A busy weekend of shows is highlighted by the return of a Grammy-winning blues legend, a pop-jazz song chanteuse and an Idaho troubadour. Plus, lots of local favorites will be on stage both inside and outdoors throughout the weekend.
Strong Persuader
Winner of five Grammy Awards, blues guitarist Robert Cray has released more than 20 albums that showcase his stinging guitar style, soulful vocals and funky rhythms. Among his hits are “Smokin’ Gun,” “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” and “Strong Persuader.” Texas singer-songwriter Bonnie Bishop will open the show; she earned a Grammy for co-writing “Not Cause I Wanted To,” which Bonnie Raitt made a big hit in 2012.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $28.50-$48.50
Click here for more information.
They Wanna Rock
Airplay – a recently formed band that includes Garry Bordonaro, Danny Stillwell, Tom Bergeron and Dan Gill – will showcase its wide-ranging repertoire of danceable classic-rock favorites.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Hopshire Farm and Brewery, Dryden
Cost: free
Click here for more information.
Swingin’ In
The Diana Leigh Quartet comes to Trumansburg, with singer Leigh joined by Jesse Collins on saxophone, Robbert VanRenesse on guitar, and Stu Zimny on bass for an evening of jazz, blues and swing.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Autumn View Brats & Brews, Trumansburg
Cost: free
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Double Header
An eclectic double bill will feature Leo & The Maydays – led by Freeville singer-songwriter Hannah Ruttle – and kurt.riley+praxis – fronted by compelling glam-rock singer-guitarist Kurt Riley, whose vocal style recalls David Bowie and Suicide’s Alan Vega.
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday
Where: The Westy
Cost: free
Click here for more information.
Sliding On In
Keyboard virtuoso Marco Benevento will return to Ithaca to celebrate the release of his latest album, “Let It Slide.” He describes his sound as "hot dance piano rock,” drawing on rock, soul, psychedelic and R&B influences to create his unique style. Rochester singer-songwriter-harpist Mikaela Davis will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Click here for more information.
Soul Sounds
Kat Wright returns to downtown Ithaca. Hailing from Burlington, Vt., Wright is a powerful, soulful vocalist that some have compared to Bonnie Raitt and Amy Winehouse, and she also has a great stage presence (and a great band.). Local favorite Kitestring will open the show.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: the Range
Cost: small cover charge
Click here for more information.
Mountain Jam
The 5th annual Hops and Swaps Fall Festival will feature live music from Cortland favorites The Unknown Woodsmen and other bands along with downhill mountain biking, chairlift rides, mountain coaster rides and fall-themed festival games.
When: 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Cortland
Cost: $15, which includes 15 tasting tickets, entertainment and access to family activities.
Click here for more information.
Hop To It
Ithaca Beer Company will host its fourth annual Hoptoberfest, featuring live music from Swamp Kids and DJ Proper Philth, along with beer, games, food and more.
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ithaca Beer Company
Cost: Advance tickets are $20; day-of price is $25.
Click here for more information.
Funky Fun
Fiery funk septet Thru Spectrums returns with their blend of cool covers and high-powered originals, including material from past and upcoming albums.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Boathouse Beer Garden, Romulus
Cost: free
Click here for more information.
Classic Quartet
The Delta Mike Shaw Band returns to King Ferry to perform in the Pavilion at Treleavan – the heaters will be on and walls will be down in the pavilion to keep everyone warm. Expect to hear lots of classic rock and pop favorites from the past 50 years from Shaw and company.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Treleaven Winery, King Ferry
Cost: free
Click here for information.
Stan the Man
Singer-keyboardist Stan Stewart will perform favorites both solo and with the help of some special guests at this early evening gig.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Autumn View Brews & Brats, Trumansburg
Cost: free, donations welcome
Click here for more information.
Dashing Debut
Queer Sound Ithaca presents Sarah Hennies's new one-hour work for piano and three percussionists, "Reservoir 1: Preservation" performed by the percussion trio Meridian (Tim Feeney, Sarah Hennies, Greg Stuart) and pianist Phillip Bush. This concert celebrates the release of the "Reservoir 1" album on Black Truffle Records. New Ithaca resident Morgan Evans-Weiler opens the concert with a solo violin performance.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Community School of Music and Arts
Cost: $10
Click here for more information.
