Greensky Bluegrass makes their return to Ithaca and reggae legend Half Pint comes to the Haunt as we move into the third week of January.
Nothing But Greensky
Greensky Bluegrass returns to Ithaca, making the jump to the State after a few visits to the Haunt. For 18 years, the band has been winning fans with its energetic blend of bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll – it has sold out venues such as Red Rocks, The Ryman, and performed at festivals such as Bonnaroo, ACL and Outside Lands. Their latest album is 2019’s “All For Money.” Ghost Light, which features former Ithacan Dan Africano (John Brown’s Body, Elephant Wrecking Ball) on bass, will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $27.50-$32
Hiphop Celebration
Local hiphop artist Overflow will celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with his “I Had A Dream” show, featuring new music, new dance moves and more.
When: 9 p.m. Monday; doors at 8 p.m.
Where: Cayuga Lodge, 630 Stewart Ave.
Cost: free, donations welcome
Swing Thing
Swing Time Tuesday 2020 opens with Lloyd’s Boys, who blend hillbilly, country blues, and jug band for a sound that’s reminiscent of the dance halls of Texas and Oklahoma in the 1930s and 40s. “Their music is perfect for swing dance - both east and west coast, 2-steps, with a few Cajun waltzes & New Orleans second-line, street-beat grooves thrown in for some extra spice.” Come for a dance lesson at 6:30 p.m., followed by the music at 7:30 p.m.
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Range
Cost: $7 per person, $5 students with ID, over 21
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
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
Stepping Up To The Mic
The Trumansburg Conservatory of Arts will debut a new monthly open-mic series hosted by local songwriter Louiston (aka Lou DiPietro). The “acoustic-based open mic welcomes songwriters, musicians, poets, and storytellers of all skill levels who are looking for a stage and both a community and support group of fellow artists.” When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Trumansburg Conservatory of Arts
Cost: donations welcome
Reggae Rhythms
The legendary Half Pint, joined by special guests Andrew Bees of Black Uhuru and King Hopeton and backed by the Yellow Wall Dub Squad, will come to Ithaca. Born Lindon Andrew Roberts, Half Pint is best known for his 1983 hit “Wisdom,” which the Rolling Stones covered (renamed it as “Too Rude”) on their 1986 album “Dirty Work”; Sublime’s 1996 song “What I Got” used the chorus from his song “Loving.”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Haunt
Cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Dazzling Debut
In “Apple: Tree,” a new mixed-media “rolling cabaret” of song, art, and shifts in perspective, acclaimed opera singer-turned-cabaret chanteuse Caitlin Mathes will sing a palette of music from Baudelaire and Brecht to Piaf and Björk, paired with an immersive environment of her father Al Mathes’s visual art. The entire show surrounds an audience seated in rolling chairs, with performers and audience travelling around the space.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Where: The Cherry Artspace
Cost: $25, $15 for students and seniors
Hot Jazz
The Djangoners return to the Argos Warehouse to celebrate Django Reinhardt's birthday -- he's the legendary guitarist who inspired the band's approach to its brand of vintage hot jazz and swing. Hear Bobby Henrie, Eric Aceto, Brian Williams and Harry Aceto put their stamp on a variety of classic tunes from the 1930s and 40s.
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: free; donation suggested at the door.