Circles Around The Sun and Mikaela Davis return to Deep Dive – this time together! – while +LIVE+ comes to the State Theatre for a show that was postponed from November. Also, the Center for the Arts of Homer hosts Jim Messina and Red Baraat, and Come Back to Earth pays tribute to the late Mac Miller at Deep Dive.
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
'Extreme Pianism'
The Cornell Center for Historical Keyboards Salon will present “Extreme Pianism: The Discipline, Methods, and Gimmicks of Nineteenth-Century Virtuosity.”
“Ph.D. candidate Theodora Serbanescu-Martin presents her research on the physical, psychological, and pedagogical means through which virtuosity at the keyboard was inculcated during the nineteenth century. Pianistic technique could be drilled by teachers, programmed by exercises and methods, and honed by devices such as Henri Herz’s dactylion (1836), a replica of which will be discussed and demonstrated alongside music by Schubert (the “Wanderer” Fantasy), Liszt (Réminiscences de Don Juan), and J. S. Bach/Brahms.”
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: A.D. White House, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Reverence Cortland Beat
Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown becomes “a visual art gallery showcasing the work of Cortland’s very best artists, including professionals, amateurs and students! Creative Cortland is an exhibition that continues to evolve, a platform for artistic and imaginative expression and appreciation. This year’s exhibition will explore the concepts of reverence and will run March 1-10. Gallery Opening Night will feature Galactic lounge music provided by Cortland native Josh Oxford.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown
Cost: $15
Art Explosion
Hair•Color•Art will host “an evening of creativity, shopping, and celebration” as part of First Friday Gallery Night, with seven local artists and music from DJ West Fox at 8-10 p.m. “Come together to support the venue and stay in the loop with HAIR COLOR ART and their exciting upcoming move to the South Hill Business Campus! Don't miss out on this fantastic blend of art, music, and community.’
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday
Where: Hair Color Art, Press Bay Court
Cost: free
Dynamic Duo
Hank Roberts and Chad Lieberman will perform at 15 STEPS during First Friday GalleryNight. “We are so excited to have @hankrobertsmusic and Chad Liberman sharing their gift with us! Hank has been a professional cellist for over 50 years, touring all over Europe, Canada, and the US. He has played in some of the most prestigious venues and won several awards around the world. Come join us for music, wine, and cheese.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: 15 STEPS, Center Ithaca
Sweet Sounds
La Dolce Vita - a group of Ithaca musicians - will play “a unique combination of Gypsy Swing and Latin tunes with an emphasis on Brazilian songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim. Doug Robinson will croon and play guitar (singing some tunes in Portuguese and French) Greg Ezra on drums, Harry Aceto on upright bass, Brian Earle on clarinet, and Brian Keeler on guitar.” The evening coincides with First Friday Gallery Night in Ithaca. It will also mark the opening night of a new exhibit of Keeler's paintings of Ireland, Maine, Massachusetts, and Scotland, titled "Atlantic Arias and Celtic Callings.” www.northstarfineartgallery.com
Where: North Star Fine Art Gallery, 116 The Commons
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday
Setting Up Shop
The Standard Time Jazz Quartet kicks off its March residency at The Downstairs, performing at 7 p.m. Fridays through the end of the month. The quartet includes Marc Devokaitis (saxophones), David Wiles (guitar), Ted Caldwell (bass), and De Wayne Perry (drums); they’ll be joined by special guests throughout the residency:
March 1: Joanna Green on vocals, vibes, and violin
March 8: Janelle Bradshaw on trumpet and flugelhorn
March 15: Terry Light on trumpet and flugelhorn
March 22: Terry Light and Ben Barson on baritone saxophone (*Part of The Downstairs Birthday Bash!)
March 31: Michelle Gordon on flute
When: 7 p.m. Fridays through March
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Songs to Sing
Jim Messina returns to Homer to showcase his vast discography from his days as a solo artist and his work with Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins and Messina.
“An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits.”
