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 night.
Also, Pocket Bandits release their debut single, Maddy Walsh and the Blind Spots play a pop-up homecoming show, and the Newman Brothers make their long-awaited return! Plus, celebrate the solar eclipse at various venues on Monday afternoon!
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
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
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
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $22 in advance, available online here; $30 day of show
Songs to Share
Singer-Songwriter Night returns to Hopshire Farm and Brewery in Dryden. Hosted by Driftwood’s Dan Forsyth on the first Thursday of every month, “this is an opportunity for songwriters to share their craft with each other. Bring a song you are working on, it doesn’t have to be complete, to get input from your peers. All are welcome to come listen respectfully.”
When: 6-8 p.m. first Thursday of every month
Where: Hopshire Farm and Brewery
Cost: free
Kool Klezmer
“Come join us for an evening of music, dance, wine and cheese! Klezmer music is derived from an oral tradition of Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe and was an essential part of the celebration of life's ceremonies, such as weddings. This evening will be a mix of dances taught as we go, as well as time for resting and listening to a rich exploration of different klezmer sounds. No dancing (or listening!) experience is necessary. If you can walk, you are well prepared to join these circle/group dances. And, if you prefer not to dance, that's fine too. We are so excited to be able to offer you this evening for free with the support of the Mosaic program sponsored by the Tompkins County Office for the Aging.”
Ithaca, New York
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: “We will be in the community room of Library Place, right next to the main building at Lifelong (119 W. Court St.)”
Cost: free, but RSVP online here
String Theory
Ithaca College’s Louis K. Thaler Concert Violinist Series presents Christian Tetzlaff, violin, accompanied in concert by pianist Kirill Gerstein.
“Christian Tetzlaff is one of the most sought-after violinists and most exciting musicians on the classical music scene. Concerts with him often become an existential experience for the interpreter and audience alike, old familiar works suddenly appear in a completely new light. In addition, he frequently turns his attention to forgotten masterpieces such as Joseph Joachim’s Violin Concerto or the Violin Concerto No.22 by Giovanni Battista Viotti, a contemporary of Mozart and Beethoven. To broaden his repertoire, he also commits himself to substantial new works, such as Jörg Widmann’s Violin Concerto, which he premiered in 2013. With devotion he cultivates an unusually extensive repertoire and performs approximately 100 concerts every year.”
When: 8:15 p.m. Thursday
Where: Ford Hall, James J. Whalen Center for Music, Ithaca College
Cost: free and open to all
Swing Town
“Hello Dancers! Join us for a great night of swing dancing at the Shorty Gorge. No dance experience or partner necessary just bring yourself! We will be teaching a Lindy Hop crash course from 7:30 - 8 pm, which is perfect for beginners so bring your friends!”
When: 8:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Room 303 (3rd floor) Studio A, 119 S. Cayuga S.t (to the right of Hawi)
Cost: $5-$10, sliding scale - at the door cash or Venmo (@theshortygorge)
Paying Tribute
“Prepare to have your mind blown by the awe-inspiring Tom Petty Tribute Band, Refugee, as they descend upon Ithaca! Not only will you be treated to an extraordinary performance, but the Lakewatch Inn will also tantalize your taste buds with delectable food and an extensive bar menu! Mark your calendars and don't let this extraordinary tribute to the legendary Tom Petty slip away.”
When 7 p.m. Friday
Where: LakeWatch Inn, 1636 E. Shore Dr., Ithaca
Cost: $20, available online here
Ready to Rock
Practice at Presents returns to Sacred Root, with a bill featuring Ithaca’s own Cobra Cadaver and Joyous Shrub along with Bird Week and Blue Envy.
Open to all ages
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Getting Gore-y
Angry Mom Records gets heavy with Hallucination Realized (Rochester Grind), Fentanyl Tapwater (Rochester Sludgecore), Noxious Gash (Rochester Gorenoise), and Stink Meat (Ithaca Gore)
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Angry Mom Records
Cost: $5-$10 or pay what you can
American Music
“Ric Robertson is a generational songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist cut from the fabric of great American music of all kinds. He has the rare ability to deliver his authentic self on stage each night, and his personality and wisdom shine through both in his songs and any music he chooses to deliver. Ric is equally at home on Piano, Guitar, Mandolin, Drums, and Bass, and his musicianship and singing transcend the confines of any specific genre - as a part of Sam Grisman Project he has spent the last year delivering unique and inspired versions of some of his favorite songs from the musical universe of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman as well as his own originals. Ric has a brand-new album, ‘Choices and Chains,’ set for release in July, and plans to hit the road for some solo dates when he is not being featured with Sam Grisman Project or writing songs for the next record!”
