Max Childs gets ready to record a live album, Joe Crookston returns for a homecoming show, Kevin Kinsella brings back his old-school John Brown’s Body tunes, and Grateful 4 B.I.G. mashes up the Dead and Biggie Smalls!
Plus, a bunch of local bands are in action in the coming week, including on Thanksgiving Eve – traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year. And several Ithaca roots-rockers invade Rochester on Saturday night to pay tribute to Tom Petty.
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
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
Going Solo
Keir Neuringer (saxophone and percussion) will present “a spell of protection, a beacon home, the infinite path,” a solo concert at the Downstairs. Again based in Ithaca, Neuringer is “a saxophonist, composer, and writer whose work is underpinned by interdisciplinary approaches and socio-political contextualizations. He is best known for a personal and intensely physical saxophone technique, revealed through long form solo improvisations, and as a founding member of the critically-acclaimed group Irreversible Entanglements. He co-leads the improvisation trio Dromedaries, has a decades-spanning duo with bassist Rafal Mazur, and collaborations with turntablist Matt Wright and pianist Simone Weissenfels, among others.”
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Happy Homecoming
The Rollin’ Rust and Chris Merkley & Stiv Morgan will join forces for a Thanksgiving Eve show in downtown Cortland.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Red Jug Pub, Cortland:
Giving Thanks
The Galactic Escort Service returns to Deep Dive for a special Thanksgiving Eve edition of Galactic Wednesday, with Ashley Ickes, Tenzin Chopak, Josh Oxford, Emmett Scott, and Michael Schuler ready to whip up some cosmic grooves with special guests Dirty Gems.
“Join us for a very special Thanksgiving Eve. The Galactic Wednesday Crew will be joining forces with Dirty Gems for an unforgettable dance party where we will all give thanks to community, music, and dance. The kitchen will be open until Midnight!! Asian Street Food by TAPESTRY”
“Every other Wednesday, a core group of Ithaca-based musicians join 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
Happy Homecoming
Local folk favorite Joe Crookston returns from a busy fall of touring to perform a Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration in which he’ll share songs and stories from his long career.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora St., Ithaca
Cost: $17, available online here and at the door; group discount of three or more is $13.50
Local Product
Gabriel Tavares and The Rungs will join forces for a double bill in downtown Ithaca. A longtime member of Plastic Nebraska, Tavares also has released several albums under his own name and with The Thins.
The Rungs comprise Mandy and Diwas Gurung, the wife-and-husband duo who perform catchy synth-pop songs.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $5
Roots Rockers
Regional favorite Driftwood returns to the Ransom Steele Tavern in Apalachin for a two-night post-Thanksgiving stand. The band just released a new single, “December Last Call,” and will be releasing a new album in early 2024.
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Ransom Steele Tavern, Apalachin
Cost: $25 per night, available online here (Friday) and here (Saturday); two-night tickets are $45 and are available online 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 – drummer Tommy Benedetti, bassist Nate Edgar, trombonist TJ Schaper, keyboardist Jon Petronzio, 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, with a follow-up expected in early 2024. And he just released a new single, “God of Love,” recorded with The Movement.
Double Tiger (aka Jay Spaker, also from John Brown’s Body) will share the night with DJ sets.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $18 in advance, available online here; $25 day of show
Ithaca Invasion
Reprising their Ithaca Tribute to Tom Petty from earlier this year, Freight and Friends will descend on Rochester’s Abilene Lounge for a night of Tom Petty tunes.
“Drawing upon several eras of Tom Petty's illustrious career, one can expect to hear classic hits from early Heartbreakers’ and Traveling Wilburys’ albums to deep cuts from Tom Petty's stunning later life output. Joining Freight for the evening include some of Ithaca's finest roots rockers: JP Payton, Loveday, Walt Lorenzut, Michael Callahan, Dan Lashkoff, Sam Lupowitz, Drew Kiddoo, Janet Batch, Josh Dolan, Mandy Goldman, Todd Edmonds, and Olive Mitra.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Abilene Bar and Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here; $15 day of show
Welcome Return
Local singer-songwriter Justin Roeland emerges from a long hiatus for an intimate at the Downstairs. “An American singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known for his work as guitarist/keyboardist with the Long Beach, California psych-rock band, The Fling (Dangerbird Records) and chamber pop ensemble Greater California,” Roeland will be joined by Matthew Saccuccimorano (drums) and Brian Dozoretz (bass) for this show.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: small cover
Getting Biggie Wit It
Grateful 4 B.I.G. – “Where Grateful Vibes Meet Hip-Hop Flow” – comes to downtown Ithaca.
“Step into a world where time-honored melodies collide with urban poetry, where the rhythms of yesterday's legends unite with the beats of a modern era. Introducing Grateful 4 B.I.G., the ultimate mashup tribute that seamlessly blends the Grateful Dead's signature grooves with the lyrical genius of Notorious B.I.G. Get ready for a sonic journey that defies genres and sparks new musical dimensions.
“At the heart of Grateful 4 B.I.G. lies the powerful fusion of two iconic forces. The Grateful Dead's ethereal harmonies and improvisational magic interweave with Biggie's slick rhymes and storytelling prowess, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates with fans of both worlds. Each performance is a dynamic celebration of musical innovation, where ‘China Cat Sunflower meets ‘Kick in the Door," and "Shakedown Street" flows seamlessly with ‘Hypnotize.’ Led by a group of passionate musicians, Grateful 4 B.I.G. captures the essence of both the Grateful Dead and Notorious B.I.G., paying homage to the legacies that shaped generations. With electrifying stage presence and the soulful vibes of the past, this tribute band invites you to revel in the familiar while experiencing the thrill of the unexpected.”
