Public Water Supply returns to the Range, Fanny’s June Millington goes solo at Cornell, and The Rods rock the Lakewatch Inn with comedians Jim Florentine and Mike Bova. Plus, Angry Mom Records marks Record Store Day, the Dart Brothers preview their forthcoming album, and Bob Roberts Calamity unveils their new album!
There’s all that, and much more, in the coming days around Ithaca, Cortland, and the rest of Central New York!
This weekend's shows are listed in chronological order in two sections below.
Folk Punk Fest
Rose Hall in Cortland will host the inaugural Chapel of Dog folk-punk festival.
“Chapel of Dog Fest is a weekend-long fest with 2 nights of Folk Punk groups from across the country. It’s part of a collective idea to bring musicians to the Cortland music community to give a platform to marginalized groups in the music scene that too often get overlooked. We strive for community, representation, accessibility, and safety.”
Friday’s lineup includes:
Little Foot (Arizona)
A Day Without Love (Massachusetts)
Audrey Plath (California)
Anarkhipov (Pennsylvania)
Bards of Gumbywamp (Connecticut)
Mangey Vintar (Toronto)
The Salt City Scratch (Syracuse)
Saturday's show features:
Apes of the State (Pennsylvania)
Moon Bandits (California)
Small Void (Arkansas)
Spud Bugs (Cortland)
Smitten for Trash (Buffalo)
Valentvne (Syracuse)
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Rose Hall, 19 Church St., Cortland
Cost: $20 for one night, $30 for a weekend pass, available online here
Lounge Life
Chez Lounge returns to the Downstairs, with Nina Widger, Dave Davies, Brian Earle, and Jim Sherpa playing “Eclectic Loungey Songs.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Three of a Kind
Deep Dive will host an eclectic trip bill with local favorites New Planets and Vicious Fishes joined by The Dirty Pennies, a psychedelic garage rock band from Rochester
“The Dirty Pennies have continued to evolve since their formation in 2012, where Ryan Klem and Lucas Howe began as a gritty psych-influenced blues rock duo, which soon evolved into punk/garage rock territory with the help of then-bassist Joe Mungo. Today the group takes a step deeper into the pool of psych rock with the addition of Sean Doohan on bass and Doug Kelley keys/synth. Supporting this paradigm shift is their latest single, ‘Head Open.’”
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $20 or $15 with student ID
Something in the Water
“Public Water Supply is Rochester, New York’s premier Alt. Rock/Indie Americana act. PWS consists of five university-trained musicians, blending distinctive songwriting, spectacular vocals, and incredible instrumentalists. The band members include: Iggy Marino, frontman; Karis Gregory, Jr., lead guitar; Alex Brophy, team captain and bass; and Spencer Kornrich, bus driver and drums; all masters of their craft! The band has been seen on Fox Rochester, WXXI Connections, WROC songs from Studio B with Dan Gross, and has performed in the Rochester Lilac Festival. The group has boogied their way across the Northeast, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and New England states. Public Water Supply has sold out venues like Iron Smoke Distillery, Three Heads Brewery, and Buffalo’s Jackrabbit. PWS will pack a punch in the year 2023, with their debut album and expanded empire. The band is celebrating the release of their second album on March 29th, 2024.”
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
What’s In Store
Record Store Day returns to Angry Mom Records, featuring special vinyl releases and live music from noon to 5 p.m. “Come early for the records, hang out for the live bands.”
Here’s the lineup:
12 p.m. — Christmas Island Strangler, “A mysterious synth duo makes their debut.”
1 p.m. — Bobo Doll, “Indie punk with a flair for the dynamic”
2 p.m. — Microbes, Mostly, “Garage punk fun as always. Practically an institution at this point.”
3 p.m. — Perilous, “Melodic glam-rock from Buffalo.”
4 p.m. — Wooden Leg, “Johnny Dowd + Rocket Morton bringing you sparse weirdness and experimentation.”