“After a series of celebrated solo acoustic tours, Jim formed a band made of acclaimed musicians who have played with him at various points in his career. His latest release, ‘In the Groove,’ includes selected hits from all three of Jim’s previous bands, as well as several of his solo works. Touring the country and playing sold-out shows, Jim says that he’s enjoying discovering who he is, where he’s been and, most significantly, where he’s going.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $40-$65, available online here
Live, At Last
Nearly 30 years after performing at Cornell University, indie-rockers +LIVE+ return to Ithaca for a show at the State Theatre. The band has sold over 22 million albums worldwide, earned two number-one albums (“Throwing Copper” and “Secret Samadhi”), and scored hits such as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You” and “Lakini’s Juice.”
“After a multi-year break from touring, I am totally ecstatic about singing and playing for LIVE fans again!” says +LIVE+ singer, songwriter and frontman Ed Kowalczyk about the multi-platinum and critically acclaimed band’s tour dates this fall. “And I’ll be surrounded,” Ed adds,” by an absolutely stellar group of musicians that have all spent years captivating audiences onstage with LIVE all over the world. It’s going to be amazing and I can’t wait to see you all!”
“For these dates, the band’s classic lineup is unavailable due to various extenuating circumstances, so Ed has hand-picked a group of musicians who are part of the band’s extended family: guitarist Zak Loy (who’s been with Ed and +LIVE+ for 10 years), drummer Robin Diaz (the former Hole member who performed with the band for two years) and bassist Chris Heerlein (who played in ED’s solo band for six years).The +LIVE+ set list will be comprised of their massive hits and fan favorites—songs that have defined the alternative rock era.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday (postponed from November 2023)
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $39.50-$79.50, available online here and at the State box office
South Hill Sounds
“Come up to South Hill on Friday March 1st at 8:15 pm to hear the coolest band in town, the Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble. On the program will be World War II Pizza Man and other pop hits.”
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College
Cost: free and open to all
Soulful Sounds
“After Six is a pop, R&B, and neo-soul band that plays a mix of originals and covers drawing influence from a wide variety of popular artists. Originally founded in 2012 as a smooth jazz group, After Six has evolved through several genres with a focus on staying at the forefront of contemporary music while consistently drawing influence from jazz. Most recently, After Six opened Cornell’s Slope Day main stage, opening for artists COIN, Snakehips, and Coco & Clair Clair. They were last seen at Deep Dive opening for the band Couch. The band features three powerful singers, a lively trumpet-saxophone duo, and a groovin' rhythm section!”
Luke Mock will open the show.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here; $15 day of show
Rochester Rocker
Overhand Sam returns from Rochester to play in downtown Ithaca, along with local opener Strong Maybe.
“Overhand Sam is a psychedelic indie rock musician from Rochester, New York. Sam is a founding member of the band Maybird. In 2015 Maybird signed to Dangermouse’s psychedelic indie label 30th Century Records under SONY. The band continued to go on having recorded with the likes of The Black Keys, Patrick Carney, as well as tour throughout the United States opening for Portugal. The Man, The Babe Rainbow, and The Blue Stones. Sam has performed, produced and cowritten songs for Maybird ever since.
"Audiences across the United States have noted the spectacle of Sam’s guitar style, playing the instrument with his fretting hand over the fingerboard. Having broken his arm at a young age, Sam began playing with a cast that inhibited his ability to turn his hand over and play in the traditional fashion. The name ‘Overhand Sam’ reflects this truly unique playing style.”
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10, $5 with student ID
Ready to Return
“After a three-year hiatus, we are over the moon to announce the return of Junkyard Theory. We popped back on the scene a few months ago and played our reemergence show to a LIT af crowd out of town… but now it’s time to show up and show out right here in our hometown for a night of dark, dirty, sexy and loud original music. How serendipitous that our last Ithaca show was at on the very same stage.
“This married duo combines live production and the art of DJing from Proper Philth with the haunting, ethereal vocals and flute of SensE. Seamlessly blending the sounds and textures of house, drum and bass, and downtempo, Junkyard Theory invites you on a journey through underground sound.
“It just wouldn't be the full Junkyard experience without bringing in our man J-Sun and his live visuals. He's been mastering his craft and has reached a whole new level of wizardry.”
