Two classic Queensryche album performed by the band’s former lead singer, a live score to a classic silent film, and a festival celebrating the legacy of Robert Moog top this week’s musical highlights in Ithaca and beyond. Plus, the new "Once Were Brothers" documentary continues at Cinemapolis.
Queensryche Classics
Former Queensryche singer Geoff Tate returns to Central New York to perform at the Haunt. This time around, he’ll be marking the 30th anniversary of “Empire,” the best-selling Queensryche album that produced several hits, including “Silent Lucidity,” as well as the band’s second album, 1986’s “Rage for Order,” by performing both of those albums in their entirety. Mark Daly will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $35-$40
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
Pluck O’ The Irish
The High Kings will visit upstate New York. One of Ireland’s most acclaimed bands, the quartet – Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden and Paul O’Brien – has earned a worldwide following since its 2008 debut with its mix of traditional and original songs.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Smith Opera House, Geneva
Cost: $25-$35
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
Guitars and ‘The Golem’
Guitarist Gary Lucas will perform live score to ‘The Golem” at Cornell Cinema. Known for his work with Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band, Jeff Buckley and his own Gods and Monsters, Syracuse native Lucas first performed his score to Paul Wegener’s 1920 silent-film classic based on the legend of the Golem in 1989. Visit cinema.cornell.edu and garylucas.com for information.
When: 7:15 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Willard Straight Theatre, Cornell Universitt
Cost: $11-$14
Read an interview with Gary Lucas here
Concert for the Kids
Now in its sixth season, the Tompkins County Public Library’s Family Concert and Storytime series continues with members of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra. Free and open to everyone, the event combines live music, narrated children's books, and a chance for children to try out instruments with the help of the CCO musicians.
When: 4 p.m. Thursday
Where: Tompkins County Public Library
Cost: free
Minnesota Roots Rock
The Jayhawks will bring their harmony-heavy songs to Central New York. Led by Gary Louris, the Minnesota-based band has released several acclaimed albums since the 1980s, including 1995’s “Tomorrow The Green Grass,” which produced the hit, “Blue.” The band’s tenth studio album, “Back Roads And Abandoned Motels,” came out in 2018. The Mastersons, who also tour with Steve Earle’s band, will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $35 SOLD OUT!!
Welcome to the Machines
“When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music,” which will include three days of panels, concerts, workshops and the opening of a new exhibit at Cornell’s Kroch Library, kicks off on Thursday with three events:
What: During the Midday Music in Lincoln presentation, Cornell Music department chair Roger Moseley discusses the festival
When: 12:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Lincoln Hall, Room B20, Cornell University
Cost: free
What: Cornell professor Trevor Pinch, who co-wrote the book “Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer,” will moderate the panel “The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog,” which will also include David Borden, composer, founder of Mother Mallard’s Portable Masterpiece Company; Albert Glinsky, composer, Moog biographer, and author of “Theremin: Ether Music and Espionage”; and Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director, The Bob Moog Foundation.
When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Klarman Auditorium, Cornell University
Cost: free
What: A performance by musicians of the Cornell Electroacoustic Music Center directed by Kevin Ernste.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Sage Chapel, Cornell University
Cost: free
See the complete list of “When Machines Rock” events here
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: continues this week
Where: Cinemapolis
Cost: $10.50