15+ shows to see this week: Feb. 27-March 6
Sophistafunk returns to Deep Dive, Twin Court and Liam Lawson release new albums, and two big Celtic bands come to Homer!
Syracuse-based Sophistafunk returns to Deep Dive for a pair of Friday night shows.
As we wind down February and head into March, Sophistafunk returns to Deep Dive for two shows, Twin Court and Liam Lawson release new albums, and two big Celtic bands come to Homer to prime you for St. Patrick’s Day! Plus, guitar legend Adrian Vanderberg will showcase the many Whitesnake hits he played on in the 1980s and beyond!
Note: This weekend’s shows are listed chronologically in two sections below, with ALL shows now listed in the Concert Calendar at the end of the roundup.
Picking Party
JBJ2 (aka the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band) comes to Homer.
“J2B2 is an all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians – John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals – delivering bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before. The band’s undeniable live shows have received stellar reviews and have the bluegrass world buzzing. The four combine forces to form a spot-on union of impeccable musicianship, incomparable songwriting, incredible harmony vocals (a fresh twist combining bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock) and seasoned showmanship. This is the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music at its finest.” Note: singer-guitarist Tony King will be filling in for Sauber on this tour.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $35-$40, available online here
Funk Double Header
Hard-touring Syracuse hiphock-funk-rock trio Sophistafunk returns to Deep Dive for a pair of shows on Friday, including an all-ages happy hour show at 6 p.m. followed by a late show with Felix Free & the Rxcketeers opening. Local drummer Ashley Ickes and the Comb Down Horns will be special guests of the band for the evening!
When: Friday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $8 in advance, $15 day of show for happy hour; $14 in advance, $20 day of show for late show
Ready for Release
It’s a Print Show and EP Release Party! “Printmaker Amy Callahan will be showing her prints (and have some for sale) and musician Liam Lawson will be releasing his new EP ‘The Bellows.’ Come check out the art and listen to Deer Path—a new quartet with Olive Mitra, Joe Lule, Matt Madden, and Liam. They’ll be playing original tunes, including tracks from Liam’s new EP. Art, music, cake, snacks, and wine! All print purchases will come with a code to download Liam’s new EP. All EP purchases come with a free mini print. Amy and Liam can accept cash and Venmo. Atwater will be offering wine by the bottle or glass, cocktails, mocktails, and other zero-proof drinks. Family-friendly time – bring your kids!”
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Atwater Winery
Cost: free; donations welcome
‘For Jack’
Pianist Jack Yarbrough will give the New York premiere of Marti Epstein's new concert length piano solo, ‘For Jack.’ Written specifically with the pianist's touch in mind, ‘For Jack’ is an expansive exploration of the sound and resonance behind the piano.
“Please be advised that late seating is not available for this performance, as it runs continuously. Please arrive before the start time, as entry will not be permitted once the performance has begun.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Barnes Hall, Cornell
Cost: free and open to all
Underground Sound
Practice at Presents brings Milk Cousin, Spudbugs, Clamsterdam, and Mikee Strongman to Sacred Root for an eclectic underground show.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar
Cost: $10
After the Fire
Cedarwood Venue will the Ovid Fire Relief Fundraiser, with performances by four regional bands: Billy Golicki & The Therapists (2 p.m.), Ragged Sole, (3:45 p.m.), the High Road (5:30 p.m.), and Iron Horse (7:15 p.m.). There also will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffles between the band sets, and food and drink specials, with a portion of the proceeds going to the fundraiser.
When: 2-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cedarwood Venue, 9632 Route 96, Trumansburg
Cost: $10 suggested donation (100% goes to the fundraiser)
Ready for Release
Gamelan post-rock band Twin Court will celebrate the release of their new album at Argos Warehouse on Saturday afternoon.
“ Twin Court’s new album, ‘Forgotten Turns,’ is finally here, and we’re throwing a release show to remember. There will be new and familiar faces, incredible bands, and an unforgettable afternoon. See you there! All ages welcome!”