Heavy Bone and the Good Times Zydeco Band will open the show.
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $18 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
Making Space
Space Bacon comes to downtown Ithaca, with local favorites Metasequoia opening the show.
“Space Bacon is a New York City-based “future jam quartet that weaves composition and improvisation through an ever-changing landscape. Drawing from an array of inspirations including jam bands, electronic music, film scores, and a bit of metal, Space Bacon seeks to challenge conventions and pave the way in the modern era of improvisational music.”
“They’re constantly searching to bring their jams into unchartered territory, taking the necessary risks to have those mind-altering breakthroughs which propel bands to the next level.” – Live for Live Music
When: 10:30 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Jumpin’ Jupiter
“A whirlwind of influences and genres, Boys Go To Jupiter’s captivating pop-rock-soul sound is grounded in strong storytelling and powerful live performance. BGTJ is the project of songwriters Caleb Martin-Rosenthal, Jess Kantorowitz, and Luke Volkert. Whether supported by their ten-piece band or as a trio, they share a love for songs with heart, humor, and hooks that have audiences dancing, singing, crying, and back again.”
Ithaca College’s June Felman will open the show
When: 10:30 p.m. Friday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Beautiful Noise
“The ElectroZone is proud to present its first workshop of the year, INTRO TO MODULAR SYNTHESIZERS! Come and learn the basics of creating beautiful music, beat making, and weird sound design. You can start for little to no money. No experience or equipment needed. Just curiosity.” The instructor is Jason Leifer, composer and performer (stepwriterun).
When: 12 p.m. Saturday
Where: Schwarz Jacobson Room, Tompkins County Public Library
Cost: free and open to all
Welcome Home
Fresh off their tour of the southeastern U.S., Maddy Walsh and the Blind Spots will play a homecoming pop-up show at Foundation of Light. A Taste of the South will be provided for purchase by Simply Red’s Samantha Buyskes. Food available at 5 p.m. until gone; music runs 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Please specify whether you’re bringing kids so we can count them—let’s sell this mother out!”
When: 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where Foundation Of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Road, Ithaca
Cost: $20, kids under 12 get in free; pay in advance online via Venmo @theblindspots, CashApp @MWandTBS, and PayPal: blindspotsmusic@gmail.com (*For PayPal purchases, must select “Friends and Family” option)
Ready for Release
“Ithaca's newest progressive funk-fusion trio, Pocket Bandits, is releasing their first single! Inspired by boundary-breaking instrumental dance bands like Soulive and Snarky Puppy, Joe Massa (guitar), Samuel B. Lupowitz (keys), and Simon Bjarning (drums) imbue their original compositions and fresh takes on classics with elements of funk, prog, jazz, rock and more.
“To celebrate their debut release, the band will be joined by special guests, including a set backing up visiting singer-songwriter Mark Hennessey, in town from eastern Maryland.”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Three of a Kind
Moxie Events presents The Hair Band Experience. “Bring on the Aqua Net and tight pants! It’s time for The Best Hair Bands in the Land! Relive the era that ROCKED! Don’t miss this amazing, three-act homage to Poison, Def Leppard, & Bon Jovi! We encourage you to dress the part and have the time of your life revisiting the songbook that brings so many memories along with it!”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $25-$49, available online here and at the State box office
Practice Upstate
Practice at Presents returns with another big show, this one representing upstate New York. On the bill are Ithaca’s own Bobo Doll, Syracuse’s Delinquent Activity, Rochester’s Putz, and Binghamton’s Offbeat Degradations.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hair Color Art, Press Bay Court, W. Green St.
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Bass Man
Acclaimed jazz bassist and composer Christian McBride comes to Homer.
