Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a lot of local, regional, national, and international Celtic bands playing around Central New York in the coming days! Also, Chimes of Bayonets celebrates the vinyl release of their latest album, two bands play tribute to the music of Jerry Garcia, and Cornell Cinema presents “32 Sounds.”
Note: This week’s shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
Friday Night Fun
Practice at Presents hosts another Punk Rock Happy Hour, this one with Lobsterfight and Joyous Shrub, with a DJ punk set from Heathen Sinford after the show!
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $5
Ready for Release
Chimes of Bayonets will host a release show for their latest album, “Replicator.” “We will have lots of crispy fresh straight out of the oven warm New Records for sale!” They’ll be joined by locals Material Objects and Milk Cousin along with Buffalo’s Uniform Operator.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Angry Mom Records
Cost: $5
Setting Up Shop
The Standard Time Jazz Quartet continues 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 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
Let’s Dance
Rainbow Glow Box presents "The Invasion," an EDM dance party in Trumansburg, featuring area DJs Proper Philth, Highstone, Mookery, Amex, Koil, and MVSTRNTE, with visuals by J-SUN. There also will be food offered by Puttin’ on the Mitts.
When: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday
Where: Cedarwood Event Venue
Cost: $10
Garcia Grooves
Johnny Lit’s Jerry Duty returns to Ithaca. “Originally rooted in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Johnny Lit’s Jerry Duty is a nationally touring tribute to Jerry Garcia and his music. Fronted by Johnny with his high energy and intuitive approach to performances, it has quickly risen to become a force in the live music scene. Shows have been known to include a rotating cast of all-star lineups which have included members of Bob Weirs Ratdog, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Melvin Seals’ JGB as well as female harmony singers, topped with an authentic instrumentation that is easily recognizable and will “take you there”. Their mission is not only to pay tribute to the music performed by Jerry but most importantly deliver the “Experience” which is heavily based on the collective, free-flowing improvisation of the artists and audience which is rarely felt today.
“Their performances are not just concerts, but more communal gatherings where fans and other artists come together to celebrate the music and lifestyle they love. Giving them space to share their gifts, dance, and express themselves while creating memories and friendships with the like-minded that last a lifetime.”
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Downtown Takeover
“Formed in early 2018 in New York City, and led by songwriter and bassist Alex Black, Takeover miraculously found each other in the cesspool that is Craigslist for musicians. First to join was singer Dylan Legarda. Next, they found drummer Matt Gallub followed by lead guitarist and songwriter Mark Fischer. Rounding out the lineup with Mitch Etchason on rhythm guitar. Since then they've played all over the USA with a focus in their hometown of New York City, packing venues like Mercury Lounge, Knitting Factory, Rockwood Music Hall, The Bowery Electric, Arlene's Grocery, The Bitter End, and more. With their energetic and tight sets, their live shows are always a great night out and leave their fans in a fantastic mood and humming the tunes for weeks.”
The Cast Iron Cowboys will open the show.
When: 10:30 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
New Works
The Festival Chamber Orchestra sinfonietta premieres new works by Cornell graduate composers Coral Douglas, Seare Farhat, Matias de Roux, and Laura Cetilia. The sinfonietta comprises Ithaca-area professional musicians and is conducted by director of orchestras Gabriela Gómez Estévez.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lincoln Hall room B20
Cost: free and open to all
Senses Working Overtime
Cornell Cinema will screen “32 Sounds,” an immersive feature documentary and profound sensory experience from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sam Green (“The Weather Underground,” “A Thousand Thoughts”) featuring original music by JD Samson (Le Tigre, MEN).
“The film explores the elemental phenomenon of sound by weaving together 32 specific sound explorations into a cinematic meditation on the power of sound to bend time, cross borders, and profoundly shape our perception of the world around us. Filmmaker Sam Green takes the audience on a journey through time and space —exploring everything from forgotten childhood memories, to the soundtrack of resistance, to subaquatic symphonies —and experience in new ways the astonishing sounds of our everyday lives. ‘32 Sounds’ investigates the mysterious nature of perception and the subtle yet radical politics that arise from sensation and being present in one’s body.