Also on the bill are locals Strange Heavy and Green as New Light.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Argos Warehouse
Cost: $8
Bon Ton Roulet
“Come on out to celebrate Mardi Gras with the Ithaca debut of Kevin Wimmer & Blue Eagle Zydeco, sharing the show with Rose & The Bros! There will be gumbo for sale, a Cajun music jam, Mardi Gras mask making and crafts, and a Zydeco dance lesson!
“Festive / Mardi Gras attire welcome but not required! Mardi Gras is a festive holiday, and colorful costumes and dressing up are a large part of Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana, but feel free to come as you are, in whatever level of dressy or colorful you’re feeling! This is an all-ages event, bring your grandma and your babies!”
Schedule:
4pm Cajun jam with Kevin Wimmer and friends
4pm Mask making and other crafts
5pm Gumbo is served; while it lasts.
6pm Zydeco Dance Lesson
7pm Kevin Wimmer & Blue Eagle Zydeco
9pm Rose & The Bros
When: 4-11 p.m. Saturday
Where: Enfield Grange Hall, 178 Enfield Main Road
Cost: Suggested donation is $15-25 for adults, $5 for age 16 and under
While They’re Young
“Young Legs is the musical moniker of queer NJ native and Newfield transplant Steven Donahue. For over a decade, they’ve released whisper-quiet bedroom folk, blown out garage rock, lo-fi curios, and hi-fi pop anthems, and almost always all on the same record. Primarily self-recorded and produced, but often welcoming collaborators into the fold, their focus on introspective lyrics within a cosmic setting evokes a wide range of emotion in their listeners. In their ample time spent not working on music, they enjoy reading sci-fi/fantasy paperbacks, playing Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Nintendo, gardening, moongazing, staying up late, and sleeping in.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: donations welcome
For the Children
“Embark on a musical journey through the cosmos with the Cornell Symphony Orchestra! This year’s Young Person’s Concert, inspired by the wonders of space, features a collaboration with the Carl Sagan Institute and the world premiere of Ex Terra, Ad Astra, a thrilling new work by Cornell alum Cheryl Engelhardt commissioned especially for this concert. The program also includes Missy Mazzoli’s Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres), selections from Holst’s The Planets, and Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy featuring Dean Zhang ‘25, this year’s concerto competition winner in the Symphony Orchestra category. Zhang, from Newton, MA, is a triple major in biological sciences, computer science, and music. He serves as the concertmaster of the Cornell Symphony Orchestra and has won the Ellen Gussman Adelson Prize for excellence in musical performance. Along with music, Zhang also conducts computational genomics research, volunteers in the local community, and aspires to bridge his passions for music and medicine to positively impact others. Don’t miss the instrumental petting zoo before the concert at 2:30 p.m.—it’s fun for the whole family!”
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Bailey Hall, Cornell University
Cost: free and open to all
Solar Sounds
Celtic troubadours Solas return to Central New York to kick off the St. Patrick’s season.
“Since forming in New York City in 1995 they have been a galvanizing element in the Irish music scene – a lightning rod of talent and inspiration that set new standards for musicianship, repertoire, and intensity. Over the course of twelve critically acclaimed albums and endless international touring, Solas brought their love and respect for the traditions of Irish music, and their sense of melodic and instrumental adventure to the world.
“In 2017, after a remarkable two-decade career, Solas decided it was time for a break. Now, after eight years, the break is over and Solas is back and ready to celebrate their 30th Anniversary! The musical adventure continues in 2025.”
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $40-$45, available online here
Augustin Hadelich (Photo by Suxiao Wang)
String Thing
Ithaca College’s Louis K. Thaler Concert Violinist Series will host Augustin Hadelich for a concert and a master class next week.
A dual American-German citizen born in Italy to German parents, Hadelich rose to fame when he won the Gold Medal at the 2006 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.
“Known for his phenomenal technique, insightful and persuasive interpretations, and ravishing tone, he appears extensively on the world’s foremost concert stages. Hadelich has performed with all the major American orchestras as well as the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, and many other eminent ensembles.