When: 12-5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Angry Mom Records
Cost: free
Revving up for Release
“Welcome to the Dart Brothers CD Release Pre-Party at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, Inc. (TCFA)! Join us for a night of live music, drinks, and celebration as we gear up for the official record release of their upcoming album due out this summer. This in-person event will feature intimate performances by the Dart Brothers themselves, along with stories and anecdotes around the band's history, and writing and recording of their upcoming release. They will be joined by special guest artist Rena Guinn opening the show. Come out and support local music while enjoying a fun and laid-back atmosphere. Don't miss out on this exciting evening of music and community! All proceeds will go to the "Close the Gap" Drive.
“The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts announced last week that their capital campaign to match $279,000 in NYSCA grant funding has successfully achieved its goal. Construction to restore the beautiful 1851 Greek Revival building will begin later this year. As plans to renovate the historic building come to fruition and the Conservatory prepares to begin work this summer, TCFA is announcing a “Close the Gap” Drive. Fundraising will continue to cover areas not included in the initial grant proposal, specifically acoustic consultation and treatment and additional exterior work. The "gap" is estimated at $85,000.”
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts
Cost: $15 in advance, available online here; $20 at the door
Rock Pioneer
The Cornell Department of Music has welcomed Filipina-American guitarist and songwriter June Millington, co-founder of the 1970s rock band Fanny, to campus this weekend. She’ll conclude her visit with a solo concert of guitar and vocals in Klarman Hall Rhodes-Rawlings Auditorium on Saturday night.
“Before the Go-Go’s or the Riot Grrrl movement, there was Fanny, the first all-women rock band to be signed by a major label, record five albums, and tour internationally. Championed by David Bowie, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Elliot, and others, Fanny defied the “isms” through undeniable talent. In 1987 June Millington, with her partner and co-founder Ann Hackler, founded the nonprofit Institute for the Musical Arts (IMA) a teaching, performing, and recording facility to support women in music. Feminist, queer, and multicultural from the beginning, IMA is located on 25 acres in Western Massachusetts where they offer rock camps for girls and young women each summer.
Millington’s visit is co-sponsored by the Department of Performing and Media Arts; American Studies Program; Asian American Studies Program; Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program; and Southeast Asia Program.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Klarman Hall Rhodes-Rawlings Auditorium, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Smokin’ Show
“Light the place up with Corporate Death Productions!!! 420 event with Ithaca bands Circus Owl, SadSad Sparrows, and Merry May Hemp!”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge
Cost: $10
Laughs and Loudness
“Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter and music at the ‘420: Rock the Comedy Event’ in Ithaca! This exciting event will feature renowned comedian Jim Florentine, known for his hilarious stand-up acts and appearances on popular comedy shows. As a special guest, we are thrilled to have comedian Mike Bova, who will bring his unique brand of humor to the stage.
"But the fun doesn't stop there! After the comedy performances, get ready to rock out with the electrifying sounds of The Rods, a dynamic rock band that will keep the energy high and the party going with their infectious tunes.” Check out the Rods’ latest album, “Rattle the Cage”!
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lakewatch Inn
Cost: $25, available online here
Music Man
Introducing Bill Easley! He’ll perform with locals Paul Merrill, Seth Carper, Zack Knewstub, Steve Brown, and Tife Sokan.
“Bill Easley has had a diversified career, as a professional musician, spanning more than forty -five years. Bill represents the fourth generation of a family dedicated to music.
Over the years he has played in bands led by such notables as Ruth Brown, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Bobby Short, Louie Bellson, Nicholas Payton, Charles McPhearson, James Williams, Roland Hanna, Earl May, Illinois Jacquet, Ron Carter, Frank Foster, Mercer Ellington, Warren Vache', Panama Francis and Grady Tate among many others.