“’32 Sounds’ exists in several unique and equally exciting forms. Cornell Cinema will present a theatrical headphones version of the film: each member of the crowd is given their own set of headphones for a special immersive binaural audio experience. Space is limited to 100 attendees.”
When: 6 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23; Sunday, 5:30 p.m. March 24
Where: Willard Straight Hall Theatre, Cornell University
Cost: $8-$12, available online here
Blues Power
Cedarwood Event Venue will host a St. Patty's Day blues party featuring the Gabe Stillman Band.
“Gabe Stillman Band was our opening night band wayyyyy back in April 2023, lol. We are so excited to have them back again. (Maybe I won't be such a ball of nerves this time!).
We are going to have a BBQ buffet with meat, potatoes, and veggies - all put together by Between the Lakes BBQ!!! We will also offer a ticket without dinner if you just want to hear the music.”
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday; buffet 5-7 p.m.
Where: Cedarwood Event Venue
Cost: $17 (just the band) and $44 (band+buffet), available online here
Pluck 'o the Irish
“Join in an extraordinary St. Patrick's Day celebration as the internationally acclaimed Celtic trio Arise & Go, featuring talented musicians from the US and Canada, joins forces with the 2023 Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year, Drank the Gold, recognized by the prestigious NY Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards.
“The iconic Hangar Theatre stage will come alive, where the Ithaca-based band The Grady Girls will join in with the Arise & Go and Drank the Gold for a memorable evening of Celtic tunes and songs. Expect foot-stompers, tear-jerkers, old favorites from each of the bands, and exciting collaborations between all of the artists.
“With each artist boasting strong musical ties to Ithaca, NY, this event is not just a celebration but a joyous homecoming. Get your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable St. Patrick's Day experience!”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $10-$20, available online here
Whisky Business
NYS Baroque presents “Humours of Whisky,” historical fiddling performed by the Berwick Fiddle Consort and friends. The program is “an unusual and appealing mix of baroque music and traditional fiddling from the British Isles. The Berwick Fiddle Consort is back by popular demand after their 2021 debut as NYS Baroque Young Artists, and will be joined by guests Joëlla Becker, cello, Christa Patton, harp, and Deborah Fox, lutes. The music will feature lively toe-tapping combinations of the three violins, harp, whistle and flute, cello, and lutes.”
“ ‘Humours of Whisky’ will appeal to many people who like different types of music. When we play baroque music based on traditional tunes, or dances that found their way from traditional to baroque, our audiences will realize that the lines of musical genres are easily blurred,” says NYS Baroque artistic director Deborah Fox. “We plan to have a fun time with this music that is wonderful and improvisational, and we hope that our audiences will too!"
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; there will be a free informal and informative pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. Audiences will hear a preview of traditional fiddling and the music that will be presented.
Where: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora St.
Tickets: $30 general, $10 students/limited income
City Sounds
Practice at Presents returns to the Downstairs, with locals Secret Service Men and the Ilium Works joined by NYC’s Better Plastic and Black Rose Burning
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: $10, open to all ages
Voices Raised
The Kitchen Theatre Company, Story House Ithaca, and Destiny La Vibe present “Diamant Noir,” featuring Clayton Bryant, Serena Young, Shanay Morant, and poet-storyteller Danielle Obisie-Orlu along with Destiny La Vibe herself.
“Destiny La Vibe is a NY-based sultry & soulful New Soul artist with unique vocal textures that range from thrilling saxophone-like high notes with rich middle & low notes that flow like honey. This powerhouse singer makes you feel the depth of her lyrics and melody as she sings with great vocal agility and range.”
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Kitchen Theatre Company
Cost: $25
Ready to Rage
Hot on the heels of dropping its new single, “Start Again,” Bob Roberts Calamity makes its return to Trumansburg’s Little Venice.