“Hadelich received a GRAMMY “Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo” in 2016 for his recording of Dutilleux’s Concerto “L’Arbre des songes” with Seattle Symphony and Ludovic Morlot. A Warner Classics Artist, his most recent album “American Road Trip”, a journey through the landscape of American music with pianist Orion Weiss, was released in August 2024. Other albums for Warner Classics include Paganini’s 24 Caprices (2018); Brahms and Ligeti Violin Concertos (2019); the GRAMMY-nominated “Bohemian Tales”, which includes the Dvořák Violin Concerto with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Jakub Hrůša (2020); the GRAMMY-nominated recording of Bach’s complete Sonatas and Partitas (2021); and “Recuerdos,” a Spain-themed album featuring works by Sarasate, Tarrega, Prokofiev and Britten (2022).
“In 2018, he was named “Instrumentalist of the Year” by the influential magazine Musical America. Hadelich holds an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School, where he studied with Joel Smirnoff, and in 2021, was appointed to the violin faculty at Yale School of Music. He plays a 1744 violin by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, known as ‘Leduc, ex Szeryng’, on loan from the Tarisio Trust.”
When: concert is at 7:30 p.m. Monday; the master class is at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College
Cost: both are free and open to all
Gaelic Force
Irish band Lúnasa returns to Central New York. “Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. Its members have helped form the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade.”
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $40-$45, available online here
Guitar Star
Dutch guitarist Adrian Vandenberg, known for both his eponymous band and his contributions to Whitesnake, comes to Homer to perform hits such as “Here I Go Again,” “Still Of The Night,” Fool For Your Loving,” “Is This Love,” Burning Heart,” and “Sin.”
“Exploding out of The Netherlands and onto the global scene with 1982’s self-titled ‘Vandenberg, ‘the Dutch phenomenon notched an international hit in the form of ‘Burning Heart,’ paving the way for seminal releases such as ‘Heading For A Storm’ [1983] and ‘Alibi’ [1985]. The band canvased the United States, Europe, and Japan alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, Rush, Scorpions, Michael Schenker, and many others. Sought out to join Whitesnake, Adrian famously ripped the legendary lead on the 1987 recording of the #1 smash “Here I Go Again,” which adorned the 8x-platinum Whitesnake and ended up touring the world’s largest arenas for a year-and-a-half when the 1987 album went through the roof in terms of sales. He co-wrote the entirety of 1989’s platinum ‘Slip of the Tongue’ and spent the ensuing tour sharing axe duties with none other than Steve Vai. In addition to playing guitar on and cowriting ‘Restless Heart’ from David Coverdale & Whitesnake, he performed hundreds of shows as part of the band for some twelve years.
“Vandenberg as a band roared back to life with the comeback LP, 2020. Among many highlights, ‘Freight Train’ gathered 1.6 million Spotify streams, while the record attracted praise. Sonic Perspectives enthused, ‘The end result sounds like the missing link between Whitesnake and Rainbow, and updates the group’s sound to the new generation of hard rock fans.’”
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer
Cost: $45-$60 (VIP also available), sold online here
Good Times, Bad Times
Today, Cinemapolis concludes its screening of “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” the new documentary about the famed rock band. “‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds. Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-before-seen footage, performances, and music, Bernard MacMahon’s experiential cinematic odyssey explores Led Zeppelin’s creative, musical, and personal origin story. The film is told in Led Zeppelin’s own words and is the first officially sanctioned film on the group.”