“In addition to his extensive discography as a sideman, he also has four recordings as a leader; ‘Wind Inventions,’ ‘First Call,’ ‘Easley Said,’ and ‘Business Man's Bounce.’ His arsenal of woodwind instruments includes; Tenor, Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, and Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute and piccolo.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $15
Ready for Release
Local rock band Bob Roberts Calamity will unveil its long-awaited new album
“Finally, BRC is ready to release our album Zen In Denim on the world. To celebrate its release across all streaming platforms we will be playing this bad boy in its entirety live for you all, followed by sets full of the nostalgia bombs we know ya’ll love. Even better, we will be firing off the season of sound for the newly renovated, musical hot spot on Cayuga Lake, O’Malleys Lakeside Tavern. It doesn’t get any bigger for the boys and we hope you’ll celebrate this monumental moment with us. Word on the street is we may even have our first batch of long awaited merch… NO COVER!! Free show for the masses so get your a**es there!! You won’t wanna miss it.”
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: O'Malley's Lakeside Tavern
Cost: free
Digging In
“Dirtwire stands poised between ancient Mother Earth and modern technology, a blend of ethnomusicology and the psychedelic trance state, gut-bucket delta blues and what the band variously dubs “back-porch space cowboy blues, swamptronica, and electro-twang.” It’s a sound informed by Dirtwire’s travels and performances around the globe, where East meets West and North joins South. From the favelas in Brazil, Femi Kuti’s Shrine in Lagos, Tokyo’s bluegrass clubs, Ayahuasca ceremonies in Central America, Gamelan performances in Bali, desert festivals in the Australian Outback, and the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s modernized new capital Astana, the band spreads its message by building bridges across musical cultures in their own unique way.
“Dirtwire plays an array of instruments both ancient and modern, including West African kamale ngonis, jaw harps, space fiddles, whamola basses, Rickenbacker electric 12 string guitars, bowed Banjos and mouth harps from around the globe, all interwoven into modern laptop beat creation. Hailing from the underground west coast electronic bass music scene Dirtwire finds itself at the forefront of experimental electronic music production mixing in their wide array of world instruments with sampled beats and 808’s. Dirtwire’s live shows are a communal psychedelic journey, ranging from down home boot stomping get downs, to bass and blues electronic mashups, to ethereal cinematic beat driven soundscapes. Woven into each is the exploration of where live instruments meet computer production, and where tradition meets experimentation.”
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $20 in advance, available online here; $25 day of show
Raising a Rxcket
Felix Free and the Rxcketeers return to the Upstairs, with opening act Longstory.
“Simply a Loving Soul Brotha that loves to entertain, Felix Free is a family man and Truskool MC with honest, clever wordplay, positive energy, and most of all: real HipHop! He is a founding member of the internationally known Luminaries band, and is also known and loved for his contributions and performances with Venice California’s House of Vibes All Stars, and Southern Oregon’s Free Creatures.
Grown in Southern California, Felix Free moved his family from the ‘Hood to the Woods’ of rural New York state seeking space and nature for his wife and children, as well as a place to enjoy his favorite past-time- fishing. Thus is the name of his debut E.P., ‘Hood to the Woods,’ which is a high energy, thoughtfully entertaining and uplifting collection of 5 songs that cover a balanced range of topics and feels.”
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Upstairs
Cost: $10; $5 with student ID
Jam on It
The Range will host the double bill of Yam Yam and DIZGO, with local favorite djGOURD spinning throughout the night.
“Yam Yam is dedicated to exploring and creating beautiful music together. The members bring a diverse range of influences to the group, including jazz, gospel, jam, and funk. Michael Dempsey plays piano and organ with a focus on jazz, gospel, and New Orleans boogie, while Xander Moppin provides the foundation of funk on bass. Tyler (Kokko) Fuller brings the pocket to the drums, and brother Tom Fuller adds his groove and ethereal and psychedelic soloing on guitar. Then finally, is the virtuous saxophone playing of Jason Mescia, bringing influence from Eddie Harris and John Coltrane among others. Together, they create a high energy, soulful, and psychedelic sound that is sure to get fans moving. The band had its start in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and has since traveled throughout the U.S., bringing their music to wherever listeners may be.”