The Return of Rickie Lee
Rickie Lee Jones comes back to Ithaca promoting her new album “Kicks,” on which she tackles songs from the 1950s-1970s in her inimitable style. For more than 40 years, she has been one of the most distinctive vocalists in popular music, bringing to life songs such as “Chuck E’s in Love” and other bohemian character sketches with a mix of jazz, pop and folk influences.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $55-$60
Click here for more information.
Ritter Returns
Idaho singer-songwriter Josh Ritter has made numerous visits to central New York over the past 20 years, and always impresses with his stellar originals, warm stage presence, and blend of folk, country and rock influences. His latest album, “Fever Breaks,” was lauded by Rolling Stone as “a vital career summation, a survey course sampler in a word-swilling artist’s narrative gifts and endearing empathy.” New Orleans singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton will open the show, after a 7 p.m. pregame set by Austin MacRae.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Homer Center for the Arts
Cost: $16-$35
Click here for more information.
Perfect Pairs
The Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble performs its first big concert of the new school year. The program’s theme is “jazz pairs” – two pieces each by classic jazz composers/arrangers Thad Jones, Duke Ellington, and Bill Holman (and then two by un-classic me) plus a cool, challenging piece by Pacific Northwest-based pianist/composer Ezra Weiss: “Blues and the Alternative Fact,” which was a Directors Choice selection from last year’s David P. and Susan W. Wohlhueter Jazz Composition Contest.
When: 8:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: IC School of Music
Cost: free
Click here for more information.
Work in Progress
Ithaca quintet Not From Wisconsin launches its Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to complete their next album. The band – Angela Yantorno, Dave Yantorno, Brooks Miner, Brett Powell and John Young – will play tunes from the forthcoming record, as well as from past releases in this intimate setting
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Casita del Polaris
Cost: donations welcome
Click here for more information.
The Piano Man’s Piano Man
“Billy Joel’s Piano Man” Wade Preston returns to Cortland for a show titled “In a New York State of Mind.” An original cast member of the Broadway show “Movin’ Out,” Preston is known for serving as Joel’s stand-in during rehearsals for his “Last Play at Shea” concerts as well as playing with the Movin’ Out Band alongside other alumni of Joel’s band. At this show, he’ll songs from Joel’s vast catalog as well as his own originals.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown
Cost: $25
Click here for more information.
Flights of Fancy
Spafford returns to the Ithaca wits its “Fall Into Place” tour. The Arizona jam band is known for its extended improvisation flights that draw on electronic, R&B, reggae, rock, jazz and funk influences. Their latest album is 2018’s “For Amusement Only.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $20
Click here for more information.
Texas Troubadour
Texas singer-songwriter Cas Haley made his Ithaca debut at the 2018 Finger Lakes Thaw and impressed with his blend of rock, pop, reggae and folk. Since then, he’s released a new album,”Lessons and Blessings.” Dan Keller, the former Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad guitarist who recently released his first solo album, will open the show.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: small cover charge
Click here for more information.
Reelin’ in the Years
Steely Dan returns to Syracuse to perform songs from its vast songbook, with co-founder Donald Fagen carrying on the band’s legacy after the passing of Walter Becker with the help of a talented ensemble of players.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Landmark Theatre, Syracuse
Cost: $45.50-$95.50
Click here for more information.
Four of a Kind
The Dogpatch String Quartet – Judy Hyman, Jeff Claus, Sally Freund and Mac Benford – will return for an afternoon set of old-time fiddle and banjo tunes.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Red Newt Cellars
Cost: donations welcome
Click here for more information.
Three of a Kind
A new all-star trio will debut this weekend. Jambo Liar includes guitarist Nate Richardson, keyboardist Jon Petronzio and drummer Zaun Marshburn, who collectively promise “instrumental grooves all night long.”
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Maxie’s Supper Club
Cost: free, open to all ages
Click here for more information.
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Funky Favorite
For more than 50 years, George Porter Jr., has been one of the leading lights of the New Orleans music. He not only played on Meters hits such as “Cissy Strut” and “Look-Ka Py Py,” he also led the Runnin’ Pardners and other bands while performing with everyone from John Scofield and Warren Haynes to Paul McCartney and Jimmy Buffet. Porter will be joined in his trio by keyboardist Michael Lemmler and drummer Terrence Houston. Elisa and the YesMen, a new Ithaca band fronted by Elisa Sciscioli Keeler, will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $20
Click here for more information.