Kilamanzego headlines a Microtones show at Forest Lodge 180, Sungazer and Sirintip join forces at Deep Dive, and KENMUJO tops an Ithaca Underground bill at Sacred Root Kava Bar.
Plus, NYS Baroque and Cornell Music will offer festival seasonal concerts!
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below
Jazz Jam
“CU Jazz is pleased to announce that the Jazz Combo Showcase returns to Collegetown in 2023! Six Jazz Combos join forces for a night of music by Coltrane, Horace Silver, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington Weather Report, Thelonius Monk, Hank Mobley, La Resistencia, and a host of other composers both old and new, and the blue(s). Hosted by Paul Merrill, Joe Salzano, and Peter Chwazik.”
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Ithaca Beer Company, Collegetown
Cost: free and open to all
Underground Sound
Ithaca Underground presents a show at Sacred Root, headlined by Philadelphia-based KENMUJO, “Japanese singer, songwriter and guitarist Ken Minami’s explosive solo performance outfit, a wild jet engine of tube amplified, howling feedback-laden acoustic guitar driven songwriting & noise performance.” Also on the bill is Ithaca post-rockers Nancy Babich, Binghamton-based techno DJ Xhadow Cat, and Ithaca’s Twin Court, bringing gamelan-indie-rock fusion to the show.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here, $15 day of show
String Thing
Guitarists Matthew Ocone and Isaac Sharp and violist Bill Hurley will perform music from the Baroque to the 20th century. Expect “solos, duos, trio, harp guitars, and more...”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Community School of Music and Arts, 3rd Floor Performance Space
Cost: $10 at the door
Lotsa Laughs
“Joe Gatto is a comedian best known from the hit TV shows ‘Impractical Jokers’ and ‘The Misery Index.’ He has toured with the Jokers live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world, including legendary arenas, such as Madison Square Garden in New York and the O2 Arena in London. Currently, Joe tours with his stand-up solo show ‘Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy’ in sold-out theaters across the United States. Joe is passionate about supporting anti-bullying organizations and animal rescue initiatives. He happily advocates for the ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement with his non-profit Gatto Pups and Friends which operates on Long Island, NY catering to mainly senior and disabled pups. Joe also hosts a popular comedy podcast called ‘Two Cool Moms’ on the iHeart Radio Podcast Network where he and his co-host dispense sage motherly advice to fans who write in with their dilemmas. He also lives his life by a code of pastry and family, loving his wife, two children, and cannoli.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: State Theatre
Cost: $39-$69, available online here
Merry Skelequesmas
“Delaques and Skeleton Hands are at it again for our Christmas residency!! Come see local artist Dakota's gallery! Eat some of the downstairs new food! AND maybe you'll see some special guests too!”
When: 9 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 22
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10
Funky Fusion
Deep Dive will host a double bill of Sungazer and Sirintip on Friday night.
Bassist Adam Neely and drummer Shawn Crowder formed Sungazer in Brooklyn in July 2014. Since then, the duo has brought their unique blend of hard-hitting Jazz Fusion, 8-bit, Progressive Rock and EDM to audiences in the U.S. and Europe. Sungazer explores the human element of improvisation within the context of modern electronic music. Exciting, hard-hitting, and never predictable, Sungazer creates music aimed squarely ahead into the 21st century.” They released their sophomore EP, “Sungazer, Vol. 2,” in 2019, followed by their debut full-length album, “Perihelion,” in Oct. 2021. “The long-awaited debut LP explores time and the liminal spaces between jazz improvisation and modern electronic music aesthetics. The album was co-produced and mixed by Simon Grove (Plini, Protest The Hero, Intervals) and features an eclectic cast of guest musicians including Joshua de la Victoria, Hannah Sumner, Jae Soto, Tom Monda (Thank You Scientist), Shubh Saran, Jared Yee, Christian Li, Zac Zinger, Brian Plautz (Aberdeen), Brian Krock (Big Heart Machine) and the Resonance Collective.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Iz4orSCww
“Sirintip is an award-winning experimental trilingual Swedish-Thai singer & composer clout in both the pop and jazz worlds. Her unique use of effect pedals with her voice has brought her around the world performing with Snarky Puppy, Mark Guiliana (David Bowie), Benny Andersson (ABBA), opening for Wayne Shorter at Polar Music Prize, and competing as a finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Competition. As a sought-after voice & topliner in the studio, Sirintip can be heard on over 30 officially released recordings and is an Ableton, TC Helicon, and Earthquaker Devices artist.”