“Dizgo redefines the live experience by blending jamtronica with funk, deep-groove soul, and psychedelic rock, taking the audience on a musical journey that includes intricate compositions and extended improvisation. The result is something both danceable and introspective: soulful vocals, interweaving analog synths and shredding guitar all of which join forces under the banner of Dizgo.” The band’s latest album is “Melt.”
When: 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: $15 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
CNY Folk
Some of Central New York’s most beloved acoustic artists will join forces for “All Folked Up” on Sunday afternoon.
“Deeply rooted in the rich sounds of American folk and country music, Barrigar, Cadley and Colton have been captivating audiences across the region for many years. Each performer, with their respective partners, will present their own unique version of this authentic sound, as they come together for this one very special evening of music.
“Loren Barrigar started playing guitar when he was four years old— a natural prodigy who by the age of six was playing the Chet Atkins hit “Yackety Axe” in front of thousands of country music fans at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Schooled by his dad in fingerstyle picking, Loren’s son, LJ Barrigar, is fast becoming an accomplished player in his own right.
“Donna Colton has been singing, writing, and playing in the CNY music scene since the mid ‘80s, partnering with her husband, Sam Patterelli, to create a soulful, bluesy and original duo that is both powerful and intimate.
“John Cadley is an award-winning songwriter with a number of national covers to his credit, including his song “Time,” which became a #1 hit for former Ricky Skaggs band member, Lou Reid. Along with his wife, Cathy, The Cadleys present a show filled with original songs, “high, lonesome” harmony singing, and bluegrass-style guitar playing.”
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $30, available online here
Dynamic Duo
“Prepare to be blown away by the dynamic duo of Joel Hoekstra and Brandon Gibbs! These two incredibly talented musicians have joined forces to create a powerhouse acoustic experience that you won't want to miss. Despite their busy schedules with various successful projects, Joel and Brandon have found time to come together and deliver unforgettable live performances.
“Their acoustic shows strike the perfect balance between intimacy and high-energy entertainment. They skillfully blend a diverse range of material from the bands they've been a part of, along with their own innovative original music. But it's not just the music that captivates the audience; it's also the incredible stories they share from their respective careers. From Whitesnake and Devil City Angels to Poison, Night Ranger, Cher, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joel and Brandon's musical journey is nothing short of impressive.
“When you witness their live performance, you'll instantly feel the electric energy and stage presence that radiates from these two talented artists. Their selection of songs is carefully crafted to cater to a wide range of musical tastes, leaving the audience begging for more. Whether you're a fan of classic rock, heartfelt ballads, or energetic anthems, there's something for everyone in their repertoire.”
Local Cortland artists Marc & Monica open the show with acoustic hits from the '70s.
When: 5-7 p.m. Sunday
Where: LakeWatch Inn, 1636 E. Shore Dr., Ithaca
Cost: $25, available online here
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
Love Songs
The Cornell Chorale's spring concert, "Aspects of Love," offers a varied program exploring the theme of love under conductor Yen-Hsiang Nieh and the accompaniment of collaborative pianist Vera Hui-pin Hsu.
“Through music, the performers convey various emotions associated with different expressions of love, including love for God, nature, and humanity. The repertoire features works by composers from America, England, Germany, Japan, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan. The Sage Singers octet joins the concert as guest performers.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Sage Chapel
Cost: free and open to all
Man with a Plan
Zaun Marshburn’s Plan Z returns to the Downstairs, promising “a collaborative musical journey featuring some of the great musicians in the area. You will hear jazz, blues, soul, and funk-filled originals as the group pushes their own boundaries to create something new.”
The lineup includes Michael Stark (keyboards), Marc Devokaitis (sax), Andrew Battles (bass), Paul Merrill (trumpet), Ryan Zawel (trombone and sousaphone), London McDaniel (guitar), Benjamin Barson (baritone sax), and Zaun Marshburn (drums).
