Ease into the latter half of December with this batch of shows around Ithaca featuring everything from jazz, electronica and swing to funk, folk and punk.
Shining Star
A few years ago, Jewell Payne stole the show with a powerhouse performance in Ithaca High School’s production of “Legally Blonde.” Tonight, Payne will showcase her expanding repertoire; she’s now pursuing a BFA in musical theater at Wisconsin’s Viterbo University. She’ll be joined by Vitamin L and the Ithaca Gay Men’s Chorus for the show, which will help with her college expenses.
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Kitchen Theatre
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Goin’ Galactic
Galactic Monday returns with a stacked lineup featuring Strong Maybe – the new avant-jazz trio of Matthew Saccuccimorano, Mark Wienand Karlsen and Chad Lieberman – electronic wizards Josh Oxford and Chris Knight, and host band Galactic Escort Service.
When: 9 p.m. Monday
Where: Casita del Polaris
Cost: $5
Holiday Swing
Swing Night at the Range will welcome The Cool Club and the Lipker Sisters, the Finger Lakes favorites who just released a self-titled new album chock full of hot vintage jazz. The Cool Club includes Rick Hoyt on guitar and vocals, Trevor Findlay on bass, Joe Galusha on drums and Tom McClure on sax, clarinet and flute; the Lipker Sisters are Marilla, Grace and Elizabeth Lipker.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (6:30 p.m. for dance lesson)
Where: The Range
Cost: $7; $5 for students
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
Songs to Sing
Ithaca singer-songwriter Jen Cork returns for her last show of 2019 to perform a mix of originals and covers, including some tunes from her forthcoming album.
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Brewer’s Café and Taproom
Cost: free; donations welcome
Hoppin’ Holiday
Diana Leigh will host her eighth annual Holiday Spectacular Dance Party, as she’s joined by her band the Shorty Georges, the Jesse Collins Sextet and Frits Marohn, with everyone coming together for an end-of-the-night jam.
When: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: $10 in advance, available here; $15 at the door.
Getting in Practice
Practice at Pete’s returns for its regular monthly visit, with host band Secret Service Men joined by local favorites Teencat and Joyous Shrub for a night of raucous revelry.
When: 9 p.m. Thursday
Where: Pete’s Cayuga Bar
Cost: free; donations welcome
Funky Town
The biweekly Funk Night returns for its last show of 2019, with resident band Dean’s Kids – Dan Keller (who will celebrating his birthday!), Max Shuhan, Owen Erickson, Hayden Frank and Archer Cowen – putting their spin on familiar favorites from the 1960s through the present day with the help of some special guests.
When: 9:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Range
Cost: $5