“It’s been a loooong 4 years but our ban is up and believe it or not, Little Venice is allowing your favorite local degenerates to once again throw a real rager in their establishment. We’re just as surprised as you are. You know how we do, come get calamitous with the crew for our first gig on the year.”
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Little Venice, Trumansburg
Sunday Square Dance
“Time to dust off yer shoes and c'mon out and dance the afternoon away! Enjoy squares, contras, barn, singing squares, and ceilidh dances, and waltzes too. Beginners welcome, and no partner needed. Bring some friends. Our rocking good time southern old-time band is headed up by Laura Taylor with Valerie Graves, Lloyd Graves and Scott Nissenson. The ever-entertaining, clear teaching and rhythmic beast Vikki Armstrong will be on the caller's mic. Put this on your calendar, and when the time comes, put on your jeans, your greens and your favourite bling and come out to our special First Annual St Patrick's Day Dance in Brooktondale. You won't regret it.”
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Brooktondale Community Center
St. Paddy’s Swing
The Original Cornell Syncopators will be playing two swinging sets of music from the 20s and 30s.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Tammany Hall, Cornell (next to the dining hall in Risley (535 Thurston Ave.)
Cost: $$10 cover charge, which includes a hot beverage (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.) -- Cash or Venmo at the door.
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
Paying Tribute
Scuba Jerry returns to Deep Dive. “Catch your favorite Jerry band songs performed by the duvet band you keep hearing about! Irish-inspired eats from Babes Burgers to help fill you up before someone breaks out the Jameson. Help us celebrate St Patrick’s Day the Scuba way!”
When: 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10
Sunday Swing
The Downstairs kicks off its second annual weeklong Birthday Bash with the Village Swing Trio of Brian Earle, Wayne Gottlieb, and Harry Aceto joined by Jim Sherpa on bass. “No Irish tunes, but plenty of fun!”
When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can; proceeds go to The Downstairs Programming Fund
Trio Grande
The Downstairs’ second annual Birthday Bash continues with the Outdoor Trio, featuring drummer Zaun Marshburn, saxophonist Keir Neuringer, and trombonist Ryan Zawel.
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can; proceeds go to The Downstairs Programming Fund
Flute Flights
Guest flutists Vincent Lucas and Louna Dekker Vargas visit campus for two concert events. Lucas has been principal flute of the Orchestre de Paris since 1994 and is active as a chamber musician and teacher. Dekker Vargas is a Franco-American flutist, chamber musician, and concert curator devoted to creating cathartic concert experiences and empowering community through music. The duo will perform a recital entitled “Heart to heart finds a path,” consisting of flute duets with faculty pianist Vera H.P. Hsu, solos from European repertoire for the flute, and a world premiere by Cornell composer Daniel Reza Sabzghabaei. The concert will be preceded by an interview with Vincent Lucas on his orchestral career in Europe.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Daniel Reza Sabzghabaei presents “Voices of Dust and Trash,” Part I of a two-part event examining the power of the Persian voice as a means of protest, celebration, defiance, and connection. On the eve of Iranian spring celebrations for Nowruz, this first evening will explore regional folk melodies arranged for a choir of Cornell voices, traditional radīf transcriptions, and contemporary music by Iranian creators from Iran and the diaspora, featuring a new work by Sabzghabaei that examines the intertwined musicopolitical relationship of masters Mohammad-Reza Shajarian and Mohammad-Reza Lotfi. Flutists Vincent Lucas and Louna Dekker-Vargas join forces with Cornell singers for this concert. Part II will take place April 30.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Barnes Hall
Cost: free and open to all
Post-St. Paddy’s Powerhouses
The High Kings and Gaelic Storm team up for "The Mighty Tour 2," which teams two of the world’s most popular Celtic bands.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $35 and up, available online here
Bach’s Birthday
Cornell’s Midday Music for Organ series features David Yearsley. “J. S. Bach was born on March 20th, 1685. To celebrate Bach’s birthday, Yearsley plays three of his remarkable, large-scale works for the organ: the Fantasy and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542, the Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major, BWV 530, and the Prelude and Fugue in E Minor, BWV 548.”