“McBride is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Christian is also a respected educator and advocate as the Artistic Director of Jazz House KiDS, and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $42-$60, available online here
Tassels & Tunes
Join Whiskey Tango Sideshow at "Tassels & Tunes" for “a night of burlesque set to live music from the Delta Mike Shaw Band. It will be a bluesy, rocking, sexy good time!” Performers include Sizzlin' Liz, Robin RedFlag DangerCrush, Erin the Axe, Skarlet Killz and The Burgundy Bullet with very special guest Little Mx Bunny along with host The Mighty Mickie Quinn and stage kitten Savory Sweets!
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $15 in advance, available online here; $20 at the door
Welcome Return
The Newman Brothers make their long-awaited return! “Ten years later, they are back, and with some stellar buds from the big sh*tty!!! New tunes, classic vibes, funky times....”
They’ll be joined by Alice Danger, Dizzy Discretion, and Mojo and the Mayhem for the show.
When: 9:30 pm. Saturday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Shadow Dancing
1980_Underground returns to Sacred Root for another dance party.
“A PATH INTO THE UNDERGROUND.
WHAT WILL YOU FIND IN THE SHADOWS THIS TIME?
SOUNDS::: POSTPUNK / MINIMAL WAVE / NEW WAVE / COLDWAVE / PUNK / WITCHHOUSE / SYNTHPUNK”
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Stepping Out
Southern Star returns to Ithaca to headline their own show at the Range, with Ongoing and Andy Weaver opening the evening
“Southern Star was formed by Cian McCarthy and Alex Coté at SUNY Purchase in 2012, starting as a collaboration between the two songwriters. Years later, pedal steel guitarist Kurt Johnson and bassist Shane McCarthy joined Cian and Alex to back harpist and vocalist Mikaela Davis on the road and on her 2023 release ‘And Southern Star.’ Years of touring alongside Davis have fortified them into the tight-knit group they are today. As they continue to collaborate outside of Davis’ band, the road-tested quartet leans on their musical rapport to interpret the songwriting contributions of all four members, thus establishing the band in its current state.
“Stylistically, Southern Star combines folk songwriting with psychedelic rock, highlighting poetically driven lyrics with intricate arrangements and improvisation. The culmination is a sound drawing influences from New Riders of The Purple Sage, The Byrds, Wilco, John Coltrane, and Led Zeppelin, to name a few.
“2024 will see the release of Southern Star’s debut record, ‘A Change Has Come,’ exclusively comprised of Cian McCarthy songs, with the lead single, ‘Lake of the Mind,’ already available. While the quartet has played a handful of double-duty shows throughout the country, both opening for Davis and backing her up, this spring will debut the first performances in their home turf of Upstate New York.”
When: 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Ready for Takeoff
The CNY Songbirds return to the Center for the Arts of Homer. “Something special happens with Maureen Henesey, Joanna Jewett, and B. Kelly Wilcox join their voices - they create harmonies that are tighter than three coats of paint! This dynamic 7-piece group that features Kristopher Heels, Tom Hillenbrand, Brett Hobin, and Liz Strodel has opened for a myriad of regional and national performers, including Mike Powell and Lindsey Stirling. Most recently, the CNY Songbirds were featured at The Ridge in Chittenango, and Middle Ages Brewing Company Steely Dan fans, get ready for an unforgettable show celebrating the music of “the Dan” featuring the Birds’ now infamous horn section, comprised of Jeff Stockham, Don Williams, and Joe Vanable.”
When: 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $33-$40, available online here
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
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.
“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
When the Lights Go Out
Deep Dive will host a solar eclipse party on the deck featuring Dirty Gems. “Join us for a less frequent than once-in-a-lifetime party on our waterfront deck! The eclipse will begin at 2:07 PM, peak at 3:20 PM, and end around 4:33 PM. The next projected total eclipse to happen like this in Ithaca is on October 26, 2144...” Open to all ages (under 18 requires parent/guardian supervision).
When: 12:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $8 in advance, available online here; $10 at the door (first 100 tickets sold include Nasa approved eclipse viewing glasses)
Watch Party
Cedarwood Event Venue in Trumansburg will host a Solar Eclipse Watch Party, with live music by Nicholas Stark at 1:30-4 p.m. followed by NEO Project at 4:30-7:30 p.m.
“We have a HUGE SKY at Cedarwood, so you can create a special memory for this once in a lifetime eclipse viewing! We heard that school is out, so this event is family friendly! We will have cocktails, mocktails, and kidtails! Apps and snacks for purchase. We are planning some live entertainment, so even more reason to keep fingers crossed for good weather on April 8. Visit Ithaca is providing us with eclipse glasses also!”
