St. Louis-based singer-songwriter Jackson Stokes comes to downtown Cortland’s Rose Hall, Winter Squabee returns to the Stonecat Café, Deep Dive hosts a big disco party, and Max Childs releases his latest single! And looking ahead to next week, Brown Eyed Women – an all-female Grateful Dead tribute band – comes to Deep Dive and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells returns to the Downstairs, both on Thursday, April 4.
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
Melancholy, Baby!
On the last Wednesday of every month, join Not From Wisconsin’s Angela and Dave Yantorno and John Young for an evening of Midweek Melancholy. “Dave, Angela, and John would love to have your company for an evening dedicated to our shared love of sad songs. Be there for beautiful music and good company at Ithaca's best listening room, The Downstairs.”
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
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.”
The kitchen will be open at 6-10 p.m., with food by Yxi's Arepas
When: 9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10
Chicken Pickin’
South Hill Cider will host Richie Stearns and Friends, whom this week will comprise Kevin Wimmer (Steve Riley, Ann Savoy, Red Stick Ramblers), Steve Selin (Rose and the Bros) and Joey Arcuri (Driftwood). Chef Samantha Buyskes from Mama Red’s Comfort Kitchen will offer some of her classic dishes, including southern-fried chicken, cornmeal-crusted catfish, collard greens, mac & cheese, and cornbread lathered with honey butter, honey and Mama Red's hot sauce. “All items will be available à la carte until she runs out. Take-out will be available.
We have seating indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather”
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: free, but donations welcome; fee for the food
St. Louis Soulman
Singer-songwriter Jackson Stokes brings his band to downtown Cortland.
“When his latest solo release, ‘Passengers Volume One,’ arrived as a contender for Rocks Top 20 chart in October of 2023, Jackson Stokes posted another notch on his growing list of accolades. Whether as a seasoned bandleader, sought-after ensemble player, or valued collaborator, the rock/soul singer-songwriter from St Louis, Missouri continues to rise as a coveted musical commodity. And with tens of thousands of touring miles logged across four continents- including, in 2023, a World Record achievement; performing 50 shows in 50 U.S. states in 49 days with the Devon Allman Project and Donavon Frankenreiter – Stokes is, as well, the consummate rock-and-roll road dog. Over his decade-and-a-half career, Stokes, in his own right, also has been a welcomed guest onstage, opening for or collaborating with a who’s who of artists such as Robert Cray, Warren Haynes, Marcus King, Lucas Nelson, Samantha Fish, Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno, Eric Gales, Robert Randolph, The Wailers, The Allman Betts Band, and Tonina.”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Rose Hall, 19 Church St., Cortland
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here; $15 day of show
Winter Wonderland
Winter Squabee returns to the Stonecat Café in Hector, showcasing a variety of regional bands.
“We are kicking off our 25th season the way Scott (Signori) would have...with WINTER SQUABEE, a weekend of free, live music and delicious regional organic cuisine and libations! Donations accepted for a local charity, TBA. Music schedule at stonecatcafe.com. Join us and toast to 25 years!”
Performers (in order) include the Rena Guinn Trio, Joey Dugan, and The Dart Brothers at 5-8 p.m. Friday; Prime Box, Brian Francis, Wild Bill Younder, Levi Dusseau and Joe Crum, Autumn Sun, Cielle on Solid Ground, Carbon 66, Madd Daddy, and Curtis Knocking at 12-9 p.m. Saturday, and Angie Beeler, Dan Babbitt, Dave Merkli, Karlee Weaver, and Boomslang from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (Schedule subject to change.)
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Stonecat Café, 5315 State Route 414, Hector
Cost: free; donations welcome
Trio Grande
The Tenzin Chopak Trio makes its debut at Hopshire. Chopak, a singer with an "unmistakably singular sound,” will be joined by keyboardist Emmett Scott and drummer Ashley Ickes. Chopak’s live performances have been described as "soul scorchingly beautiful."
Food will be provided by Sunrise Samosas.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Hopshire Farms and Brewery
Cost: free; donations welcome
Joining Forces
“For one night only, Mandy Goldman is backed by Pocket Bandits and Jen Cork in the glorious greenhouse at Stone Bend Farm. Join us for a full-band performance, with songs from Mandy's debut album ‘Balance of the Trade’ and more.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Stone Bend Farm
Cost: $10
Read a 2023 interview with Mandy Goldman here!