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: cover charge
A Good Cause
Several area bands will join together to benefit Dickie Reome, a stalwart of the Cortland music scene who’s battling cancer, to cover some of the cost of his care and needs. On the bill are the Pole Cats, Throw Down Cold, Romer and Company, Past My Bedtime, Tail Gunner, Trick Shot, and Jason Manning.
When: 12-6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Hall, 19 Church St., Cortland
Cost: $10 at the door
That’s Country!
Grist Iron Brewing will host its second annual Country Music Jamboree, featuring Justin Raynor and Claudia Hoyser. “Get ready for a foot-stompin', good time at Grist Iron Brewing Company's Country Music Jamboree. We've got incredible acts featuring live performances by Justin Raynor and the sensational Claudia Hoyser. A day of great music, mouthwatering food specials, refreshing brews, and drink.” Raynor will perform at 2-5 p.m. followed by Hoyser at 5-8 p.m.
When: 12-9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Grist Iron Brewing Company
Youth Will Be Served
The Cornell Department of Music presents the Cornell Symphony Orchestra’s annual Young Person’s Concert, conducted by Gabriela Gómez Estévez. The program includes Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, Fauré’s Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 80, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor, and the first two movements of Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor performed by Concerto Competition winner Jonathan Indajang, ‘25. This family concert will feature a pre-concert instrument petting zoo at 2 p.m. to engage and inspire younger audience members.
Originally from Singapore, Indajang is majoring in biomedical engineering and minoring in music and has been playing the piano since he was six. He currently studies with Xak Bjerken. Director of Orchestras Gabriela Gómez Estévez says “We are excited to feature Jonathan as a soloist on the Mendelssohn. Jonathan’s nuanced approach and his mature understanding of the piece stood out in [the Concerto Competition]. I know it will be an exciting and enriching collaboration!” Jonathan agrees, saying “It has been on my bucket list to collaborate with an orchestra on a concerto. I look forward to actively collaborating and learning alongside the orchestra to produce a worthwhile performance.”
When: 3 p.m. Saturday; instrument “petting zoo” at 2 p.m.
Where: Bailey Hall, Cornell University
Cost: free and open to all
Spring Sounds
CCO Youth Orchestra will present its Spring Chamber Music Recital “With free admission, there will also be free desserts! Donations for the CCOYO Scholarship Fund are gratefully accepted.”
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: First Congregational Church of Ithaca UCC, 309 Highland Road, Ithaca
Cost: free; donations welcome
Sharing Songs
Participants in the 2024 Ithaca Songwriting Challenge will showcase the fruits of their labor at Sacred Root.
“We're gathering at the Kava Bar to perform songs from this year's challenge for one another - and for guests and the public. Each songwriter can sign up for a 10-minute slot to play a couple of songs. This is a songwriting group, so you don't need to have a polished performance - this is more for celebrating our work together, so we want to hear YOU.”
When: 3:30-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Piano Man
Opus Ithaca School of Music will host Marvin Blickenstaff in a Piano Masterclass featuring four advanced Opus Ithaca students. “We are thrilled to invite you to this masterclass - FREE and open to the public - for families, teachers and students. Please join us! See you at Opus!”
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Opus Ithaca School of Music, 402 N. Aurora St.
Cost: free and open to all
Veggie Vibes
“Join Bobcat, Elias, and the Local Farmer's Union for a gonzo night of vegetarian songs! A bonkers cornucopia of comedy and entertainment!”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ake Gallery, 165 Main Street, Suite 14L, Cortland
Cost: $10
Norwegian Brass
“This year's Shirley and Chas Hockett Chamber Music Series brings tenThing Brass Ensemble, formed in 2007 by Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth as a fun and exciting collaboration between musical friends. The ten-piece, all-female brass ensemble has firmly established themselves on the international scene to great acclaim. Celebrated for their commitment to outreach and access to music through a diverse repertoire that spans from Mozart to Weill, Grieg to Bernstein, and Lully to Bartok, tenThing also will give a masterclass in Ford Hall at 12 p.m. Saturday.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College Center for Music
Cost: free and open to all
World Music
Red Baraat is a pioneering band from Brooklyn, New York. Conceived by dhol player Sunny Jain, the group has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound, a merging of hard-driving North Indian bhangra with elements of hip-hop, jazz and raw punk energy.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $31-$35, available online here
Ready to Assemble
Practice at Presents returns to Forest City Lodge, with a stacked lineup that includes the return of Philadelphia’s Assemble, who will be joined by locals Paint Blank and Dead Letter and Connecticut-based Skavs.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Forest City Lodge 180
Cost: $10
Mac Memories
Rochester’s Come Back To Earth, “the first-ever and only Mac Miller Tribute Band,” comes to Deep Dive featuring “Mac Miller originals composed to be performed with live instruments. Rest In Paradise to the King.”