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10
Organic Sounds
“Cornell Organists Unplugged” will celebrate international Earth Day electricity-free with Buxtehude, Bach, and more. “On Earth Day 2024, Cornell organists Annette Richards, David Yearsley, and students join millions of people around the planet to raise awareness about our environment, with a recital of varied musical offerings performed without electricity, harnessing the power of foot and finger to create sublime music at the King of Instruments. The program includes Baroque favorites for a festive and atmospheric musical evening.”
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Where: Anabel Taylor Chapel, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Dead Doings
“Strangers Stopping Strangers bring a youthful energy to the music of the Grateful Dead. The band approaches the songs with a folk and bluegrass influence, much like the original members of the Dead. They reach into levels of experimentation seemingly as one brain, one unit. Their connection with each other seamlessly extends to the listeners as they perform songs that Deadheads have known and loved for years. With a detailed focus on vocal harmony and an open-minded approach to instrumental improvisation, Strangers have become one of the most exciting new Grateful Dead tributes around. Come check out a show and see for yourself. Don’t be a Stranger!”
Telomeres will open the show; they’re a songwriting duo from Brooklyn “featuring vocalist Baby Kate singing original tunes in harmony with guitarist LPfunK.”
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $15 in advance, available online here; $20 day of show
More Shows
John Kreig is at Barnstormer Winery at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Cielle on Solid Ground is at BRU64 at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Marc Ryan is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Common Railers are at Hopshire Farms and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Benny and The Mex are at Aurora Brewing Company at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The Notorious Stringbusters are at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
The FAR Trio is at Scale House Brewery at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Two Horse Johnson is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
City Limits is at the Cedarwood Event Venue at 6-10 p.m. Friday, with a kitchen takeover by Kiely’s Kitchen
J. Schnitt is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Vibrante are at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Friday
Delaques returns to Sacred Root Kava Bar at 8 p.m. Saturday
Grist Iron Brewing hosts “Gristful Dead Day,” featuring the Bog Brothers at 2-5 p.m. and Terrapin Station at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Aurora Brewing Company hosts a 420 Celebration with DJs Mateo and Dijon spinning reggae vinyl at 2-5 p.m. Saturday, followed by The Soul Benders at 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Fritz’s Polka Band plays the 2024 Schwarzfest at ONCO Fermentations at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Delta Mike Shaw is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
The Kitestring Duo is at Brewer’s Café and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Jennie Lowe returns to South Hill Cider at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Grassanova is at Two Goats Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
M3 are at McGraw Box Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
The Elderly Brothers are at Homer Hops at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Drew Kiddoo and the Blackouts are at Cedarwood Event Venue at 7 p.m. Saturday, with kitchen takeover by The Piggery
KidBess and the Magic Ring mark the release of their new single “Electric Soul” at The North Brewery in Endicott at 7 p.m. Saturday
Midnight Mike Petroff is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
Grateful for Biggie and Sophistafunk are at the Middle Ages Brewing Company in Syracuse at 8 p.m. Saturday
Freight is at Moondog’s Lounge in Auburn, joined by guests Max Moses and Margaret Harper, at 8 p.m. Saturday
The Diana Leigh Trio is at the Stonecat Café for Jazz Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Charlie Young is at Brookton’s Market at 12-2 p.m. Sunday
Just Joe plays the Spring Bizaar at ONCO Fermentations at 2-5 p.m. Sunday
DJ Fox West spins at “Makers, Market & Music” at Liquid State Brewing at 2-6 p.m. Suday
Oliver Burdo is at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Gabriel Tavares returns to the Downstairs at 8 p.m. Sunday ($5)
The 86ers are at Al’s Wine & Whiskey Lounge in Syracuse at 10 p.m. Sunday
The Center for the Arts of Homer hosts Open Mic Night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays
SingTrece hosts her Open Mic for Singers, Rappers, Songwriters & Poets at the Downstairs at 7 p.m. Tuesday