Songs to Sing
“Enjoy live karaoke with Ana Florencia! She can accompany you by piano OR guitar - she'll even harmonize with you and sing backup! She's going to bring a list of songs that she can play, but you can always throw a song out at her and see if she knows it!! We also have Uncle Reggie's Sump'n Spanish for a kitchen takeover!”
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday
Where: Cedarwood Venue, 9632 State Route 96, Trumansburg
Cost: “No cover, but please do get a couple of drinks!”
Closing Up Shop
The Standard Time Jazz Quartet concludes its March residency at The Downstairs. The quartet includes Marc Devokaitis (saxophones), David Wiles (guitar), Ted Caldwell (bass), and De Wayne Perry (drums); they’ll be joined by special guest Michele Gordon on flute for this show
When: 7 p.m. Fridays through March
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
You Should Be Dancing, Yeah!
Deep Dive will host Gimme Gimme Disco, a disco-dance party inspired by ABBA.
“Calling all Dancing Queens! Here we go again! If you can’t get enough ABBA then do we have a dance party for you. We are a DJ-based dance party playing all your favorite ABBA hits, plus plenty of other disco hits from the 70s & 80's like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, & Cher (DISCO ATTIRE ENCOURAGED). So honey honey, take-a-chance and you’ll be dancing all night long. Grab tickets, bring your friends, and have the best night of your life!”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $15 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
Ready for Release
Max Childs returns to The Range to celebrate the release of his next single, ‘From the Get Up.’ Co-written and produced with L.A.-based pop producer, Carneyval, and Max's brother Sam Shuhan, the song comes out the day of this show!
“Max Childs is a songwriter, performer, and recording artist. He and his band bring to the stage an energetic and intimate performance of original music that pushes the boundaries of live pop music. Since forming his band in 2015, Childs has performed across the Upper East Coast headlining and supporting artists such as Danielle Ponder, Juice, West End Blend, The Comb Down, and Bella's Bartok.
“In 2022 Max Childs won the ‘Battle of the Bands Contest’ at the 30th Annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival resulting in two successful performances at the 2023 festival. In the last year, Childs has recorded both a studio and live album through Pyramid Sound Studios. Both of which are anticipated to be released spring/summer of 2024. In addition to his own work, Max is an active member of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Nahko and Medicine for The People and Eli Flynn and the Everymen. Other artists/projects he's been a part of include, Doe Paoro, Danielle Ponder, Domino Saints, Uma Galera, Kevin Kinsella, and LGN.”
When: $10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Music History
Guest pianist Ashley Wass performs on the Midday Music series, utilizing a Cornell Center for Historical Keyboards instrument for Schumann’s Kinderszenen, Op. 15 and Beethoven’s Six Bagatelles, Op. 126. Roger Moseley joins Wass for selections from the Schumann-Debussy 6 Etudes in Canon Form, Op. 56.
When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Room B20 Lincoln Hall, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Going Solo
Guest pianist Ashley Wass gives a solo recital including works by Liszt, Shostakovich, Satie, Debussy, Franck, and more, once again playing instruments from Cornell’s historical collection.
“Ashley Wass’s musical career is one of unusual creativity and variety. Alongside his work as soloist and chamber musician, he is co-founder of Mash Productions, was Artistic Director of the Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival for eleven years, has devoted many years to music education, and is currently the Director of Music at the Yehudi Menuhin School. In 1997, Wass won the London International Piano Competition, leading to a recording contract with Naxos. He has performed at many of the world’s finest concert halls, including Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Vienna Konzerthaus. He has performed regularly as soloist with all of the BBC orchestras, the Philharmonia, Orchestre National de Lille, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and many more. Much in demand as a chamber musician, Ashley is a frequent guest of international festivals such as Bath, Ako (Japan), Cheltenham, Mecklenburg, City of London, and Ravinia and Marlboro in the US, playing solo recitals and chamber works with musicians such as Mitsuko Uchida, Sarah Chang, Steven Isserlis, Richard Goode, and more. Renowned for a broad and eclectic repertoire, Ashley has received great critical acclaim for his recordings of music from a wide range of styles and eras.”
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Dynamic Duo
“Dom Martyr is the brainchild of Alicia Aubin and Angelo Paradiso. Fusing Electro-Pop, House, Alternative-Dance, Rock and more. Dom Martyr is what you have been waiting for, straight from ‘88.”
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: small cover charge
Let’s Dance!
