Enjoy the last weekend of 2019 with some live music – everything from reggae and rock to folk and pop will be showcased in clubs around Ithaca and Cortland.
One Man Band
Local singer-songwriter Andrew Alling returns to showcase an expanded sonic setup that will include two organ bass pedals and a new keyboard plus his usual harmonica, guitar and vocals – all without looping. “I’ve worked out some older songs and some newly invented groove bass tunes, too,” he says. He’ll also be shooting a video of the show -- all are welcome to attend and become part of the festivities.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge and Tea Bar
Cost: donations welcome
It’s Happy Hour Again
Kick off the weekend with some live music at various venues around Ithaca: The David Graybeard Band plays South Hill Cider at 5:30-8 p.m.; The Swampcats return to Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m.; and the Royal Enfield Blues Band returns to the Westy at 7-9 p.m. In Cortland, the Tribal Revival Duo of Marc Ryan and Tom Gath are at Rex's Pasta at 7-9 p.m. and the Starmer Brothers are at the St. Charles Hotel at 7 p.m.
When: Friday
Where: Various locations
Cost: free
Holiday Celebration Benefit
DJ Mike Judah of WICB’s “Reggae Explosions” will host a Caribbean Christmas Show featuring Caribbean Soca queen Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon, Trinidad reggae sensation Jamelody, and Ithaca's very own roots-reggae general Cha Cha (of Mosaic Foundation), along with a Sound Clash featuring DJ Double A, DJ Ziggy, DJ ha-MEEN, Evo Evolution, Proper Philth, and Rockmon. Caribbean food also will be available for purchase.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $20 in advance, $30 at the door, with proceeds going to the Ithaca Youth Soccer Academy.
Start Chopping
The Unknown Woodsmen return to downtown Cortland for their final show of the year. Led by guitarists Phil Muka and Casey King, the quintet has earned fans around central New York with strong original songs and stellar musicianship
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Red Jug Pub, Cortland
Cost: small cover
Happy New Year’s Eve Eve Eve Eve
The Hotel Groton and the ElectroZone – Ithaca’s salon for electromusicians and experimenters – will celebrate the New Year four days early with an immersive event that features performers such as Josh Oxford, Proper Philth, and 5T0K3, two stages, dazzling lights, a dance party, and balloon drop. The event is for ages 21 and up.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hotel Groton
Cost: Tickets are $27.50 for early bird rates and $35 full price, and must be purchased in advance.
Holiday Homecoming
X Ambassadors, featuring Ithaca natives and brothers Sam and Casey Harris, will return to Central New York for their final show before they head abroad in February to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Russia and Europe.The band recently released its second full-length album, “Orion,” which produced the hits “Hey Child,” “Boom,” “Confidence” and “Hold You Down.” Sam Harris also has collaborated with Lizzo and other pop artists as a singer and songwriter.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Turning Stone Casino Event Center, Verona
Cost: $40-$95
Reggae Return
Syracuse favorite Root Shock returns to downtown Ithaca to showcase its blend of reggae, rock, pop soul and more. Fronted by powerhouse singer Jessica Brown, the hard-touring quintet has journeyed throughout the northeast and up and down the east coast winning fans with its high-energy shows.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Range
Cost: small cover charge
Double Decker
The recently reopened Lot 10 will host two events on Saturday night. Upstairs, Smacked Records will host a Pre-New Year’s Eve Party featuring performances by regional hiphop artists Mr. McBean (Ithaca) and Matthew Cornwall (Binghamton). Downstairs, DJ ha-MEEN will host a 90s Hip Hop and R&B Dance Party.
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lot 10
Cost: No cover
Event Info:
Schatzy’s Back
Based in New Orleans since 1995, Ithaca native and keyboardist Greg Schatz will return home to play a gig with Michael Wellen on drums and Max Buckholtz on violect. They’ll be performing songs from his many albums, including his latest, “Amoebotics.”
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Maxie’s Supper Club
Cost: free; donations welcome
Family Matters
Up-and-coming Ithaca rockers Wallace and the Apes will team with local duo Unsubscribe (formerly The Settlers) for a double bill that spans two generations of family musicians.
When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: donations