When: running through Feb. 27, shows are at 3 and 8:30 p.m. today
Where: Cinemapolis
Cost: $9-$11
Joe Lule and Rena Guinn are at Danby Food and Drink at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
CONCERT CALENDAR
Thursday, February 27
Cedarwood Venue hosts an Artists and Musicians Mingle event with guest bartender Evan Eisenberg at 5-9 p.m. Friday
South Hill Cider hosts Ithaca’s newest Cajun band – Kevin Wimmer, Rosie Newton, Steve Selin, Paul Matin and Lydia Garrison – at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
The Brewhouse Blues Jam returns to Hopshire Farm and Brewery at 6-8 p.m. Thursday
The Scale House Brewery hosts Hector Open Mic Night at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Yayle Hues is at Cortland Beer Company at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Chronos Rift is at Brookton’s Market at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday
Rena Guinn and Joe Lule are at Danby Food and Drink at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Crossroads Bar & Grille in Lansing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Plan Z plays Bike Bar Ithaca at 7 p.m. Thursday
ComedyFLOPS present improv at Cortland’s AKE Gallery at 7-9 p.m. Thursday
Jess Novak and Ashley Cox play their monthly gig at Moondog’s Lounge in Auburn at 7-9 p.m. Thursday
Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg hosts its weekly Vinyl Showcase at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
The Shorty Gorge hosts a swing dance at 119 S. Cayuga St. at 7-930 p.m. Thursday
Date Night plays Bossa Nova Jazz at the Downstairs at 8-10 p.m. Thursday
Brian Thomans & The Strikes and Isaac French are at Funk ‘N Waffles at 8 p.m. Thursday
JBJ2 (aka the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band) is at the Center for the Arts of Homer at 8 p.m. Thursday
Delaques hosts Improv Thursdays at Sacred Root Kava Bar at 8-11 p.m. Thursday
Meg Williams (Photo by Phil Silverberg)
Friday, February 28
Meg Williams is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Garlic.band is at Summerhill Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Band by the River plays at BRU64 at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Ariel Arbisser & Band return to Hopshire Brewing at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Strange Heavy and the Cast Iron Cowboys duo join forces at Stone Bend Farm at 6 p.m. Friday
The High Road is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
The Cadleys are at Heuga’s Alpine Bar and Grille at Song Mountain in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Levi Gangi
Levi Gangi is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Harry Nichols is at Scale House Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Liam Lawson will release his new EP, “The Bellows,” at Atwater Winery at 6 p.m. Friday
Sophistafunk plays an all-ages happy hour show at Deep Dive at 6 p.m. Friday
E.S.P. brings jazz to ONCO Fermentations at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
KidBess and Tenzin Chopak are at Owego Originals’ Bar and Lounge at 7 p.m. Friday
Homebrewed Comedy is at McGraw Box Brewing at 7-9 p.m. Friday
Ghost Train plays classic rock at Cedarwood Venue at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Psychedelic Sushi is at Moondog’s Lounge in Auburn at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Pianist Jack Yarbrough is at Cornell’s Barnes Hall at 7:30 p.m. Friday
The Analogue Sons conclude their February residency at the Downstairs at 8-10 p.m. Friday
Eddie Balduzzi & The Bon Vivants are at the Village Tavern in Marcellus at 8-11 p.m. Friday
The Nick Adams Band is at the Brackel Pub and Grub in McDonough at 8-11 p.m. Friday
Electric Manchild is at Sonny’s Bar & Grille in Horseheads at 8-11 p.m. Friday
Billy Golicki is at Cortland Beer Company at 8-11 p.m. Friday
The M&Ms are at Hairy Tony’s at 8 -10 p.m. Friday
Sophistafunk also plays a late show with Felix Free & the Rxcketeers at Deep Dive at 9 p.m. Friday
Practice at Presents brings Milk Cousin, Spudbugs, Clamsterdam, and Mikee Strongman to Sacred Root Kava Bar at 8 p.m. Friday ($10)
Claudia Hoyser returns to Grist Iron Brewing on Saturday for the 3rd annual Country Music Jamboree (Photo by Justin Hammond)
Saturday, March 1
The David Graybeard Band is at Treleaven Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Grist Iron Brewing hosts its 3rd annual Country Music Jamboree on Saturday with Justin Raynor and Chris Warren at 1-4 p.m. and Claudia Hoyser at 5-8 p.m.
