Blaque Dynamite returns to Deep Dive, The ElectroZone continues its “Dungeon Knights” series at Sacred Root Kava Bar, and G. Love and Special Sauce bring their 30th-anniversary tour to the Center for the Arts in Homer for a sold-out show. Plus, catch some of the area’s top singer-songwriters on stage throughout the area in the coming week!
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
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
Local Celebration
“Embark on a vibrant journey into the heart of Ithaca's art scene every third Thursday at The Downstairs. ‘Ithaca Unplugged: Rhymes, Rhythms, and Revelry’ is not just an event; it's a celebration of the rich cultural fabric that makes our city unique.
“This monthly gathering is a tapestry of Ithaca's finest talents, showcasing a kaleidoscope of artistic expression. From the soothing strings of acoustic guitars to the profound depth of spoken word, and the infectious energy of stand-up comedy, "Ithaca Unplugged" promises a night brimming with the soul of our vibrant community.
What to Expect:
- Musicians: Discover local musicians as they share their passion through intimate and stirring acoustic performances.
- Poets and Storytellers: Be captivated by the rhythm and flow of Ithaca's poets and raconteurs, delivering powerful stories and verses.
- Comedians: Enjoy a hearty laugh with some of the best comedians from Ithaca, guaranteed to add a light-hearted touch to your evening.
"’Ithaca Unplugged’" is more than a stage for performance; it's a place where artists and audience members connect, share, and celebrate the diversity and creativity of our city. Whether you're a seasoned local or new in town, this event is an invitation to immerse yourself in the dynamic and creative spirit of Ithaca.
Join us at The Downstairs for an evening where community, culture, and creativity converge. Let the rhythm of "Ithaca Unplugged: Rhymes, Rhythms, and Revelry" uplift your spirit and celebrate the essence of our beloved 10 square miles.”
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Downstairs
Parlor City Pickin’
“We're thrilled to host an old-time music-based variety evening at Atomic Tom's to kick off 2024! Please join us for this multifaceted and free event. Here's a bit to expect about each piece:
Square dance (7-8 p.m.) - A fun opportunity to hold hands with your friends and enjoy live music from the River City Rippers (this date's lineup: Brian Vollmer - fiddle, Brendan Kent - banjo, Claire Vollmer - guitar, Lora Pendleton - bass, and Pete Thompson - fiddle. Learn more about the Vollmers' many musical projects here. No experience required. Marc Faris, esteemed square dance caller, will teach each dance before it happens. All are welcome!
Ken Waldman w/ Lydia Garrison (8-9 p.m.) - Ken Waldman, also known as Alaska's Fiddling Poet, will be playing tunes, sharing stories, and reciting poems accompanied by the accomplished Lydia Garrison. Ken and Lydia were at Tom's a few weeks ago and we're excited to have them back. Check out more info about their work here!
Open Old Time Jam (9-11 p.m.) - After the performance from Ken & Lydia, there will be an open old time jam. This will consist mostly of fiddle tunes led by the performers. Curiosity about old time music piqued from the evening's fun? This is a great opportunity to jump in! Preferred instruments: fiddle (violin), banjo, guitar, mandolin etc.”
When: 7-11 p.m. Thursday
Where: Atomic Tom’s, 202 State St., Binghamton
Cost: “This is a Free, Community-based Event - Tips Appreciated!”
Rhythm and Grooves
After making his Ithaca debut last spring, Blaque Dynamite returns to Deep Dive on his “Stop Calling Me” tour. Literal Garbage, a new drum-and-bass project from Michael Schuler and Ashley Ickes, will open the show.
Read a 2023 interview with Blaque Dynamite here!
When: 9 p.m. Thursday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $18 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
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+)” This week’s DJ is Apactor.
2nd & 3rd Thursdays
When: 9 p.m. 2nd & 3rd Thursdays of the month
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: none
Swinging and Zinging
Zingology returns to Stone Bend Farm for a night of gypsy swing dance tunes. The combo has released two CDs, including its latest, 2023’s “On The Boulevard,” recorded at Newfield’s Electric Wilburland studio.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Stone Bend Farm
Cost: $10
Birthday Beats
E, founder of The ElectroZone and prolific electronic musician, will celebrate a milestone at Sacred Root.
“This Friday is my birthday and I am putting on a show in celebration! I hope you can make it! Prepare to be entertained by the following artists: Each Night I Dream of Razors (Ith) pain-filled power electronics; The Killing Truth (Ith) (formerly phantom project) "satanic" sounds; Adam Arritola (Roc) experimental free expression; Without A Chord (NYC) synthmetal; Apactor (Ith) experimental/noise DJ set; and Ritchie (Ith), electronic drums and synths.”
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost: pay what you can
Setting Up Shop
Justin Roeland and Friends continue their monthlong residency at the Downstairs, performing on Fridays throughout the month.
This week features special guests Jessica Caporizzo, Mike Caporizzo, Jenny Stockdale, Cass Barbour, and Jason Shegogue joining Brian Dozoretz, Matt Saccuccimorano, and Roeland.
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
South Hill Songs
Local singer-songwriter Sarah Noell returns to South Hill Cider for an evening of original music.
“Inspired by early folk songs, rocks in the river, empty fields, eros, and country music, her songs can be categorized as calm, current, and nostalgic. She has been a part of various local music projects, ranging from indie-rock to classic country. She currently plays in the duo Good Dog with Joe Hayward, who contributes pedal steel guitar and vocals to the calm country-folk project.”