Hands4Dancers of Ithaca presents the “Fiddlehead Frolic social dance (contras, balfolk, squares, waltzes, Finnish, and more) with fantastic New England band Eloise & Co. and caller Mary Wesley, and local treasure Metku. All dances will be taught; steps are simple and beginners welcome! Instrumental jam (free), silent auction, and potluck supper as well. No need to bring a partner; do bring clean, soft-soled shoes and a water bottle, plus a dish-to-share if you come to the potluck.”
When: 12:30 – 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, 302 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca
Cost: Admission (member/nonmember/student): afternoon OR evening $17/$20/$10; whole event $30/$35/$18. Free for children 12 and under. Masks recommended
Guitar Guy
The Ryan Peterson Trio returns to the Downstairs, with guitarist Ryan Peterson joined by bassist August Bish and drummer Owen Erickson.
“Ryan Peterson is an award-winning jazz guitarist, band leader, educator, and recent transplant to Ithaca, NY. Since moving to New York, Ryan is quickly becoming an in-demand guitarist and had the pleasure of leading his quartet as the opening act on the main stage at the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival in Syracuse, NY in July 2023. As a band leader, Ryan leads the Ryan Peterson Trio and the Ryan Peterson Quartet. Always with a modern twist, Ryan’s bands draw from the jazz tradition and perform timeless music from The Great American Songbook, as well as more contemporary jazz standards.”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Fast & Furious
Ithaca Underground will present a three-band show at Angry Mom Records.
On the bill is Shardik, which features “genre-defying instrumental fury” Matt Hollenberg (John Zorn, Cleric, Titan to Tachyons); Atomic Pigeons, who play Sana Nagano’s “metal/math-rock inspired polyrhythmic compositions weaved with individual and collective improvisations”; and BRIAN!, the Ithaca-based trio of Bubba Crumrine, David Resig, and Brian “Willie B” Wilson who create “unique soundscapes that can at times boggle the senses, yet make you want to listen closer to the individual parts that make up the sum."
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Angry Mom Records
Cost: $10 in advance, available online here; $15 day of show; masks requested
Read a 2022 interview with BRIAN! here!
Tassels & Tunes
Whiskey Tango Sideshow will present "Tassels and Tunes," a burlesque show set to live music performed by Delta Mike Shaw, featuring Danielle Saint Velvet, Robin Red Flag Dangercrush, Erin the Axe, Skarlet Killz, and The Burgundy Bullet, with special guest Ghula Mortisse
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cedarwood Venue, 9632 New York 96, Trumansburg
Cost: $15 in advance, available online here; $25 day of show
Pop Fusion
Boston-based band Couch returns to Deep Dive. “Couch infuses pop with funk, rock, and R&B/soul. Their vibrant sound is further defined by the members’ backgrounds in jazz, a cappella, and musical theater. Until Spring 2021, Couch members were scattered across the country at various universities; they tackled the challenges of being a “long-distance” band, writing and even recording virtually for three years. Despite these challenges, they celebrated the release of their debut EP, ‘COUCH,’ in February 2021 as well as three new singles and a headline tour in 2022. In 2023, Couch released their sophomore EP, ‘Sunshower,’ accompanied by an eponymous, two-part 40-city national tour, performances at Boston Calling and Levitate, and a sold-out UK tour.
“Couch injects each project with their signature flavor: expressive horns, warm vocals, and bubbling synths—crafting an oasis of joy for musicians and non-musicians alike.”
Opening the show is Sophia James. “Born into a family of famous touring musicians, Sophia’s life has been spent performing, creating and breathing music. As a new artist with over 23 million streams from independent releases, Sophia can be described as “timeless authenticity” in an age characterized by of-the-moment trends. Since graduating from UCLA music school in 2022, Sophia has been writing, releasing, and performing her own music. Equally confident with a full band, solo, or with a looping machine, she has toured extensively, and has recently opened for acts such as Eloise, Jensen McRae, Cannons, and Couch.”
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $20 in advance, available online here; $25 day of show
Into the Woods
White Woods returns to the Range. “White Woods is all original alt/rock from Springwater NY. Founded by Garth Clark in 2010, the band has toured the northeast extensively over the last decade while releasing three studio albums and sharing the stage with artists including Jackie Greene, The Head and The Heart, Langhorne Slim and Willie Watson.” The band’s latest release is the 2023 EP, “Go Out Dancing.”
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Happy Homecoming
Fresh off their latest tour, Microbes, Mostly play a homecoming show at Angry Mom Records. They’ll be joined by Pons and The Spells for the all-ages show.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Angry Mom Records
Cost: $10
Magic 8 Ball
Ithaca College’s Ford Hall will host “Oxford f’real recital,” a concert of 8 pieces arranged and composed by Josh Oxford followed by a set from the Galactic Wednesday band.
