It’s another busy week on the area’s music scene, with return of several popular bands as well as some experimental acts to expand your sonic palette.
Kansas City Lightning
Danielle Nicole will make her Ithaca debut – the singer-bassist first made her mark with her Kansas City-based family band Trampled Under Foot before going on to lead her own band and release her 2018 debut album, “Cry No More.” Rebecca and the Soul Shakers, which features Ithaca-based rhythm section of Dave Salce and bassist Freddy Villano along with singer Rebecca Smith and guitarist Jim Smith – will open the show.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $18
Stepping Out Solo
Jim Messina will come to Central New York. Best known for his time with Buffalo Springfield, country-rock pioneers Poco as well as the 1970s duo Loggins and Messina, the singer-songwriter has continued to pursued rewarding solo career in the ensuring decades. His latest album, “In the Groove,” includes hits from all three of his previous bands, as well as several of his solo works. Find out more at jimmessina.com.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $49.50
Celtic Sounds
Members of Traonach host this weekly Irish jam session, which features traditional tunes and plenty of special guests.
When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Argos Inn
Cost: free; donations welcome
Crossing Generations
The weekly Intergenerational Irish Music Session continues its two-year run, welcoming players and listeners of ages to enjoy a variety of traditional Irish tunes.
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: free
Three of a Kind
Jazz trio Argos Grove – Ithaca College faculty members Nicholas Walker (bass), Greg Evans (drums), and Andrew Carroll (piano) – continue the celebrated Wednesday happy hour community music tradition initiated by i3° at Bar Argos. The trio’s repertoire ranges from Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder to the Beatles, Disney, swing, funk and bossa nova.
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Argos Inn
Cost: free; donations welcome
Swing Thing
Local jazz combo Zingology will return to downtown Ithaca for a night of gypsy swing tunes
When: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost:
Sonic Explorations
Eyevee Arts & Media, the recently formed venture helmed by experimental musician Jen Kutler, will host another show, with Elka Bong – the duo of Al Margolis and Walter Wright – joined by Wormhole Suprette, Glitter Skulls (just off opening for Suzi Analogue!) and Errant Space.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Grayhaven Motel, 657 Elmira Road, Ithaca
Cost: donation requested
Middle Eastern Music
Taksim will return to downtown Ithaca for a Belly Dance Party featuring Middle Eastern music and a free dance lesson from Alicia Free. Noise-free costumes are encouraged!
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar & Tea Lounge
Cost: free; donations are welcome
Spring Fling
O.A.R. will bring its Spring Fling Tour to Ithaca. Since the mid-1990s, the Maryland-based jam band has built an ardent following based on its nine albums and hundreds of shows. Their latest release is 2019’s “The Mighty.” Find out more at liveoar.com. Suzanne Santo, who opened for Willie Watson at the Haunt a few years ago, will return to open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $28.50-$48.50
Comedy Kid
Kyle Kinane will bring his “Spring Break” tour to Ithaca. Best known for his three Comedy Central specials, Kinane also plays a recurring character in the Netflix show "Love" created by Judd Apatow. Learn more at kylekinane.com.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $25-$30
Georgia Peach
Shawn Mullins returns to upstate New York to make up a previously postponed show. Best known for his 1998 hit “Lullaby” from his album “Soul’s Core,” Mullins also formed indie-folk super-group The Thorns with Pete Droge and Matthew Sweet. His latest releases are 2015’s “My Stupid Heart” and 2018’s “Soul’s Core Revival,” which includes two complete reworkings of the original album. Local singer-songwriter Rachel Beverly will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Auburn Public Theater
Cost: $29.50
Feelin’ the Funk
The biweekly Funk Night returns to downtown Ithaca, with Dean’s Kids – Dan Keller, Max Shuhan, Archer Cowen, Hayden Frank and Owen Erickson – putting their spin on a variety of funk, pop, soul and R&B favorites from the past 50 years.
When: 10 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Range
Cost: $5
Band of Brothers
The new documentary “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band” plays at Cinemapolis. Directed by Daniel Roher, the film tells the story of one of the most-influential groups of the past 50 years as seen through the eyes of Robertson, its guitarist and main songwriter.
When: continuing
Where: Cinemapolis
Cost: $10.50