Just Us is at Just Breathe Fingerlakes Legal Dispensary at 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Hosmer Winery at 1-4 p.m. Saturday ($10)
Cedarwood Venue hosts the Ovid Fire Relief Fundraiser, with Billy Golicki & The Therapists, Ragged Sole, the High Road, and Iron Horse performing at 2-10 p.m. Saturday
Twin Court hosts an album release party at Argos Warehouse at 3 p.m. Saturday; Green as New Light and Strange Heavy are also on the bill
The Shylocks are at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton at 4-7 p.m. Saturday
Kevin Wimmer & Blue Eagle Zydeco and Rose & The Bros play a Mardi Gras Dance at Enfield Grange Hall at 4-11 p.m. Saturday
Sean Farley is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
The Elderly Brothers are at ONCO Fermentations at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
The Kitestring Duo is at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Rachel Beverly returns to Brewer’s Kitchen and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Young Legs and Friends are at South Hill Cider at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
The Double Standards are at McGraw Box Brewing North in Syracuse at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Band by the River is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Marc Macri & the Funk Junkies are at Moondog’s Lounge in Auburn at 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Adam Parker is at the Brackel Pub and Grub in McDonough at 7-10 p.m. Saturday
The Foundation of Light hosts the Dances of Universal Peace March Circle at 7:15 p.m. Saturday
The Cornell Wind Symphony performs at Bailey Hall at 7:30 p.m. Saturday
The Savage Club of Ithaca presents its “Music in March” musical variety show at 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca
Saturday Night Sessions returns to Forest City Lodge 180 with DJs TGG, PRIEST, ROSEMAN, and PerryA at 8 p.m. Saturday
DJs Neelam, Glitter Skulls, and Oliver.L spin techno and more at the Downstairs from 8 p.m. “til late” Saturday ($10)
Bob Holz and A Vision Forward is at Cortland Beer Company at 8-11 p.m. Saturday
Practice at Presents returns to Sacred Root Kava Bar for an 8 p.m. all-ages triple bill featuring Microbes, Mostly and T.T.T.T. along with the debut of Dinner Cooker ($10)
The Fall Creek Brass Band celebrates Mardi Gras at Deep Dive at 9 p.m. Saturday
Front & Main and The Sorters are at the John Barleycorn in Owego at 9:30 p.m. Saturday ($10)
Sunday, March 2
Tilia Cordata hosts a Mardi Gras Drag Brunch at Hopshire Farm and Brewery from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; tickets are $40 and available online here
The new monthly Bluegrass Jam at the Downstairs debuts at 12-4 p.m. Sunday
The Cornell Symphony Orchestra performs at Bailey Hall at 3 p.m. Sunday
Stacey and the Copycats continue ONCO Fermentations’ Sunday Blues Series at 3-5 p.m. Sunday
Ten Gallon Matt is at the Brackel Pub and Grub in McDonough at 3-6 p.m. Sunday
Tenzin Chopak is at Two Goats Brewing at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Traonach and Friends host an Irish Session at the Downstairs at 5-8 p.m. Sunday
Practice at Presents hosts a Community Showcase at Deep Dive at 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Teencat, the Ilium Works, and The Brood are on the bill ($10)
De Wayne Perry hosts Jazz Jam at the Downstairs at 6-9 p.m. Sunday
CNY native Nora Quinn returns from Brooklyn to perform in Syracuse on Sunday night.
Nora Quinn plays a free show at Funk ‘N Waffles at 6 p.m. Sunday
Bubba Crumrine, Maria Bulla, and Keir Neuringer perform at Angry Mom Records at 7 p.m. Sunday
Solas is at the Center for the Arts of Homer at 8 p.m. Sunday
Monday, March 3
The Downstairs hosts Poetry & Prose Open Mic Night at 7-9 p.m. Monday
Violinist Augustin Hadelich performs at Ithaca College’s Ford Hall at 7:30 p.m. Monday
Galactic Monday returns to Deep Dive at 9 p.m. Monday ($10)
Tuesday, March 4
Deep Dive hosts the Southern Old Time String Band Jam Session at 6 p.m. Tuesday
Kenneth McLaurin hosts Open Mic Standup Comedy Night at the Downstairs at 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
Lunasa is at the Center for the Arts of Homer at 8 p.m. Tuesday
Wednesday, March 5
Argos Grove plays jazz at Bar Argos at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Brookton’s Market hosts jazz night at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Deep Dive hosts the biweekly Jazz Night with the Firefly Trio (6-8 p.m.), Deep Dive Big Band (8-10:30 p.m.), and the People’s Jam (11 p.m. to close) on Wednesday night
Benny & The Mex are at Salt Point Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Sacred Root Kava Bar and Tea Lounge hosts its weekly Open Mic Night at 7-10 p.m. Wednesday
Moondog’s Lounge in Auburn hosts Open Mic Night at 7-10 p.m. Wednesday
Adrian Vandenberg is at the Center for the Arts of Homer at 8 p.m. Wednesday