Longtime favorites the Bad Plus and of Montreal return to Ithaca, as several shows are on tap in the coming days that will expand your sonic consciousness.
Electronic Explorations
Jen Kutler’s Eye Vee Arts and Media will present another show, this one featuring Philadelphia’s Apologist, who creates “highly confessional ambient music focused on particular internal examination,” according to Kutler. Rounding out the bill are Kyle Press (also from Philly; he fronted freak-rock band The Love Club), and Ithaca’s Charmion (aka David Sanders), who plays “electronic drag opera.”
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Grayhaven Motel, 657 Elmira Road
Cost: donations requested
Planet Rockers
The weekly Galactic Monday residency continues, with the host band Galactic Escort Service for the usual set of sonic improvisations.
When: 9:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Casita del Polaris
Cost: $5
By the Fire
The weekly Firelight Live series continues under the tent through the end of October; this week, series host Ted Walsh will be joined by his GoGone bandmate Dave Hurwitz
When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Firelight Camps, La Tourelle
Cost: free
Wood Songs
Hillbilly punk Americana trio Pine Box -- Seth Gregory, Brian Burke and Shaun Whistler -- return for a night of raucous old-time tunes
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Maxie's
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
Bring the Noise
It’s Sludge Night in downtown Ithaca, as local grindcore heroes Hearse are joined by Washington, D.C.’s Et Mors, Pennsylvania’s Dour, and Syracuse’s Sympathy Trial.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Chanticleer
Cost: $5, all ages
Good Vibrations
The Crucials continue their weekly Reggae Night residency in downtown Ithaca, with some of Ithaca’s top musicians joining forces for an evening of classic and obscure reggae and dub classics. DJ Jesse Hill will start off the night by spinning on the decks.
When: 9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Range
Cost: $5
Jazz and Beyond
Acclaimed jazz instrumental trio The Bad Plus returns to Ithaca for this first time since keyboardist Orrin Evans replaced founding member Ethan Iverson; drummer Dave King and bassist Reid Anderson still remain in the “leaderless” lineup that has already produced a new album, “Never Stop II.” The Long Now – a new instrumental trio comprising Ryan Vanderhoof, Brian Dozoretz and Matthew Saccuccimorano – will open the show.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: $30-$35
Dance Revolution
Kevin Barnes art-dance-rock project of Montreal returns to Ithaca to promote the new album, “White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood.” The Athens, Georgia-based band is known for his highly entertaining, energetic stage show. Locate S,1, a new project helmed by Christina Schneider, will open the show; their debut album “Healing Contest” was produced by Barnes.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $20-$25
Feelin’ Funky
Funk Night returns to downtown Ithaca, as Dean’s Kids – Hayden Frank, Max Shuhan, Owen Erickson, Archer Cowen, Dan Keller – 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
Voice of a Generation
The new documentary “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” continues to screen in downtown Ithaca. The film chronicles the career of the versatile vocalist whose mastery of several styles – country rock, pop, rock, new wave, Mexican, and more – kept her at the forefront of popular music for decades.
When: all week
Where: Cinemapolis
Cost: $10.50
Looking ahead
There are a bunch of big shows in the next couple of weeks, so here’s a quick rundown in case you want to plan your schedule or buy advance tickets. Oct. 25: The Fleshtones at the Haunt, St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the State. Oct. 26: Elvis Costello and the Imposters at the State. Oct. 29: Jenny Lewis at the State, The Japanese House at the Haunt. Oct. 31: Vernon Reid’s Band of Gypsys Revisited at the Haunt, the Comb Down at Lot 10. Nov. 1: Rufus Wainwright at the State. Nov. 3: Gregory Alan Isakov at the State.