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $14 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
Going Underground
1980_Underground returns to Sacred Root for its latest dance party.
“WILY WINDS WHIRL. STARKLY, SHADOWS SWIRL. AWAKEN, APPEAR, ASTONISH. STATIC AND SMOKE. ARISE ONCE AGAIN!
“SOUNDS::: POST PUNK / MINIMAL WAVE / NEW WAVE / COLD WAVE / PUNK / WITCHHOUSE / SYNTHPUNK”
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Party Electric
“Combining house tracks with live drums, modular synthesizers and guest instrumentalists, Weazildust is a welcomed lane to contemporary electronic music from the mind of Packy Lunn of Jimkata. For fans of Daft Punk, Justice, SoulWax, LCD Soundsystem and The Chemical Brothers, this hard-hitting party takes no prisoners.”
When: 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: $5
Four on the Floor
A quartet of area talents – Rena Guinn, Joe Lule, Brett Beardslee, and Jaimie Lee – will team up for the Singer-Songwriter Showcase in Burdett. “This will be a unique show of 4 awesome songwriters sharing the stage, stories, and songs,” says Guinn. “This is intended to be a listening room. So, if you are interested in sitting back and taking a journey with us through our songs and hearing the stories behind them, c'mon out!”
When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Where: The 1800 House, 3821 Main St., Burdett (former home of Barry Family Cellars)
Cost: $20 suggested donation
In Session
Traonach and Friends continue their Live Irish Music Session on alternating Sundays at the Watershed, carrying on in the fine tradition of their much-beloved sessions at the Argos, The Chapter House, and Micawbers.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Watershed
Cost: free; donations welcome
Just Jazz
Hosted by DeWayne Perry, the Jazz Jam at the Downstairs is now happening on the first and last Sunday of every month. “It's all about the music.”
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday; first and last Sunday of every month
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: donations welcome
Joining Forces
Circles Around The Sun returns to Deep Dive, joined by Mikaela Davis and Southern Star.
“Los Angeles-based instrumental supergroup Circles Around the Sun is a contemporary instrumental rock band, initially formed with the purpose of creating music for “Fare Thee Well”, a series of reunion concerts played by the surviving members of the Grateful Dead. Those shows celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary and served as their official send-off, while Circles Around the Sun was designed to reflect the Dead's overall spacy and groove-laden feel. After the tour, the group released a self-titled album from the Fare Thee Well gigs, supporting the record with their own road trip. The response was so positive that they continued on with a follow-up project, Let It Wander, in 2018. This record was less influenced by the Dead and more free-form, delivering on the roots influence of jazz-funk, soul, and fusion. The band underwent a fundamental transition in 2019. After completing the Meets Joe Russo EP and a third album, their guitarist Neal Casal committed suicide on August 26, 2019. He left his bandmates a note asking for them to continue in his absence– to continue recording, touring, and playing together. The band decided to carry on with a rotating cast of guitarists, landing on John Lee Shannon as the permanent replacement.
"In this metamorphosis, Circles Around the Sun spans both heartbreak and hope. Doors close; windows open; new directions extend themselves in mysterious ways. But sometimes you know it’s real from the first beat. It just clicks. It’s just how Neal would want it. It’s Circles Around The Sun.”
A native of Rochester, “Mikaela Davis is a patient, meticulous songwriter. The Hudson Valley-based artist peels back the gauze of the world’s distractions to reveal the tiny details we might have missed, spotlighting the importance of nourishing friendships, perseverance in the face of adversity and the lessons the natural world can teach us.
