It’s another busy week on the local scene, with a bunch of cool shows at area venues. DoosTrio plays Cornell’s Bailey Hall, Hanhzi Wang comes to Ithaca College and jazz saxophonist Joel Frahm plays Deep Dive. Plus, several of Ithaca’s top singer-songwriters join forces on Sunday afternoon for a benefit show in Perry City!
And don’t forget: NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest is back, and open for submissions through Feb. 21. Find out all the details here!
Also, The Route – WITH and WRUR – is in the midst of the latest membership drive, and we’re grateful to all of those who have supported us in the past. If you’d like to become a member or increase/upgrade your current membership, you can do so online right here. And don’t forget to tune in to hear some great local, regional, and national music on “Open Tunings with Scott Regan” (9 a.m. to noon) and “Afternoons with Yarms” (2-6 p.m.) throughout the week.
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
Johnny Dowd Time
Local icon Johnny Dowd returns to the Downstairs for a special Valentine’s Day show to prep for his upcoming European tour. He’ll be joined by keyboardist Mike Stark to play songs from the vast Dowd catalog, including track from his latest album, “Is Heaven Real? How Would I Know,” released in 2023.
Park Doing, who will be accompanying Dowd and Stark in Europe, is also on the bill. “I’ll be singing on some songs and we’ll be performing my ‘Broken Dreams’ from my ‘Origin of Radar’ album. Both that album and Johnny’s ‘Is Heaven Real’ LP available on Brightspark Records!
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 – “bring a friend, they get in free!”
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, Feb. 14
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10
String Thing
Richie Stearns and Friends continue their weekly residency at South Hill Cider. “This Thursday will be a rare assemblage of musicians raising spirits at South Hill Cider! Kevin Wimmer, Joey Arcuri are joining Richie and Steve this Thursday! Kevin (Steve Riley, Ann Savoy, Red Stick Ramblers) toured professionally for decades and. Joey is a member of Driftwood!”
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free; donations welcome
Expressing Sounds
“Come spend an eventful and beautiful-sounding evening with us at the Kava and Tea Lounge. Truth Star will be opening from 7-8 and Positive Wonderland goes on at 8. Can't wait to see you there.”
When: 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: $5
Sounds Fishy
Cornell Music’s Midday Music in Lincoln series will host James Parker, who presents “Sardines: An Experiment in Light and Sound,” an hour-long “multichannel performance/installation for bandoneon exploring contemporary approaches to minimalism using field recordings, guitar pedals, and spatial audio.”
When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Lincoln Hall B20, Cornell University
Cost: free and open to all
Squeeze Box Sounds
Ithaca College’s Angela and William Haines Young Concert Artists Residency will host accordionist Hanzhi Wang for a concert and master class at the Hockett Family Recital Hall.
“Acclaimed for her ‘staggering virtuosity,’ Hanzhi Wang is the only accordionist to ever win a place on the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 60-year history. An ambassador for her instrument, Hanzhi has been praised for her captivating stage presence and performances that display passion and finesse. A groundbreaking artist, Hanzhi’s other firsts include being named Musical America’s ‘New Artist of the Month,’ an interview and performance on the 2,145th episode of New York WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase as the first solo accordionist on the program, and the Naxos label’s first-ever solo accordion CD, ‘On the Path to H.C. Andersen,’ which was nominated for the prestigious DR (Danish Radio) P2 Prize in 2019.”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College
Cost: free and open to all
Note: She’ll also conduct a master class at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Hockett Family Recital Hall that is also free and open to all.
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
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 event features Mookery and Dead Sector.
When: 9 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Ready to Roll
“Who’s up for a good chill night on a chilly Thursday night?!” Practice at Presents returns to Deep Dive with a show featuring locals Delaques and Twin Court along with NYX.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10, $5 with student ID
Collegetown Sounds
“Join folk-jazz trio 9 Horses (Joe Brent, mandolin; Sara Caswell, violin and Hardanger d’amore; and Andrew Ryan, bass) and Cornell violin professor Ariana Kim for an evening of fresh, fun, and innovative music at Collegetown's newest addition, The Embassy! Free admission, and food/drinks available for purchase. Seating is first-come, first-served. Please note the loft concert space is not accessible, but the bar area is.”
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: The Embassy in Collegetown
Cost: free and open to all
Setting Up Shop
The Analogue Sons continue their February residency at The Downstairs, performing on Friday nights throughout the month. The band includes Mike Stark (organ/synth/bass), Lee Hamilton (sax), Lars Burggren (drums), Aaron Speiser (dubs, melodica), Alicia Aubin (trombone), and Jason Shegogue (guitar), who perform “predominantly original material while sprinkling in a few choice covers blurring any boundaries among reggae, jazz, dub, soul, rock, surf & eastern European music.”
When: 8 p.m. Fridays in February
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Cutting Edge
Practice at Presents returns to downtown Ithaca with a show featuring local indie-rock bands Eighteen Hundred & Froze to Death and Spelunking and Milwaukee’s Rat Bath. Open to all ages.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: $10, $5 with student ID
Dynamic Duo
Edge and Babi Lou come to downtown Ithaca. “Edge and Babi Lou, a dynamic Haitian American music duo hailing from upstate NY, is the embodiment of musical versatility. Their captivating journey began in 2020, uniting their talents to create an astounding array of music, ranging from the captivating beats of Pop and R&B to the soulful tunes of Indie/soft rock and the rhythmic verses of hip-hop/Rap. This is all due to a wide range of influences from Kanye, B.o.B, and the Migos, to Nirvana, Billie Eilish, and Oliver Tree. With an impressive portfolio of over 30 tracks released under their self-funded label, Sakapfet Records, this duo has showcased their dedication and passion for their craft. The culmination of their hard work resulted in their most recent EP, 'Endless Summer 2', a musical masterpiece that has resonated with audiences, garnering an impressive total of over 132k streams since its June 2022 release.”
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10, $5 with student ID
Live Dead
Join John Brackett – an Ithaca College alum, musicologist, and writer who lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina – and Liz Field for a conversation on how live recordings have shaped the history and mythology of the Grateful Dead for more than fifty years.
About the Book: “The Grateful Dead were one of the most successful live acts of the rock era. Performing more than 2,300 shows between 1965 and 1995, the Grateful Dead’s reputation as a live band was—and continues to be—sustained by thousands of live concert recordings from every era of the group’s long and colorful career. In ‘Live Dead,’ musicologist John Brackett examines how live recordings—from the group’s official releases to fan-produced tapes, bootlegs to “Betty Boards,” and Dick’s Picks to From the Vault—have shaped the general history and popular mythology of the Grateful Dead for more than fifty years. Drawing on a diverse array of materials and documents contained in the Grateful Dead Archive, Live Dead details how live recordings became meaningful among the band and their fans not only as sonic souvenirs of past musical performances but also as expressions of assorted ideals, including notions of ‘liveness,’ authenticity, and the power of recorded sound.
When: 4-5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Buffalo Street Books
Cost: free
Sweet Sounds
The Savage Club of Ithaca returns with its latest event. “Join us for our Valentine-themed concert. Family friendly and fun for all.”
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca (FUSIT), 306 N. Aurora St.
Cost: $10
Blurring Boundaries
The Cornell Concert Series continues its 2023-2024 season with DoosTrio: “Three masters and old friends join together in a new collaboration. Kayhan Kalhor, Wu Man, and Sandeep Das are established soloists in their individual traditions. Their new trio highlights the ancient traditions of Iran, China, and India in a 21st-century program.
“Three-time GRAMMY-nominee Kayhan Kalhor is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso on the kamancheh, who through his many musical collaborations has been instrumental in popularizing Persian music in the West. Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso and leading ambassador of Chinese music, Wu Man has carved out a career as a soloist, educator, and composer giving her lute-like instrument a new role in both traditional and contemporary music. A Guggenheim Fellow and GRAMMY-winning musician, Sandeep Das is one of the leading tabla virtuosos in the world today.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bailey Hall, Cornell University
Cost; $39-$49 for adults, $19 for students, available online here
High Lonesome Sounds
Whistlin' Dyl & Spice Rack come to downtown Ithaca to showcase their rootsy brand of original Americana.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Circle of Song
Local singer-songwriter Amy Puryear (Laila Belle) has put together the “Songwriting Circle Friends Fundraiser,” a benefit event featuring some of the area’s top talents: Richie Stearns, Sim Redmond, Travis Knapp, Annie Sumi, McKenzie Jones, and Amy Puryear.
“All proceeds benefit the Perry City Friends Meetinghouse as this beautiful community space grows & thrives. Please help to spread the word, also that carpooling is encouraged, because there is limited parking. In addition to the circular lot by the PC Meetinghouse, we will help people park alongside the road and at the small lot at the PC crossroads as well. (let's all hope there's no snow on the roads that day!) Hope to see you then & there!”
When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Perry City Friends Meetinghouse (6324 State Route 228, Trumansburg)
Cost: “We ask for a $15-$30 donation”
Trio Grande
The Hank Roberts Trio returns to the Downstairs, with cello master Hank Roberts joined by drummer Ashley Ickes and pianist Chad Lieberman for an evening of original tunes and more.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $15
Piano Man
“The Cornell Department of Music and Center for Historical Keyboards welcome international star pianist Alexander Melnikov for two concerts showcasing his extraordinary expertise on both modern and historic pianos.
“The first recital on Sunday, February 18 at 7:00 pm in Barnes Hall will be performed on a copy of a late 18th-century Viennese fortepiano. The program focuses on the London pianist Muzio Clementi and his contemporaries Haydn and Mozart, interleaving sonatas by the two older composers with his own musical homages to them, and concluding with Clementi’s Sonata Op. 34, No. 2. “
Then on Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 pm in Barnes Hall, Melnikov will utilize five different instruments from the Cornell collection and explore some of the greatest fantasies in the piano repertoire, including the Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue of J. S. Bach, C. P. E. Bach’s tragic F-sharp minor Fantasy, Schubert’s “Wanderer” Fantasy, music by Scriabin, and Alfred Schnittke’s Improvisation and Fugue.
“Alexander Melnikov completed his studies at the Moscow Conservatory under Lev Naumov and was awarded important prizes at eminent competitions such as the International Robert Schumann Competition in Zwickau (1989) and the Concours Musical Reine Elisabeth in Brussels (1991). Known for his often unusual musical and programmatic decisions, Melnikov developed his career-long interest in historically informed performance practice early on. As a soloist, he has performed with orchestras including the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Philadelphia Orchestra, HR-Sinfonieorchester, Munich Philharmonic, and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. An essential part of Melnikov’s work is intensive chamber music collaboration with performances in venues including the Mozarteum Salzburg, the Musikfest Berlin, and the Wigmore Hall in London. Melnikov’s association with the label harmonia mundi arose through his regular recital partner, violinist Isabelle Faust, and in 2010 their complete recording of the Beethoven sonatas for violin and piano won a Gramophone Award and was nominated for a GRAMMY.”
When: 7 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday
Where: Barnes Hall Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Bard Rock
Ithaca Shakespeare will present “Love on Tap: An Evening of Monologues, Sonnets, and Scenes” at the Downstairs.
“Enjoy our prix fixe menu of monologues, sonnets, and scenes, designed to entertain your Shakespeare palate with multiple flavors of love – saucy, spicy, bitter, and sweet! Why be like everyone else? Come celebrate Valentine's Day a few days late with us – and Shakespeare – on February 19th! Seating is limited, so we recommend getting tickets in advance.”
When: 7-9 p.m. Monday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10, available in advance here; ”tickets will also be available at the door on a Pay What You Can basis if space permits.”
Crossing Borders
Nashville-based saxophonist Joel Frahm brings his trio to Ithaca.
“Joel Frahm is known to all jazz lovers as a modern icon of the tenor saxophone. An unsurpassed emotional projection and technical ability always characterize his playing which draws on the breadth of the American musical tradition including jazz, funk, rock, and blues. ‘Joel Frahm is widely known in the jazz world for his effusive creativity, rollicking positive spirit, technical fluency, and versatility,’ says the Ottawa Citizen.
“Joel's new trio is an international affair, consisting of Toronto's most prolific bandleader Ernesto Cervini (Myriad3, Turboprop) on drums and composer/bandleader/bassist Dan Loomis (of The Wee Trio, TS Monk) on bass. They will be touring in support of their first trio record together!”
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $12 in advance, available online here; $20 ($15 with student ID) day of show
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: 6-11:30 p.m. every other Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free
More Shows
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Bobby Rowe brings “love songs galore” to Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Dave Richman, Chris Gibbons, and special guest Caroline Taylor play jazz at Brookton's Market at 6-8 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
DJ Rob Haze and DJ Law host “Goth Night: A Dark Alternative Valentine’s Day” at Modern Alchemy Game Bar at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday ($5, 21+)
Yayle Hues is at Cortland Beer at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Scale House Brewery hosts Open Mic Night at 6-9 p.m. Thursdays
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to the Ridge in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
DJ Wolfy (aka Pete Wolfanger) spins at Vinyl DJ Night at Atlas Bowl in Trumansburgat 7-10 p.m. Thursday
River Lynch is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
J. Floyd is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Erin and the Backwoods Blues Project are at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Richman and the Poorboys are at Summerhill Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Liam Lawson is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The Vectors play ONCO Fermentations “Love Fest” at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Annie Ol’ Thyme is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Jess Novak and Ben Wayne are at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Eli Corning is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
F.A.R. Trio is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Clint Bush is at the Dryden Hotel at 7-9 p.m. Friday
The Ampersand Project is at the St. Charles Hotel at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Sweats play Cedarwood Event Venue in Trumansburg at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Rattlesnake Trio is at Cortland Beer Company at 8-11 p.m. Friday
Dallas Louis is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Roger Decker is at Hidden Springs Brewhouse in Norwich at 4-7 p.m. Saturday
Frank Raponi and Peter Glanville are at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
John West and Ted Romer are at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Tangled Roots with Pete McMahon are at ONCO Fermentations at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
4 Word Days are at Summerhill Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Steve Romer is at the St. Charles Hotel at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Steve McLean is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Logan Oltz is at Brewer’s Kitchen and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
The X’Plozionz are at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Sweats are at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Zingology plays a Valentine’s Swing Dance at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Yayle Hues is at the Watering Hole on Lake Como in Cortland at 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Black and Blue – Mike Starmer, Danny Austin, and Mark Young – is at the Hiawatha Inn at 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Soul Citizen Disco is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
Clint Bush is at the Village Tavern in Marcellus at 8-11 p.m. Saturday
Salsa Ithaca hosts Noche Latina at the Upstairs at 9 p.m. Saturday
DJ Gourd hosts a disco dance party at the Range at 10 p.m. Saturday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Homer Hops at 1 p.m. Sunday
Immortal Jellyfish are at Six Mile Creek Winery at 1-3 p.m. Sunday
Richman & The Poorboys are at ONCO Fermentations at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Open Mic Standup Comedy Night returns to the Downstairs at 7 p.m. Tuesday
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Rick Iacovelli comes to Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
The Liam Lawson Duo is at Bike Bar Ithaca at 7 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