When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Dance The Night Away
The Ithaca Swing Dance Network will host an event featuring the Dave Davies Band
Here’s the schedule:
6:00 - 6:30: Doors open
6:30 - 7:30: East Coast Swing Dance Lesson w/ Kendall McAdams
7:30 - 10:00: Live Music w/ Dave Davies Band
Enjoy These Dance Demos During the Breaks:
• Cynthia Overstreet (West Coast)
• Shorty Gorge (Lindy)
“WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Volunteer ahead of time to assist with set up and registration (5:00-6:30p) and attend the dance for free! Volunteer for a door shift (30 minutes) and get $5 off admission! Email isdn.dance.biz@gmail.com.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 402 N. Aurora St., Ithaca
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
Dark Knight
The ElectroZone – Ithaca's salon for electromusicians and experimenters – returns for its first event of 2024: the latest edition of “Dungeon Knights”
“A new year is upon us and so too a new Dungeon Knights! Heralding from the kingdom of New Jersey, Earth Rim Walker journeys to the Dungeon Knights stage. Making the journey south under a new standard we have the one known as Magic Caster! Local champions Avoidance and Silver Rein pledge their synths and steel! Truly this will be a night of high musical adventure!”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost: “$10 grants you entry and let it be known that none who are light of purse shall be turned away! This event is for all ages!”
Get Down Tonight
The Downstairs will host “Subterranean Getdown,” featuring DJs Mateo, Dijon, and Rain spinning vinyl, and Skeleton Hands provided VHS visuals.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
In The Pocket
The Downstairs will host an early Sunday evening collaboration between progressive instrumental funk trio Pocket Bandits and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Joe Gibson.
“From the organ trio tradition of Delvon Lamarr and Soulive, please welcome Pocket Bandits! Joe Massa (guitar), Samuel B. Lupowitz (keys), and Simon Bjarning (drums) blend funk, prog, jazz, rock and more into genre-bending originals and fresh, groovy takes on classics. Pocket Bandits have their debut recordings in the works for 2024; keep up to date by putting something fun in your social media feed @pocketbanditsmusic.
“Joe Gibson is an Ithaca-based singer-songwriter known for his powerful vocals and emotional lyrics. After establishing himself in the local scene with the bands Spacetrain and Tryin' Joe and the Mad Scientist, Joe marked 2020 with the release of two solo albums: 'Plans for the Breakaway' and 'Time to Come Alive.' Joe is an avid fan of the band Fishbone and requests that no one mention his brief stint in Hootie and the Blowfish.”
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
String Thing
Home Remedy (Rosie Newton and Lydia Garrison) along with special guest Nate Silas Richardson team up for sweet sounds in a quaint, comfortable atmosphere.”
When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Zbarn in Newfield; get directions here
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here; $12 at the door
Philly’s Finest
G. Love and Special Sauce return to Central New York for a sold-out show in Homer. The band is marking its 30th anniversary of bringing its “Hip Hop Blues” around the world by releasing a special expanded and remastered edition of its self-titled debut album.
Jakobs Castle opens the show; read a recent interview with Jakobs Castle here!
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: SOLD OUT!
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
Lounge Life
Chez Lounge returns to the Downstairs, with Nina Widger, Dave Davies, Brian Earle, and Jim Sherpa playing “Eclectic Loungey Songs.”
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Wednesday Night Jazz
Kicking off a full night of jazz, Greg Lofaro and The Firefly Trio return for the Deep Dive Jazz Happy Hour. They’ll be followed by the Deep Dive House Big Band at 8-10 p.m. and the new People’s Jam hosted by Drew Martin at 10:30 p.m.
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
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
People Get Ready
“The People’s Jam,” a new jam night hosted by saxophonist Drew Martin, continues every other Wednesday right after Deep Dive House Big Band. A native of the Bronx, Martin is currently a jazz studies major at Ithaca College and has played a key role in the local music scene over the past couple of years.
When: 10:30 p.m. every other Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free
More Shows
Paul Martin, Jonas Puryear, and Rosie Newton play acoustic zydeco tunes at Mama Said Hand Pies (on Route 96) at 5 p.m. Wednesday
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
Richie Stearns and Friends return to South Hill Cider at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Yayle Hues is at Cortland Beer at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
DJ Dale hosts Karaoke Night at the Upstairs at 10 p.m. Thursday
Brett Beardslee is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
The Bob Keefe Trio is at Aurora Brewing Company at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Freight is at Moondog’s Lounge in Auburn at 7 p.m. Friday
Liam Lawson is at Lucky Hare Brewing in Owego at 7 p.m. Friday
Libby and the Thickness bring the blues to Hopshire Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Butternut Creek Revival at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
John West is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Immortal Jellyfish are at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Erich with an H is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Elderly Brothers are at Cortland Beer at 8 p.m. Friday
JD and Sam of The Petty Thieves are at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Morris and The Hepcats are at ONCO Fermentations at 5-7 p.m. Saturday
Harmonic Dirt is at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Terrapin Station is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Johnny Dowd and Mike Stark are at Brookton's Market at 6 p.m. Saturday, with Nat and Snacks opening at 5 p.m.
F.A.R. Trio is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The High Road are at Homer Hops Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Rob Ervin is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Soul Citizen Disco returns to Cortland Beer at 8 p.m. Saturday
Clint Bush is at Farm by Beer Tree Brew in Port Crane at 12-3 p.m. Sunday
The Shenanigan Brothers (Marc Ryan and Tink Bennett) playthe Cortland DAV’s G.I. Chili Cookoff at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Tim Herron is at ONCO Fermentations at 3-5 p.m. Sunday