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $14 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
Syracuse Style
CNY hiphop-funk-rock trio Sophistafunk returns to the Range. “The band is rooted in undeniable musicianship and authenticity, blending intoxicating beats with mind-expanding flows. Mad scientist Adam Gold is known for his heavy synth basslines and funky vocals. He plays four vintage keyboards at the same time, sometimes even while beatboxing! Gospel trained drummer and singer Emanuel Washington combines neo-soul with deep house, reggae, and more. Frontman / emcee Jack Brown evokes comparisons from Mac Miller to Michael Frantí, but his lyrical skill and conscious vibes are truly one of a kind. The band also features musical guests, ranging from brass instruments to guitars, turntablists, female singers, & other surprises.”
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Festive Fun
“Celebrate Krampusnacht in Ithaca! Join the Krampus Parade from the Commons to Liquid State: meet at Commons Center at 5:30PM, parade at 6:00PM. Dance Party with DJ Proper Philth. MC Mighty Mickie Quinn hosts the Burlesque. Krampus Costume Contest and Prizes. Krampus Photo Booth. Snow Devil Winter IPA. Silo Food. Krampus Cocktails.”
When: 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday
Where: Liquid State Brewing Company
Cost: free
Chills & Thrills
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance presents “Ice and Lights,” featuring a silent disco, an Ice Bar, light art, and more fun activities.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Commons
Cost: free
Songs to Share
Jennie Lowe performs at South Hill Cider. "What strikes at first is Jennie's carefully laid - almost naked - vocals on a gorgeous reverb. A genuine instrument that goes from whispering to declamation, almost like calligraphic technique, striped, powerful and fragile at the same time. A splendor that perfectly conveys the rainbow of emotions embedded in these songs: trust, distrust, abandonment, hope, envy, fear and disappointment, love - and its absence." Eric Supparo - Le Cri du Coyote
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Let’s Swing!
Village Swing is back for a December residency at the Downstairs, with the Village Swing Trio – Wayne Gottlieb (guitar, vocals), Harry Aceto (bass), and Brian Earle (clarinet) – joined by special guests throughout the month. This Saturday, Joanna Green (violin, vocals) will join the trio, followed by Paul Merrill and Chad Lieberman on Dec. 9 for the Chet Baker Birthday Bash, Catherine Gale on Dec. 16, and Alice Saltonstall (vocals) and Ted Caldwell (bass) for a Holiday Party on Dec. 23.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturdays thru Dec. 23
Where: The Downstairs
Sounds of Freedom
The Cornell Department of Music presents the Cornell Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gabriela Gómez Estévez, performing a program that includes Carlos Simon’s “Go Down Moses” from A Folklore Symphony, Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, narrated by Bert Odom-Reed, and Florence Price’s Symphony No. 3. These pieces highlight different perspectives on freedom and the American identity. To contextualize the music, a pre-concert panel discussion will take place from 6-6:30 p.m. with Tamika Nunley (Associate Professor of History) and Bert Odom-Reed (Broadcast Studios Director). They will discuss Lincoln's speeches used in Copland's work, historical perspectives of African-American women in the 20th century, and the context of these American works. This event is presented as part of Cornell’s Freedom of Expression Theme Year.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday; pre-concert discussion at 6 p.m.
Where: Bailey Hall, Cornell
Cost: free
A Festive Sound
NYS Baroque continues its 35th season with “A Festive Sound,” a concert of baroque music for the Christmas season performed by Laura Heimes, soprano; Luthien Brackett, mezzo-soprano; Jeffrey Thompson, tenor; Andrew Padgett, bass; and strings, cornetto, trombones, theorbo, and organ.
“The sound will be glorious as four vocalists, three trombones and cornetto, strings, organ, and theorbo combine to celebrate the season with music from 17th century Italy and Germany. While audiences may be familiar with music by composers such as Buxtehude, Monteverdi, and Praetorius's ‘Lo how a rose ere blooming,’ there will also be music by composers who are rarely heard today.
"In fact," says NYS Baroque Artistic Director Deborah Fox, "some of this music may not have ever been heard live in this country. We've uncovered some beautiful vocal music by women composers, such as Rafaela Aleotti, Sulpitia Cesis, and Maria Peruchona, who were nuns composing for their sisters in their convents. We are excited to present this music and these talented composers to our audiences."
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca
Cost: $30; Students and low-income, $10
Motown Sounds
The Magic of Motown and the Magic of Christmas come to Ithaca with a hit-filled soundtrack for the evening that includes “Aint’ No Mountain High Enough,” “My Girl,” “Heatwave,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Respect,” and more, along with a special set of Christmas favorites. “Whether you choose to sway in your seat or spend the night up on your feet, this will be one great night of music you won’t want to miss! You’ll hear The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and all of the legends! The show’s pitch-perfect harmonies, dynamic choreography, and costuming perfectly will capture the sights & sound of Motown and the spirit of Christmas!”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $45-$79, available online here
2 + 3
“The father and son duo of Loren & LJ Barrigar bring their fingerstyle guitar wizardry and Nashville picking together for a night of music with the down-home country blues of The Rockybottom Trio featuring Chris Merkley, Rosie Rosenthal, and Kenny Hurlbert.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Hall, 19 Church St., Cortland
Cost: $15 in advance, available online here; $20 at the door
Ready for Release
Local indie-rockers Material Objects will celebrate the release of their new EP, Passing Through. They’ll be joined by fellow locals Chimes of Bayonets and Little Slicer.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar
Cost: $5
Electric Avenue
Microtones returns to Forest City Lodge 180 with a show that includes Kilamanzego, Beau Mahadev, and DJ Fox West.
