The Musical Box returns to the State Theatre to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic Genesis album “Selling England by the Pound,” The Seven Wonders pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac at the Hangar Theatre, and Ithaca’s Rock Voices choir presents its debut concert on Sunday afternoon!
Plus, the Winter Village Music Camp is back at La Tourelle, Justin Roeland continues his residency at the Downstairs, and the Rollin’ Rust make their Range debut!
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
String Fever
“The Rongo Band will join Richie Stearns! The band has been playing together for nearly a decade and is comprised of some of Ithaca's most experienced old-time musicians. Richie and Rosie Newton of the self-titled duo, rounded out by Ben Gould (Old Crow Medicine Show founding member and Willie Watson Band) and Steve Selin (South Hill Cider). Their unique sounds reflect a deep understanding of old-time music and country music.”
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Talking Music
“Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of rock 'n' roll with Lonn Friend, the renowned RIP magazine journalist and author of the captivating books ‘Life on Planet Rock’ and ‘Sweet Demotion.’ With his unparalleled storytelling ability, Lonn has captured the essence of the music scene and taken us on unforgettable journeys through his words. From interviewing iconic rock stars to sharing behind-the-scenes secrets, his articles and books have become a must-read for music enthusiasts everywhere.
“If you're craving an insider's perspective on the rock 'n' roll world, look no further than Lonn Friend's works. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and transported to a world where music reigns supreme!”
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Cedarwood Event Venue, Trumansburg
Cost: SOLD OUT!
Kicking It Off
The Winter Village Music Camp returns to La Tourelle (Find out more about the camp here).
“The Opening Camp Concert is a wonderful way to begin the camp weekend. Campers can choose to arrive a day early and enjoy an extra night at La Tourelle and ease into the weekend with an intimate show featuring Rachel Eddy. Rachel is a great old-time multi-instrumentalist, playing fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin. She is also a fine singer and an engaging performer.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: La Tourelle
Cost: $18-$23, available online here
NOTE: The Winter Village Music Camp faculty concert on Saturday night is SOLD OUT!
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
It’s Happy Hour Again
Following a stellar 2023, Practice at Presents returns with its first concert of the new year for Punk Rock Happy Hour at Deep Dive. On the bill are locals Open Swim, Bobo Doll, and Shrouded Prey.
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $5
Classic Rock
The Musical Box returns to Ithaca to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Genesis album, “Selling England By The Pound.”
“It’s 1973 - PETER GABRIEL's famous theatrics and GENESIS' musical apex produce some of the most iconic images and sounds of the 70’s, enjoying to this day a cult following. A TIMELESS CLASSIC. THE MUSICAL BOX, who shared the stage with PHIL COLLINS and STEVE HACKETT as performing guests and acclaimed by more than a million spectators in some of the most prestigious venues in the world such as London’s ROYAL ALBERT HALL and Paris’ OLYMPIA, will perform the emblematic 1973 show in painstaking detail.”
The band has impressed some of the original members of Genesis: "TMB recreated, very accurately I must say, what Genesis was doing. I saw them in Bristol with my children so they could see what their father did back then,” said Peter Gabriel, while Phil Collins said, "They're not a tribute band, they have taken a period and are faithfully reproducing it in the same way that someone would do a theatrical production."
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $35-$55, available online here and at the State box office
Setting Up Shop
Justin Roeland and Friends continue their monthlong residency at the Downstairs, performing on Fridays throughout the month.
This week’s show will feature a mashup with Bronwen Exter’s band, with Exter, John Young, and Mike Stark joining Matthew Saccuccimorano, Jason Shegogue (also both members of Exter’s band), Brian Dozoretz, and Roeland for a night of musical collaborations.
About: “Justin Roeland is 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.” Check out his music here!
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Rollin’ into Town
Months after a breakout performance at the 2023 GrassRoots Festival, the Rollin’ Rust returns for a show in downtown Ithaca.
“The Rollin' Rust is an indie/folk group from the foothills of Central New York. Being led by singer-songwriter James VanDeuson, The Rollin' Rust celebrates the distinguished writing style of a vagabond folk artist. Joined by his talented friends, Jim Hearn (lead guitarist) and Kyle Dennis (percussion) James' songs now have a distinct edginess to them, sounding almost as if you took a classic folk song and corrupted its mind with years of crazed festivals and long nights in smoky southern bar rooms. The Rollin' Rust boys have been playing music together since they were just teenagers, crafting a truly unique sound that could only be formed by such long-lasting friendship and intimate evenings with the highway itself.”
When: 10:30 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Talent Showcase
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Youth Orchestra will present its Winter Concert at Ithaca College. “In an exciting program with rich melodies, a piano concerto, and a fun take on the Toy Symphony, this captivating performance will showcase the talent and passion of the CCOYO!”
