Say goodbye to summer and hello to September with this big batch of shows over the Labor Day weekend!
Downtown Duo
The Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series continues with an eclectic double bill. Local quartet Honey Cave – Lora Pendleton, Angie Beeler, Jessie Gray and Alyssa Duerksen – will open the show at 6 p.m., followed by a set from HeeSun Lee, an Asian American hiphop artist from Staten Island.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion, The Commons
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/445082832933622/
Cruisin’ with Crosby
A.J. Eaton’s documentary “David Crosby: Remember My Name” offers an intimate look at the legendary singer-songwriter-guitarist known for his contributions to rock music for more than 50 years – first with The Byrds and CSNY, and now as a solo artist.
When: Screenings end today: 11:20 a.m., 2 p.m. 4:45 p.m., 6:50 p.m and 9:15 p.m.
Where: Cinemapolis
Cost: $10.50
Info: https://cinemapolis.org/film/david-crosby-remember-my-name/
Trio Grande
Ithaca Underground will present the first of two shows this weekend, as Izzy True – the Chicago-based trio fronted by Trumansburg native Isabel Lou Reidy – returns to Ithaca; their latest album is 2018’s “Sad Bad,” which you can check out at https://izzytrue.bandcamp.com/album/sad-bad. Locals Kyra Skye (a talented multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer from Ithaca College) and Motherwort (a female folk-punk band that includes several local farmers) will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $10
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/687122315059235/
Vocal Exchange
The monthly Cypher Night continues, once again hosted by Ithaca’s Ben “DJ ha-MEEN” Ortiz. In hiphop parlance, a cypher is an exchange of ideas, especially when it comes to the voice. To that end, the night will feature three hourly segments: 7-8 p.m., open-mic format, just show up and sign up; 8-9 p.m., invited poets and singers will perform; 9-10 p.m., DJ ha-MEEN will play a continuous selection of beats for the emcee cyphers to rhyme over, either pre-written or freestyle. There’s no cover for the event, which is open to all ages.
When: 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Where: Maxie’s Supper Club
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2785947211432502/
Cutting-Edge Karma
Cinghiale (saxophonists Mars Williams and Ken Vandermark) and guitarist Steve Marquette will join forces for a benefit show for local libraries. The recipient of a 1999 MacArthur Fellowship grant, Vandermark has worked a huge variety of musicians ranging from Jason Moran and Peter Brötzmann to Eric Revis and others, while Williams has played and recorded with The Psychedelic Furs, Billy Idol, Massacre, Fred Frith, Bill Laswell, Ministry, Power Station, The Waitresses and other luminaries in pop and jazz. Marquette will open with a solo set.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar & Tea Lounge
Cost: Suggested donation is $5; students and educators get in free as this show is funded by OPALS - Media Flex, an educational software provider.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/376094046423736/
Keepin’ it Goin’
After the Honey Cave/HeeSun Lee show at the Bernie Milton Pavilion, head over to Monks on the Commons for the official after-party with Jenny Stockdale, joined by Brian Dozoretz and Cass Barbour, on the patio.
When: 8-10 p.m. Thursday
Where: Monks on the Commons
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/462406404524005/
Practice Makes Perfect
“Practice at Pete’s” is an old-school rock ‘n’ roll show featuring garage-rockers New Motor Club (just back from their tour of the Midwest), post-punk indie rockers Night of the Iguana (a new project from Steve Gollnick, Mike Parker and Laura Elise) and hardcore vets Secret Service Men (complete with government-issue uniforms).
When: 9:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Pete’s Cayuga Bar
Cost: free; donations welcome
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/3039329929441455/
Feelin’ Funky
Funk Night returns to downtown Ithaca, as Dean’s Kids – Hayden Frank, Max Shuhan, Owen Erickson, Archer Cowen, Dan Keller and guest Jack Storer – lay down their versions of funk, soul and R&B classics from the past five decades.
When: 9:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Range
Cost: $5
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1274111736099842/
Double Bill
New Vine Records artists Kurt Riley + Praxis and Leo & The Maydays will join forces for this intimate show in Ithaca’s West End. Known for his glam-rock space operas, Riley has been exploring new sonic territory recently. Leo is the singer-songwriter persona of Freeville native Hannah Ruttle.
When: 7-9 Friday
Where: The Westy
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/350568915846176/
S’mores and More
The “Firelight Live” series continues, as Ithaca’s Joe Gibson returns to Firelight Camps for an evening of original songs and some cool covers. There also will be free chocolate tastings from Grabanzos and Theo Chocolate, with DIY s’mores kits available at the bar.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Firelight Camps, La Tourelle Spa
Cost: free
https://www.facebook.com/events/709633106173292/
Songs and Stories
Ithaca singer-songwriter Jen Cork heads to the former home of the Rongovian Embassy for an early-evening set that will showcase her rich voice, pensive originals and cool covers.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Garrett’s Brewing, Trumansburg
Cost: free; donations welcome
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/733983287030698/
Ragged Glory
Celebrate the legacy of Neil Young during three hours of music, with no repeat songs. Mike McDonald will open with an acoustic set, followed by the full-on rock ‘n’ roll of Infrared Radiation Orchestra.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Boathouse Beer Garden, Romulus
Cost: no cover
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/879568899083740/
Born to Boogie
Ithaca College favorites Quail will host the “Back to School Boogie,” featuring special guest Abby Sullivan of East Coast Summit.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar
Cost: $5
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2446468312100851/
The Sound of Heavy
Astralands and Ithaca Underground will join forces to present a heavy rock show featuring the anti-authoritarian thrash collective HIRS, ex-Ithacans Escuela Grind, California’s Bastard Noise and Illinois’s Deathrun. Bring your earplugs!
