana Lyn – violin, Mike McGinnis – clarinet and soprano saxophone, Jacob Sacks – piano, and Vinnie Sperrazza – drums. Their music has a multitude of influences and finds inspiration from jazz improvisational and compositional forms, as well as new music. The improvisation concepts are inspired from a variety of frameworks and themes derived from both written material and relatively unscripted improvisational expression.”
The group released the album “Science of Love” in 2021. “This particular instrumentation and group of esteemed musicians, as well as the focus given to details like tone, dynamics and intonation have all contributed to the ensemble’s unique sound, in my opinion, at times resembling a small orchestra.”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell University
Cost: free and open to all
Philly’s Finest
Kurt Vile and the Violators make their long-awaited return to Ithaca for their first show at State Theatre. Vile’s latest album, “(watch my moves),” showcases his many talents as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer – “the result is a vibrant, yet meditative album propelled by Vile’s laid-back charm and curious spirit. Every lyric has been chiseled down into an aphorism, every bloom of distorted guitar or murmuring synth helping create that ‘fried’ pop.” “It’s about songwriting. It’s about lyrics. It’s about being the master of all domains in the music,” Vile says of his ninth album and first in partnership with a major label, Verve Records.
Joanna Sternberg will open the show. A singer, songwriter, musician and visual artist born/based in New York City, “Joanna started taking piano lessons when they turned 5. Joanna taught themself how to play the guitar and electric bass when they were 11. Joanna attended LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. They started studying double bass during their freshman year. Joanna got a full scholarship to Mannes College of Music, and studied classical double bass there for a year and a half. Joanna decided to leave the school and take a year off. During that year they did nothing but stay in their room and draw comics. Joanna has been a freelance musician and visual artist since they were 18-years-old. Joanna finished their double bass performance degree at The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music, where they got a full scholarship. When Joanna was 23, they began writing songs and learning how to sing. At the age of 24 Joanna started singing in public while accompanying themself on different instruments. Today, Joanna continues to write songs, sing, play instruments, and create visual art.”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $35, available online here and at the State box office
Keeping It Going
“AFTIES (A Team607 joint) at The Downstairs will feature music and ambience 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
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
The Downstairs hosts Open Mic Standup Comedy Night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
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
Gerard Burke 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
Immortal Peaches are at the Stonecat Café’s Pub Night at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Mike Lucey is at Scale House Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Levi Dusseau 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
Raedwald is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Erich with an H is at Grist Iron Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Gunpoets play a free show at Binghamton’s Peacemaker’s Stage at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Scott Tremolo is at Atwater Vineyards at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Aiken & Nadge is at Cortland Beer Company at 6 p.m. Thursday
Cielle on Solid Ground is at Six Mile Creek Winery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Scale House Brewery hosts Open Mic Night at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to the Ridge in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
“Thursday Night Laughs” returns to the Downstairs at 7-9 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.19, Lita Ford, The L, Horseheads
Sept. 19, Shaggy 2 Dope of Insane Clown Posse, The L, Horseheads
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. 20, Paleface Swiss, The L, Horseheads
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