When: 8:15 p.m. Monday
Where: Whalen Center for Music, Ithaca College
Cost: free
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
All About the Bass
The Downstairs will host the return of bassist Jair-Rohm Parker Wells, who will perform improvisations followed by Eberhard Weber's “Pendulum."
“Jair-Rohm Parker Wells is an American electric bassist, sound sculptor, and experimental music artist. He is a pioneering figure in the world of free jazz and improvised music, with a career spanning over four decades. In the 1970s, Wells played with the seminal German band Embryo, solidifying his presence in the avant-garde music scene. Over the years he has collaborated with prominent experimental musicians like Bob Belden, Jaron Lanier, Tony Scott, and Karl Berger, and was a founding member of the improvising band Machine Gun. Wells also founded the Meeting Interdisciplinary Arts Festival in Stockholm, Sweden.
“Born on October 13, 1958, in Tacoma, Washington USA and raised in southern Germany. He moved to New York in 1978, where he attended Tulane University in New Orleans, performing with local jazz and rhythm and blues musicians. He also studied with Richard Payne and discovered the music of Harry Partch. In 1980, he returned to New York and began work-study with saxophonist Ken Simon, meeting Anthony Braxton and studying his music.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Lockwood, Feldman, Braxton, Wilson, and Cage, Jair-Rohm is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. His artistic pursuits encompass various paths, including the Chapman Stick, computer-aided composition and ambisonic mixing. Notably, he was in residence at EMS in Stockholm in 2017, where he embarked on composing his avant-garde music opera, #blacbuc, using the Buchla and Serge modular systems.
Wells' impact extends to prestigious global venues like Vahdat Hall in Tehran, Iran, Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China, and Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York. His "Liberation Cycle" compositions have been featured in "res·o·nant", the light and sound installation by artist Mischa Kuball at the Jewish Museum Berlin. As a committed vegan and eco-conscious artist, Jair Rohm's artistry resonates with an ethos of sustainability and creativity.
With an enduring commitment to innovation, Jair-Rohm Parker Wells continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music. His collaborations, diverse projects, and unwavering dedication inspire new generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike, shaping the trajectory of experimental music.”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10-$20 sliding scale
Dead Ahead
Deep Dive will host Brown Eyed Women, the world's only all-female Grateful Dead tribute ensemble, which features musicians from popular bands around the country. “They celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead with a unique spin. Members hail from Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. Their high-caliber musicianship and shared love of the Dead drew them together. This band is decidedly different in a field brimming with tribute acts. BEW brings authentic jams and a soulful new approach to the familiar Grateful Dead catalog.”
When: Thursday, April 4
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $22 in advance, available online here; $30 day of show
More Shows
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
The What’s Cooking Jazz Band is at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Mark Pariso is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 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
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 CrossRoads in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg hosts Vinyl Night at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Rose Fritzky-Randolph and Joe Gibson are at the Downstairs at 7 p.m. Thursday
Levi Dusseau is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
James Calleo is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
The Stereopticon Acoustic Duo is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Butternut Creek Revival is at ONCO Fermentations at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Logan Oltz is at BRU64 at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The FAR Trio is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Tom Chamberlain is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Ampersand Project is at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The Cadleys are at Heuga’s Alpine in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Homebrewed Comedy is at McGraw Box Brewing at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Black and Blue is at the St. Charles Hotel in Cortland at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Trick Shot is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
The Rollin’ Rust returns to Funk ‘N Waffles in Syracuse at 8 p.m. Friday
Rachel Beverly is at White Springs Winery in Geneva at 1 p.m. Saturday
The Jimmy Jam Band is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Terrapin Station is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Bryan Jacobson returns to Brewer’s Café and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
The Sorters are at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Travis Rocco is at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Causeway Giants are at ONCO Fermentations at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Tailor Made returns to McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Midnight Mike Petroff is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
The Steven Cali Band is at the Watering Hole (the old Lake Como Inn) at 8 p.m. Saturday
Gerard Burke is at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
The twice-monthly Jazz Jam hosted by De Wayne Perry returns to the Downstairs at 6-9 p.m. Sunday
The monthly Prose & Poetry Open Mic Night returns to the Downstairs at 7-9 p.m. Monday
Open Mic Standup Comedy Night returns to the Downstairs at 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
The Center for the Arts of Homer hosts Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Scott B Adams is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 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