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Chantiloft
Cost: $10
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2437371143175664/
Reggae Return
Fronted by fiery vocalist Jessica Brown, the Syracuse-based reggae-dub-soul-rock Root Shock continues to build its fan base through relentless touring throughout the northeast. They’re coming off a big show at the Great New York State Fair on Wednesday night.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: The Range
Cost: $10
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2188187257971424/
Night of the Dead
Terrapin Station will return with its catalogue of Grateful Dead tunes, with Frank Raponi, Larry Honigbaum and company rockin’ until midnight.
When: 9 p.m. Friday Saturday!
Where: The Haunt
Cost: cover
Info: www.thehaunt.com
A Howlin’ Good Time
The annual Howlfest returns, bringing more than a dozen acts on two stages. The event will feature performances from Thousands of One, Road Man, Papa Muse, DJ EVO Evolution, The Sunny Weather, Angela Marion, The Ilium Works, The Darts, Bob Roberts Calamity, Common Railers, Vicious Fishes, late-night acoustic sets with Vinegar Williams, a dance party with DJ Balacktus Rush and more. There also will be art exhibits, food and craft vendors, a potluck picnic BBQ, drumming, kids’ activities and a bonfire.
When: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday
Where: Howl Studios, 1607A Trumansburg Road (Route 96).
Cost: $10-$20 sliding scale; kids 15 and under get in free with a guardian
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/517685948773245/
Outstanding In Their Field
Treleaven Winery will host its fifth annual Field Day, with country and classic rock favorites Tailor Made teaming with R&B-funk-soul favorites The Destination for a full day of music to celebrate the end of summer. Tailor Made kicks off at 4 p.m., followed by the Destination at 7 p.m.
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Treleaven Winery, King Ferry
Cost: $5
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2101033660007334/
Rhythm Nation
Microtones will mark the end of summer with an eclectic dance event that includes NYC’s Chung, Berlin’s Peter Fonda, NYC’s Erin_FM and Ithaca’s own Demo. Open to ages 21 and up.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Forest City Lodge 180, 536 W Green St.
Cost: $5 for advance tickets at Angry Mom Records; $10-$15 sliding scale at the door
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2395519240542605/
Rockin’ the Arts Quad
The Cornell Concert Commission will present a welcome-back concert featuring Los Angeles-based indie-pop rockers Coast Modern, best known for their 2015 hit “Hollow Life.” They’ll be joined by pop act TOMI for the show.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Arts Quad, Cornell University
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/483655719089795/
Mixing Media and More
The Cornell University Department of Music will present its first concert of the fall, as graduate composer Piyawat Louilarpprasert will debut his project “Hearing Visibilities,” with music, multimedia composition, and performance art in an international collaboration with composer Sergio Cote (Colombia) and saxophonists Guillermo Presa (Spain) and Pisol Manatchinapisit (Switzerland).
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: B20 Lincoln Hall
Cost: free
Info: music.cornell.edu; https://www.facebook.com/events/2437391569825185/
Ready to Rock
Airplay – a recently formed band that includes Garry Bordonaro, Danny Stillwell, Tom Bergeron and Dan Gill – will showcase its classic-rock favorites and more when they return to Newfield this weekend
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Stella’s Barn in Newfield
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/470272583521910/
Contra for a Cause
Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca will host a contra dance for the local community; the music will be provided by David Kaynor, Tim Ball, John Wobus, and caller Nancy Spero, with proceeds from the show going to benefit Kaynor’s ongoing fight with ALS.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Community School of Music and Arts
Cost: $9 for HFDI members, $12 for nonmembers, $5 for students/those with limited income, and free for children 12 and under
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2322124908048587/
Sunday Jazz
The Diane Leigh Trio returns, with vocalist Leigh joined by guitarist Drew Serafini and saxophonist Jesse Collins for an afternoon of jazz, swing and beyond.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Six Mile Creek Vineyard
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/432620554241983/
Royal Blue
The Royal Enfield Blues Band – Barry Miller, Brian Spencer and Neal Massa – returns with its brand of hard-rockin’ blues.
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Maxie’s Supper Club
Cost: free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2339075266352679/
Lake Life
The “Club Cayuga: DJ Cruises at Sunset” series continues with The Sunset Reggae Boat Cruise. DJ Mike Judah (host of WICB’s “Reggae Explosions”) will host a night of “Chill lounging and dancing vibes.” Guests are invited to bring their own food and drink. “This is NOT a Booze Cruise.”
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Cruises depart from Allan H. Treman Marine State Park
Cost: $25 for one person, $40 for two
Info: https://www.discovercayugalake.org/boat-tours-booking; bit.ly/clubcayuga; https://www.facebook.com/events/2127377807373136/
Welcome Return
Bound for Glory – North America’s longest-running live folk concert broadcast – will kick off its 53rd season as hos and founder Phil Shapiro will welcome the Flywheels, a local string band comprising Cap Cooke, Liz Pickard, Sam Schmidt and Jason Zorn. Tune into WVBR (wvbr.com, 93.5 FM) to hear the live broadcast.
When: 8-11 p.m. Sunday
Where: Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University
Cost: free
Info: https://www.boundforglory.org; https://www.facebook.com/events/449744572285710/
Seeking Solidarity
The Tompkins County Workers' Center will hold the 36th Annual Labor Day Picnic; this year’s theme is “Solidarity.” Featured music will be Nate Marshall and Joey Arcuri [of Driftwood] and Gumbo Ya Ya. There also will be a raffle, and the annual awards presentation.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday
Where: Stewart Park
Cost: free to attend; bring a dish to share
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/365090234173502/