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College
Cost: free and open to all
Classic Rock
“The Seven Wonders are seven world-class musicians paying homage to the music of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. The band`s collective performing experience brings the crowd powerful renditions of these timeless tunes. They authentically recreate all the great hits of Fleetwood Mac, including ‘Dreams,’ ‘Go Your Own Way,’ ‘Rhiannon,’ ‘Edge of Seventeen,’ ‘Landslide,’ ‘Gypsy,’ and more. Since their inception in 2017, they have garnered national attention for their high-energy performances. The Seven Wonders reconnect fans with the music they love.”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $30-$40, available online here
Dashing Debut
Under the direction of Mandy Goldman (Noon Fifteen and solo artist), the Ithaca chapter of Rock Voices will make its debut this weekend!
“Join the area's only community rock choir for an evening of rock music like you've never heard it before! The choir is backed up by a full band. Add to that the harmonies of Tony Lechner's arrangements sung by a 30+ voice choir and you are in for a real treat.
“Rock Voices represents everything that is wonderful about Ithaca: a sense of community, a love of music, and a desire to share that joy with others. But be careful; once you experience this choir in person, you might find yourself signing up to sing next time around!”
All ticket proceeds will benefit CUMEP, a local nonprofit organization that “empowers and uplifts children of all walks of life so they can develop self-awareness, academic success and social/civic responsibility through the performing arts.”
The backing band will include local stalwarts Samuel B. Lupowitz, Joe Massa, Simon Bjarning, and Michael Wu.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora St.
Cost: $10-$18, available online here and at the door
Ready to Rock
“Second Spring is a rock band based in Ithaca, NY, heavily inspired by classic and indie rock. Formed in 2019 while in high school they have since recorded and released their first album, ‘The Tide,’ in March of 2022, and been playing live around the Ithaca/Cortland area.”
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $5
Wrapping It Up
The Winter Village Camp Closing Swing Show “is a new feature and the culmination of a day of jazz violin and improvisation along with swing vocal workshops. This concert features Jason Anick and Grant Flick, both fine jazz violinists, along with vocalist/guitarists Dave Davies and Katie Martucci.
When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: La Tourelle
Cost: $18-$23, available online here
Lotsa Laughs
Deep Dive continues its 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
Winge & Wine
“Join us at Monks on the Commons for an enchanting evening of solo jazz guitar from Dennis Winge, setting the perfect ambiance for our special Wine Down Wednesday events.”
When: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 and 24
Where: Monks On The Commons
Cost: free; donations welcome
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!
Going Galactic
The Galactic Escort Service returns to Deep Dive for Galactic Wednesday, with Ashley Ickes, Tenzin Chopak, Josh Oxford, Emmett Scott, and Michael Schuler ready to whip up some atmospheric grooves.
“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
More Shows
The Brewhouse Blues Jam returns to Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Aiken and Nadge are at Cortland Beer at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to CrossRoads in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
DJ Dale hosts Karaoke Night at the Upstairs at 10 p.m. Thursday
The Stereopticon Acoustic Duo is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Mark Nanni is at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
M3 is at BRU64 in Cortland at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Freight is at Hopshire Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Paul Davie is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Butternut Creek Revival at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Claudia Hoyser Duo is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Ithaca Area Poets Presents will host its January Open Poetry Night at the Community School of Music & Arts at 6:30 p.m. Friday
Jess Novak is at ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Clint Bush is at the Brackel Pub & Grub in McDonough at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Janet Batch and the Four-Bangers are at Sticky Lips BBQ Juke Joint in Rochester at 8 p.m. Friday
4 Word Days plays Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
DarkWine is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Jess Novak is at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton at 5 p.m. Saturday
Rena Guinn is at South Hill Cider at 5-7 p.m. Saturday
Whistlin’ Dyl is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
The Elderly Brothers are at ONCO Fermentations at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
The Kitestring Duo is at Brewers Café and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
M3 is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Pat Nadge and Roger Decker are at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Hot Dogs and Gin are at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
City Limits is at the Cedarwood Event Venue in Trumansburg at 8 p.m. Saturday
Cielle on Solid Ground is at the Downstairs at 8 p.m. Saturday
Yayle Hues is at the Watering Hole on Lake Como in Cortland at 8 p.m. Saturday
Immortal Jellyfish is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
Chasing Neon is at the Red Jug Pub in Cortland at 10 p.m. Saturday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Homer Hops at 1-4 p.m. Sunday
Grateful for Biggie is at Funk ‘n Waffles’ Dead Night at 7:30 p.m. Monday
Open Mic Standup Comedy Night returns to the Downstairs at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
What’s Cookin’ Jazz Band is at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Benny and The Mex are 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
The Upstairs hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday