St. Paul and the Broken Bones return to the State Theatre, Ladysmith Black Mambazo visits the Hangar Theatre, Aimee Mann and Godspeed You! Black Emperor play sold-out shows at the Center for the Arts of Homer, a bunch of local Americana bands team up at the Argos Warehouse, and indie-rockers and DJs will converse on the Community School of Music and Arts for Ithaca Underground’s annual fundraiser!
And don’t forget: NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest is back, and open for submissions through Feb. 21. Find out all the details here!
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
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
Kicking It Off
In the opening concert of the College Band Directors National Association Eastern Division conference, the Cornell Wind Symphony and conductor James Spinazzola performs Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Tania León’s Batá, Dana Wilson’s Concerto for Jazz Trumpet and Wind Ensemble with soloist Chris Coletti, Mark Winges' Adventure in the Air with soloist Eric Troiano, and works by Gonzalo Roig, Laura Cetilia, and Thomas Doss. Dana Wilson joins James Spinazzola for a pre-concert talk at 7 p.m.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bailey Hall, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Power of Three
Three stellar local singer-songwriters join forces for an intimate night of music in downtown Ithaca.
“Come on down to the Downstairs and get in your feels with some dynamite tunes.
Lora Pendleton: a little bit country, a little bit rock-'n'-roll
Silver Rein: Cello-infused Electric Dark Folk
Amber Martin: Indie Folk Singer-Songwriter
Join us, one and all!”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $5-$10 or pay what you can; “No one turned away for lack of funds!”
Spotlighting Stravinsky
In a special Friday Midday Music concert, Xak Bjerken performs Stravinsky’s “Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments,” conducted by James Spinazzola, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the piece.
When: 12:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Friday Night Lights
Practice at Presents returns to Deep Dive for another Punk Rock Happy Hour, this one featuring
Spelunking, Home for Bugs, and Triple 5 Spout. Open to ages 18 and up
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $5
Soulful Solitude
SadSad Sparrows and Twin Court play at Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar as Corporate Death Productions brings “together 2 of Ithaca’s most intimate bands to create a night of soulful reflection and winter solitude.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: $10 suggested
In Unison
Ladysmith Black Mambazo returns to Ithaca for a show at the Hangar Theatre, bringing their message of peace, love, and harmony.
“For 60 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter. It was Paul Simon’s 1987 ‘Graceland’ album that introduced Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the world. The late former South African President Nelson Mandela designated the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” a title the members carry with them with the highest honor. In 2018 the group received not one but two Grammy Award nominations for two separate albums, a first in the history of World Music. These two nominations brought their career total to 19 Grammy Award nominations. One of these albums, Shaka Zulu Revisited, won Best World Music Album. This was the group’s fifth Grammy Award win, the most for any World Music group.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $45, available online here
In Residence
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
Calling All Sinners
Miller and the Other Sinners return to Range, bringing their “electrifying blend of soul, jam, blues, rock, gospel, with a dash of Americana that only Miller and The Other Sinners can deliver. Based out of Buffalo, NY, this nationally touring southern soul band is bringing their full five-piece band with horns to town! Miller and The Other Sinners has seasoned the stages of major festivals and concert halls around 26 states and Canada with 4 albums for the last 9 years and is destined to become one of your favorite musical escapes. Feel the rhythm, feed your soul, taste the sin, and lose yourself in a night of unforgettable music.”
When: 10:45 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Just Jazz
ONCO Fermentations in Tully will host its first jazz festival, featuring three area acts: the Ryan Peterson Trio, the Daniëlla Hart Quartet, and August Bish Trio.
“Ryan Peterson is an award-winning jazz guitarist and active performer in Central New York. Having been called a "wunderkind" by CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, Ryan's music consists of decidedly modern, virtuosic, energetic interpretations of Great American Songbook standards.”
Daniëlla Hart “is an award-winning jazz vocalist, songwriter, and educator, that captivates her audience with her vocal prowess. Born and raised in South Africa, Daniëlla’s upbringing and cultural influences has led her to a deep-rooted passion for jazz. Sharing her mesmerizing talent on stages in South Africa, Europe, and America, she has collaborated with exceptional musicians across the globe, and have shared the stage with notable artists like, Kurt Elling, Sinne Eeg, and Laila Biali.”
August Bish is a double bassist based in Ithaca. “A student of many musical traditions, Bish seeks to marry unique elements present in various cultures with a firm foundation of historically informed, socially conscious jazz playing. Bish was named semi-finalist in the Jazz Division of the 2023 ISB Double Bass competition. His playing can be heard on several recent recording projects, including an upcoming big band album with Allison Miller and the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band.”
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: ONCO Fermentations, Tully
Cost: free
A Good Cause
Practice at Presents and Ithaca Underground join forces to a big show at the Community School of Music and Arts “Ithaca Underground brings two packed floors of DJs and punk bands to CSMA for their annual fundraiser.” On stage in Hamblin Hall are Night of the Iguana, Twin Court, Bobo Doll, and Small Bandit. In the CSMA lobby, you’ll find DJs xhadowcat, Highstone, Glitter Skulls, nube nunca, and aparece. Advance tickets are available at Angry Mom Records and online.
When: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday
Where: Community School of Music and Arts, 330 E. State St.
Cost: $10-$20, available online here
Friends, Indeed!
Cast Iron Cowboys will host an evening of music featuring “a series of traveled, Ithaca-based artists opening up for a set from Upstate NY star KidBess and Jeff McAuley! Solo performances from Max Moses and Josh Chamberlain, Steve Ryu, and Jeremiah Craig. To support this KidBess highlight, we've decided to put together a showcase of friends and opportunity to perform songs we love that aren't in the Cast Iron discography. Looking very much forward to sharing and listening to what others have to share. Come down for the music and culture and stay cozy with a hot cup of tea!”
$5 at the door and accepting donations. Music until ~11:00 See less
When: 6:45 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: $5
Weekend Warrior
SingTrece will host a pair of events at the new NRE Space this weekend.
“Unleash your inner artist at SingTrece's first-ever open mic night at NRE! Whether you sing, write, or perform spoken word, share your talents alongside SingTrece and be part of this exciting debut” at 7-9 p.m. Saturday.
Immerse yourself in an intimate musical experience with SingTrece and a live band! Enjoy this one-of-a-kind soulful evening at NRE: at 2 p.m. Sunday.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: NRE, 402 West State St., Ithaca
On the Podium
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will host its third finalist for its music director position, Michelle Di Russo, who will conduct Beethoven’s Second.
“A graceful yet powerful force on the podium, Argentinian-Italian conductor Michelle Di Russo is known for her compelling interpretations, passionate musicality, and championing of contemporary music. Currently serving as Associate Conductor on her second season with North Carolina Symphony, Di Russo will be making her debut with Portland Symphony (ME) and Vermont Symphony this season and will cover for St. Louis Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra. Di Russo was previously Interim Director of Orchestras at Cornell University. She will be joined by emerging double bass artist, Kebra-Seyoun Charles.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; pre-concert chat at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College
Cost: $13-$40, available online here
Note: Kebra-Seyoun Charles also will conduct a master class in Ithaca College’s Hockett Recital Hall at 4-6 p.m. Friday
Dub Doings
The Upstairs will host Reggae Dub Night, featuring DJ Juno and Cha Cha of Mosaic Foundation. “Come enjoy a unique reggae collaboration ft. original tunes at The Upstairs!”
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10, $5 with student ID
Soul Satisfiers
St. Paul & The Broken Bones make their long-awaited return to the State Theatre, bringing their “Angels in Science Fiction” tour to Ithaca.
“Founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2011, St. Paul & the Broken Bones consists of Paul Janeway (vocals), Jesse Phillips (bass), Browan Lollar (guitar), Kevin Leon (drums), Al Gamble (keyboards), Allen Branstetter (trumpet), Chad Fisher (trombone), and Amari Ansari (saxophone). The eight-piece ensemble burst into the world with their 2014 debut ‘Half the City,’ establishing a sound that quickly became a calling card and landing the band a slew of major festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella and Glastonbury. Critical praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, SPIN and NPR followed, leading to shared stages with some of the world’s biggest artists—Elton John and The Rolling Stones among them—and launching an impressive run of headlining tours behind what Esquire touted as a ‘potent live show that knocks audiences on their ass.’”
Sugadaisy – the duo of Zach Littleton and Johny Levon – will open the show. “With tongue more often than not firmly in cheek, they’ve largely released tunes rooted in guitar-based folk and singer/songwriter fare, but they also have punk, hip-hop, Spanish, and math rock songs itching to emerge.”
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $28.50, available online here
An Assemblage of Americana
Some of the area’s top Americana acts join forces at the Argos Warehouse in a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. Acts include Drew Kiddoo and the Blackouts, the Dart Brothers, Mortal Combine, Rev Ezra, Chickenwire Parachute, Good Dog, Janet Batch and the Four Bangers, and Freight.
When: 4-11 p.m. Sunday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: $20 suggested donation
Event Info
What’s Sup!
Deep Dive will continue its Southern Supper Sundays, featuring music from the Deep Dive Barn Haulers and food from Babe’s Burgers. “Get down in Southern dress for supper and a dance with the Deep Dive Barn Haulers featuring special guests from near and far every other week. This week's special guest is Kid Bess, aka Bess Greenberg, who leads her band the Magic Ring.
“Sunday night is when community gathers at Deep Dive - drink, eat, dance your fill, and relax in a charming atmosphere where the mood is light and the timeless sounds and smells of Southern hospitality fill the air. Dance lessons provided, no partner required. Wide boots, loud hats, button-downs, and bolo ties encouraged. Dine-in with the family, roll your tobacco on the dock, try a new whisky, guzzle a sugary pop and catch local legends + touring artists backed by the house band comprised of members of local honky tonkin' heroes Cast Iron Cowboys and more!”
When: 5-10 p.m. Sunday; doors at 5 p.m., music at 6-9 p.m., dance lesson at 6:30 p.m., kitchen open 5-10 p.m.
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $5
Til Sunday
Aimee Mann returns to Central New York for a sold-out show in Homer. Time magazine has said, “Mann has the same skill that great tunesmiths like McCartney and Neil Young have: the knack for writing simple, beautiful, instantly engaging songs,” while NPR voted her one of the “Top 10 Best Living Songwriters” along with Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. Her 2017 album "Mental Illness” won her a Grammy for Best Folk Album. Her latest release is 2021’s “Queens of the Summer Hotel,” which was inspired by Susannah Kaysen’s novel “Girl Interrupted.”
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: SOLD OUT!
Canadian Cool
Montreal-based post-rock ensemble Godspeed You! Black Emperor comes to Homer for a sold-out show. “Godspeed's legendary live performances, featuring multiple 16mm projectors beaming a collage of overlapping analog film loops and reels—along with the distinctive iconography, imagery, and tactility of the band's album artwork and physical LP packages— further defines the sui generis aesthetic substance, ethos and mythos of this group.”
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: SOLD OUT!
More Shows
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Green Street Jazz returns to Brookton's Market at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Rick Iacovelli comes to Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Marc Ryan plays Wing Night at the Cortland DAV at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
Gone Acoustic is at Salt Point Brewing at 6:30-8:30 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
The Brewhouse Blues Jam is at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Aiken Nadge 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 CrossRoads in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg hosts Vinyl Night at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Electric Nexus will present a pre-recorded streamcast of its latest album, "Second Thoughts,” on Facebook at 8 p.m. Thursday
Eat tacos and benefit the World Central Kitchen’s work in the Middle East in Press Bay Alleyat 4-6 p.m. Friday
The Ryan Peterson Trio returns to Aurora Brewing Company at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Adam Guinn is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Tim Braley is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
M3 is at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Clint Bush is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Oliver Burdo is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Stacy and the Copycats are at Cedarwood Event Venue at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Ripcords are at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-10 p.m. Friday
Mike Centore and Nate (from Causeway Giants) are at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton 6-10 p.m. Friday
Homebrewed Comedy is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Molly and the Ringwalds are at ONCO Fermentations at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Roger Decker is at the Dryden Hotel at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Grist Iron Brewing hosts a Silent Disco at 7-9 p.m. Friday
The Immortal Jellyfish are at Garrett’s Brewing at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Vibrante is at Cortland Beer Company at 8-11 p.m. Friday
Tom Chick is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
StratCat Willie & The Strays are at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Clint Bush is at Potter’s Farm to Fork in Port Byron at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Steve Cali & Chad are at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Benny & The Mex are at Summerhill Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
M3 is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Rachel Beverly is at Brewer’s Café and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Hot Dogs & Gin are at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Ende Brothers are at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Dryden Hysterical Society brings comedy to Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
WhoIsBrianTech and Zaylan are at the Downstairs at 8 p.m. Saturday
The Due South Band is at Landon’s Pub in Watkins Glen at 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Front & Main is at the John Barleycorn Tavern in Owego at 9 p.m. Saturday
Midnight Mike Petroff is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
All Strung Out are at Six Mile Creek Winery at 1-3 p.m. Sunday
Rob Ervin is at Summerhill Brewing at 2-4 p.m. Sunday
Tony Serdula is at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Marc Ryan is at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles at 4 p.m. Sunday