"A prolific and distinctive harpist, Davis molds her classical music training to create an original and genre-bending catalog that weaves together 60s pop-soaked melodies, psychedelia and driving bluegrass rock. Davis has also shared the stage with the likes of Bob Weir, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive and Circles Around the Sun, showcasing her ability to stretch her creative talents across just about any canvas.”
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $32 in advance, available online here; $40 day of show; $1 of every ticket sale goes to The Neal Casal Music Foundation (NCMF)
Read a 2023 interview with Adam MacDougall of Circles Around The Sun here!
Read a 2023 interview with Mikaela Davis here!
Go for Baroque
Annette Richards will perform an organ recital titled “18th- and 20th-Century Baroque.”
“In a recital that explores the many colors of the Cornell Baroque Organ, an instrument that was completed in Ithaca in 2011 and that reimagines a glorious German organ of 1706, Annette Richards invites listeners into the sound world of the early 18th century with two major works by J. S. Bach (the Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564 and the Partite sopra ‘Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig,’ BWV 768). The concert then turns to the afterlife of the Bachian organ-baroque, first with the galant music of C. P. E. Bach, and then, closer, perhaps, to the Anabel Taylor instrument itself, the music of 20th-century composers Hendrik Andriessen (Thema met Variaties, for Lady Susi Jeans) and Arvo Pärt (Trivium).”
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Anabel Taylor Chapel, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Solo on the Strings
Ariana Kim, GRAMMY-nominated artist and violin professor at Cornell University, will present a violin recital at Willard Straight Hall. “Join Ariana for a tasting menu of solo violin music, including Bach, Augusta Read Thomas, George Meyer, and some folk music.”
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room, Cornell University
Cost: free and open to all
Bon Ton Roulet
“Get your dancing shoes on for our Zydeco Dance Party with Heavy Bone and the Good Time Zydeco Band!”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Bike Bar Ithaca
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
New Music
Cornell’s Midday Music in Lincoln series will present Laura Cetilia’s “layers turn liquid,” a new work composed for 2 pianos, 2 cellos, and video projection.
When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Lincoln B20, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
More Shows
DJ Dijon spins at South Hill Cider at 5-7 p.m. Friday
JP Payton is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Rena Guinn and Joe Lule are at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Harmonic Dirt are at ONCO Fermentations at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Rob Ervin is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Cisco and the Soul Benders are at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Tim Herron and the Great Blue are at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Dennen Bunger is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Kyle Perkins is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The M&Ms (Marc and Monica Ryan) are at Hairy Tony’s at 8 p.m. Friday
Bob Holz and A Vision Forward is at Cortland Beer Company at 8-11 p.m. Friday
Patrick Young is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Mark Douglas is at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton at 3-6 p.m. Saturday
Cast Iron Cowboys will play Rich’s 60th Birthday Bash in the Barn at Lucky Hare Brewing in Hector at 4-7 p.m. Saturday
Garlic.band are at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Band by the River is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Bryan Jacobson returns to Brewer’s Café and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
DJ Dale hosts karaoke at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Johnny West Trio is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Common Railers are at the Downstairs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Bonfire: A Tribute to AC/DC comes to the Kallet Theatre in Pulaski at 8-10 p.m. Saturday
Modafferi is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
Salsa Ithaca hosts First Saturday Salsa Night at the Upstairs at 9 p.m. Saturday
Cielle on Solid Ground are at Six Mile Creek Winery at 1-3 p.m. Sunday
Annie Ol' Tyme is at Summerhill Brewing at 2-4 p.m. Sunday
Virgil Cain is at Homer Hops at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Morris and the Hepcats are at ONCO Fermentations at 3-5 p.m. Sunday
Raedwald Howland-Bolton is at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
The Ryan Peterson Trio is at Funk ‘N Waffles in Syracuse at 6-8 p.m. Sunday
Prose & Poetry Open Mic Night returns to the Downstairs at 7-9 p.m. Monday
Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night returns to the Downstairs at 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
The Ende Brothers come to Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Rachel Beverly is 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
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
Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg hosts Vinyl Night at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