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here; $15 day of show; $10 with student ID
Dancing It Off
“Join us for a post-turkey nap revival with the two and only Dirty Gems, aka DJ Gourd & Double Tiger + special guests all night long!”
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Ready to Record
Max Childs will record a live album at Deep Dive on Sunday night. The Ithaca native is a “songwriter who blends sounds from pop, rock, and soul music. Since forming his band in 2015, Childs has performed across New York state headlining and supporting artists such as Danielle Ponder, Juice, West End Blend, Bella's Bartok, and The Comb Down. In 2022, he won the "Band Contest" at the 30th annual Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival, resulting in two performances at the 2023 festival.
“You are cordially invited to a truly unique experience. Max Childs has teamed up with Pyramid Sound Studios to put on a live album recording show. Plug and play style, Childs' band will be performing original songs he's been writing for the last 10 years. Some you've heard, some you haven't, and some that will never be recorded outside of this show.
“A powerhouse group, his 9-piece band produces a sound unlike any other in the area bringing a lively blend of genres and intimate songwriting to the stage. This is a rare night of music not to be missed. With your ticket purchase, you will be added to a mailing list to receive a digital download link of the album upon its release.”
Opening the show is Lilac Milk, a local songwriter, photographer, and filmmaker. “Lilac's music serves as a way of processing emotion — typically hard ones. It's therapeutic and the content is often relatable to its listeners. Her use of simple and direct language gives the listener clear insight into Lilac's point of view and experiences. Last year, she released her debut single ‘Here With Me,’ a song about longing for and missing someone, and directed and acted in the music video."
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $22 in advance, available online here; $30 day of show
Dead Can Dance
DJ Rob Haze and DJ Law present “Goth Night: Dark Alternative Monthly,” featuring a mix of “darkwave/postpunk/ebm/goth/industrial/electro/synth/bass.” Open to 21 and up.
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Modern Alchemy Game Bar
Cost: $5
Playing It Cool
Cornell pianist Jack Yarbrough presents “Cold Cuts,” a recital centered around the music and legacy of Erik Satie. “Performed on the Blüthner Aliquot from 1878, Satie’s lesser performed suites ‘Pièces Froides’ and the ‘Nocturnes’ are paired with ‘Images’ by his friend and colleague Claude Debussy, along with contemporary works by Laurence Crane, Jürg Frey and Eva-Maria Houben.”
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
String Theory
The Northside String Band will host Deep Dive’s monthly “traditional Southern old-time fiddle music jam with a great groove. Join us on the deck to listen or join in! Every last Tuesday of the month!”
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free
Show Your Stuff
SingTrece’s Open Mic for Singers, Rappers, Songwriters, Poets and Spoken Word makes its monthly appearance at the Downstairs. “Perform at Ithaca's most intimate and supportive open mic. Come see Ithaca's favorite artists as well as discover someone new. Sing with tracks, sing acapella, play acoustically or read poetry! Come out and see Ithaca's favorite artists as well as discover someone new. The Downstairs on the 4th Tuesday of each month is the place you want to be.”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Downstairs
More Shows
Rob Ervin is at Owasco Lake Brewing in Moravia at 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
Sweats are at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Wednesday
Andrew Alling is at Grist Iron Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Wednesday
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Brookton’s Jazz Collective is at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Roger Decker is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
M3 is at ONCO Fermentations at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Don Baragiano is at Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
The FAR Trio is at Lucky Hare Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Billy Golicki and the Therapists are at Summerhill Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Chasing Neon is at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Wiskey is at Cederwood Venue’s Friendsgiving, which runs 6-11 p.m. Wednesday
Benny and the Mex is at 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
Dane Hendrix & the Hangdog Saints and Don Bazley are at Garrett’s Brewing in Trumansburg at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Johnny Dowd opens for Amy LaVere and Will Sexton at the 443 Social Club & Lounge in Syracuse at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Scuba Jerry is at Bike Bar Ithaca at 7-10 p.m. Wednesday
Salsa Ithaca presents the weekly “Salsa Wednesdays” dance event at the Range at 8 p.m. Wednesday
DJ Dijon is at the Range at 10 p.m. Wednesday
The Whiskey West Duo is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Tru Bleu are at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Biggs & Young are at ONCO Fermentations at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Hot Dogs & Gin are at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday, followed by a Silent Disco at 9-11 p.m.
Dallas Louis is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Travis Rocco is at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
A Cast of Thousands performs a fundraiser for the Cayuga Museum of History & Art at the Carriage House Theater in Auburn at 6:30 p.m. Friday. ($5)
Homebrewed Comedy is at McGraw Box Brewing at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Yayle Hues is at Trax at Greek Peak at 7-9 p.m. Friday
The Rick Huyge Quartet is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
DJ Split Image spins at “Black Friday Bashment” at the Range at 9 p.m. Friday
Band by the River is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
St. Vith is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Rachel Beverly celebrates her 30th birthday at Brewer’s Café and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Steve MacLean is at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Two Horse Johnson is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Letter 5 is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
The Rollin’ Rust and Nash Robb are at Funk N Waffles in Syracuse at 8 p.m. Saturday
M3 is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
The Dirty Doves are at ONCO Fermentations at 3-5 p.m. Sunday
De Wayne Perry hosts the monthly Jazz Jam at the Downstairs at 3-6 p.m. Sunday
Tremayne Harer is at Hop Notch Brewing in Montour Falls at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Open Mic Standup Comedy Night returns to the Downstairs at 6:30-9 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