When: 1:30-7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Cedarwood Venue, 9632 State Route 96, Trumansburg
Cost: Free
Just Jazz
Every second Monday, the Ryan Peterson Trio hosts a Jazz Jam Session in the Liquid State Barrel Room. The trio will play a couple tunes to warm up the stage and then open the stage to members of the local jazz community. “Each person who signs up will get approximately two tunes with the band before rotating. Bring your instrument and join in with this great band, which features Peterson on guitar, August Bish on upright bass, and Owen Erickson on drums.” This month’s guest is keyboardist Zach Knewstub.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Liquid State Brewing Company
Cost: “The $5 Suggested Donation goes directly to the band and to supporting the session.”
Mythic Mondays
Join storyteller and host Jay Leeming for “Mythic Mondays,” a monthly open-mic event in which participants are invited to bring alive the many stories, legends and epics of world mythology through the power of the spoken word. Expect magical snakes, rockin' goddesses, shape-changing seers of the ancient world and much more, all brought to life through the cinema of your own imagination.” Held every second Monday at the Downstairs.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Monday
Where: The Downstairs
More Shows
The Argos Grove Trio plays jazz at the Argos Inn at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Green Street Jazz – Joanna Green (vocals, vibes, violin), Wayne Gottlieb (guitar, vocals), Ted Caldwell (bass), Greg Ezra (drums) – plays at Brookton’s Market at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
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
Salsa Ithaca hosts a Latin Dance Party at the Range at 8 p.m. Wednesday
The Upstairs hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday
The Circle Left String Band – Laura Taylor, Scott Nissenson, Sarah Jamison, and Marc Faris – fills in for Richie Stearns at South Hill Cider at 5-8 p.m. Thursday
Aiken Nadge is at Cortland Beer at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Prime Box is at Brookton’s Market 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 Astro Hawk hosts the “Totally Totality” Eclipse Pregame Party at Atwater Winery at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg hosts Vinyl Night at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
DJ Stardust spins at Foundation of Light’s Dance Sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tilia Cordata hosts the Basket of Eggs Drag Show at the Range at 9:30 p.m. Thursday
A Cast of Thousands will host a book release party and signing between 5-6 p.m. Friday, followed by a performance at Shep's Brewing Company in Auburn
John Horne is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
The Ryan Peterson Trio is at Aurora Brewing Company at 5-8 p.m. Friday
M3 is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
The Notorious Stringbusters are at Hopshire Farms at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Zingology plays gypsy jazz at North Star Fine Arts on the Commons at 6-8:30 p.m. Friday ($10)
PA Line is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Adam Guinn is at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Logan Route is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Darkwine is at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Morris and the Hepcats are at ONCO Fermentations at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Ship of Phools brings Grateful Dead jams to Cedarwood Venue in Trumansburg at 7 p.m. Friday
Bob Holz and A Vision Forward is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
Clint Bush is at the Dryden Hotel at 8-10 p.m. Friday
aparece is at the Downstairs at 9 p.m. Friday
DJ ha-MEEN is at Lot 10 at 10 p.m. Friday
Mr. Bobcat plays music for kids at the Opening Day of Ithaca Farmers Market at 12-2 p.m. Saturday
Nicholas Stark is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Grist Iron Brewing hosts Classic Rock Day on Saturday, with Bad Alibi performing at 2-5 p.m. followed by Major Bigtime at 5-8 p.m.
Tenzin Chopak is at South Hill Cider at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Rachel Beverly returns to Brewer’s Café and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Common Railers are at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Ende Brothers are at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
DJ Dale hosts Karaoke Night at Hopshire Farms and Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Tarps are at Cedarwood Venue at 7 p.m. Saturday
Brotherhood is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd is at the Smith Opera House in Geneva at 8 p.m. Saturday
Salsa Ithaca hosts First Saturday Salsa Night at the Upstairs at 9 p.m. Saturday
The Mary Ott Band kicks off the Stonecat Café’s Sunday Brunch series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
The Paul Merrill Quartet is at the Seneca Street Brew Pub in Manlius at 1-4 p.m. Sunday
The Cayuga Blue Notes are at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
DeWayne Perry hosts the Jazz Jam at the Downstairs at 6-9 p.m. Sunday