When: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Anabel Taylor Chapel, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
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
Underground Sounds
Practice at Presents returns to the Downstairs with The Cast Iron Cowboys Duo, Milk Cousin, and Teencat joining forces for an eclectic bill of local favorites. The show is part of the weeklong 2nd annual Downstairs Birthday Bash; proceeds go to The Downstairs Programming Fund.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
More Shows
Rena Guinn is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Harvey Fonda is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Three Stone Fire is at Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Benny and The Mex are at Summerhill Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Quona Hudson is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Erich with an H comes to Scale House Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Chickenwire Parachute is at Stone Bend Farm at 6-8 p.m. Friday
M3 is at BRU64 at 6-9 p.m. Friday
South Eastwood is at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Doolin O’Dey is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Tremayne Harer is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Shylocks are at ONCO Fermentations at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Rob Ervin is at the Brackel Pub and Grub in McDonough at 7 p.m. Friday
The ESP Jazz Group is at Cortland Beer Company at 8-11 p.m. Friday
A Kid Called Danger and Felix Free & the Rxcketeers are at Funk N Waffles in Syracuse at 8 p.m. Friday
The Town Pants are at the Smith Opera House at 8 p.m. Friday
Clan Tanquerous plays a St. Patrick’s Party at Lucky Hare Brewing at 3-6 p.m. Saturday
Cisco is at Aurora Brewing Company at 5-7 p.m. Saturday
Rena Guinn is at South Hill Cider at 5-7 p.m. Saturday
The 86ers are at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Marc Ryan is at Fat Pattie’s in Binghamton at 5:30 p.m. Saturday
The Elderly Brothers are at McGraw Box Brewing at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Adam Parker is at Brewer’s Kitchen and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
The Buttercup Chins are at Garrett’s Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Sydney Irving is at Homer Hops at 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday
The Dirtroad Ruckus Duo is at Treleaven Winery at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Kilrush is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Aaron Lipp and Richie Stearns are at Bike Bar Ithaca at 7 p.m. Saturday
The Jess Novak Band is at ONCO Fermentations at 7-9 p.m. Saturday
The Dusty Bottle Band plays the grand re-opening of The Elf in The Oak at 7-10 p.m. Saturday
The Johnny West Trio with special guest Rob Angel of Bendher are at Night Owls in Cortland at 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Soul Citizen Disco is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
Salsa Ithaca brings Noche Latina to the Upstairs at 9 p.m. Saturday
Delaques returns to the Downstairs at 9 p.m. Saturday
Galactic Skwidz are at the Range at 10:30 p.m. Saturday
What’s Cooking Jazz Band are at Six Mile Creek Winery at 1-3 p.m. Sunday
Rachel Beverly plays Lunkenheimer Brewing in Weedsport at 1 p.m. Sunday
Uncle Joe and the Slugs are at Scale House Brewery at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
The Shenanigan Brothers (Marc Ryan and Tink Bennett) play the Cortland DAV at 2 p.m. Sunday
Rocco Rich and Aaron Craig are at Homer Hops at 2 p.m. Sunday
Ben Wayne is at ONCO Fermentations at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Romer and Company are at the St. Charles Hotel in Cortland at 4 p.m. Sunday
The Cast Iron Cowboys Duo is at O’Malley’s Lakeside Tavern at 4-6 p.m. Sunday
Clint Bush is at the Brackel Pub and Grub in McDonough at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Two Horse Johnson is at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
The Brass Spittoon Duo is at Garrett’s Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Sunday ($5)
Enter The Haggis is at Middle Ages Brewing in Syracuse at 7 p.m. Sunday
Brookton’s Market hosts Open Mic Night at 5-8 p.m. Tuesday
The Downstairs hosts Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night 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 What’s Cookin’ Jazz Trio is at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Rich Evans comes to Scale House Brewery 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