“Kilamanzego ["kill-a-man's-ego"] is the artistic persona of Kay Oko, an avant-garde electronic musician and vocalist hailing from Philadelphia. Raised in the contrasting landscapes of New York City and Kentucky by a single Ghanaian father, Kilamanzego's journey in the world of music is as diverse as her background. Her musical evolution began as a child when she immersed herself in an array of genres, from alt-rock and jazz to punk, metal, and ska. When she encountered the groundbreaking musical works of J Dilla while living between California and Istanbul, that sparked her foray into electronic music production. Kilamanzego's art is deeply rooted in her identity as a queer androgynous artist, and she uses her unique experiences to fuel her creative expression. In 2020, she unveiled her debut EP, "These Roots Are On Fire," capturing the attention of an ever-growing fanbase that included well-established musicians and producers, while attracting collaborations with renowned artists like Son Lux (“Everything Everywhere All At Once” soundtrack). With her 2023 EP "Black Weirdo" released through Get Better Records, Kilamanzego continues to evolve her craft. She has performed at major festivals, including Red Rocks and Shambhala Festival, and in the Fall of 2023, she expanded her influence by becoming a professor of Music Production at the university level, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation.”
“Beau Mahadev is a musician who has been based in many places. Their project began during their time in Ithaca 2014-2018 performing and booking shows with Ithaca Underground and Fanclub Collective. They are thrilled to be returning to Ithaca for the first time since then. Evoking dreamy synths, distorted vocals, and idiosyncratic beats, their production draws from an eclectic electronic influence including darkwave, experimental pop, and IDM.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Forest City Lodge 180, 536 W. Green St., Ithaca
Cost: $10 in advance, available at Angry Mom Records; $20 at the door
Ready to Rock
CNY favorites Small Town Shade “returns in all their full band glory after a 5-year hiatus!”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Watering Hole (formerly Lake Como Inn), 1307 E. Lake Road, Cortland
Return to the Range
Hailing from Williamsport, Pa., Cass and The Bailout Crew return to downtown Ithaca. Fronted by powerhouse singer Cass Chatham, the band has released a full-length debut album and five singles while performing more than 200 concerts around the northeast.
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Lessons & Carols
It’s time for the annual Cornell University Lessons and Carols sung by the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club, interspersed with traditional readings by members of the Cornell community. Note: doors will open at 6:30 p.m. There is no indoor waiting area at Sage Chapel. Seating is first-come, first-served. The service will include congregational singing. If you can’t make it, this event will be livestreamed on Dec. 4.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday (doors at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Sage Chapel, Cornell
Cost: free
More Shows
Zingology plays at North Star Fine Art (116 The Commons) for First Friday Gallery Night at 5-7 p.m. Friday
Rockabilly Steve and BR3 is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
TN’T Dynamite DJ is at McGraw Box Brewing at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Clint Bush is at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Sandra Esparza is at Aurora Brewing Company at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The Notorious Stringbusters are at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Jonah Ladd is at Heuga’s Alpine in Tullly at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Dylan Doyle is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Infrared Radiation Orchestra returns to Moondog’s Lounge in Auburn for its annual Christmas Show at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Stereopticon plays the Cedarwood Event Venue in Trumansburg at 8 p.m. Friday
Bob Holz and A Vision Forward are at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
Cast Iron Cowboys are at the Upstairs at 9:30 p.m. Friday
The Bones East trombone octet will play at the Morgan Opera House for Aurora Winterfest at 2 p.m. Saturday
The Winter Wonderband plays at the annual Trumansburg WinterFest at 3-6 p.m. Saturday
Tom Gath is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Terrapin Station is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Kountry Khaos is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
M3 is at McGraw Box Brewing at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Jon Rogalia is at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Harry Nichols is at Brewers Cafe and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Levi and the Wranglers are at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
The Upstairs hosts First Saturday Salsa Night at 9 p.m. Saturday
Metasequoia is at Tioga Downs’ Sideshow Lounge at 9 p.m. Saturday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Homer Hops at 1 p.m. Sunday
Country Express is at the Cortland Country Music Park at 2 p.m. Sunday
Molly and the Ringwalds are at ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Marc Ryan is at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles at 4 p.m. Sunday
Poetry & Prose Open Mic Night returns to the Downstairs at 6:30 p.m. Monday
Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night returns to the Downstairs 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
The Brookton Jazz Collective is at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
