20+ shows to see this week: Jan. 16-22
The State Theatre of Ithaca kicks off 2025 with country star Ashley McBryde, Freight releases its latest single, and Neighbor and Rigometrics team up at Deep Dive
Ashley McBryde
The State Theatre of Ithaca kicks off 2025 with country star Ashley McBryde, Freight releases its latest single, Neighbor and Rigometrics team up at Deep Dive, and Dom Martyr and Janet Batch continue their residencies at the Downstairs.
Plus, Running to Places brings “Mean Girls” to the Hangar Theatre and Cloud Chamber Orchestra provides a live soundtrack to “The Mark of Zorro” at the Smith Opera House in Geneva.
Note: This week’s shows are listed chronologically in two sections below.
Jazz on the Hill
South Hill Cider hosts its biweekly Jazz Night. “Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday for cider, food and live jazz with some of the best local musicians!” This week features Dave Davies and his new band, The Free Tradicals, which also includes Ryan Zawel, Robbert VanRenesse, and Brian Earle.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: South Hill Cider
Cost: $5 suggested donation for the band
Dark Country in Danby
“Not Neil is the alias of Dean Johnson, playing an eclectic acoustic repertoire of deep tracks and dark country. Some familiar and some not so, covering a wide range of moods and artists. Dean has been playing in Finger Lakes area for years with several bands including Chronos Rift and electric duo with Don Baragiano and Hejira playing Middle Eastern music. He has also played extensively for many years as a bassist covering a wide range of music from Jazz, Blues, Funk, Punk and Reggae. Gonna be a blast, guaranteed!”
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Danby Food and Drink, 1843 Danby Road, Ithaca
Cost: donations welcome
Live on Stage
Local youth theater troupe Running to Places presents “Mean Girls”!
“Welcome to the wilds of an American high school! Cady Heron meets the Plastics, led by Queen Bee Regina George. Will Cady beat them at their own game – or become one of them, betraying her friends and herself in the process? This hilarious and poignant musical written by Tina Fey was nominated for 12 Tony awards. It runs approximately 2.5 hours in two acts. All seating is general admission.
“NOTE: This show tackles themes and situations facing high schoolers everywhere. It contains mature themes and situations and may not be suitable for all ages.”
When: through Sunday, Jan. 19. Shows are at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Hangar Theatre
Cost: free, but registration is required. “When registering, you will see the option to select tickets that are free, as well as tickets that have built-in donations at various levels. Select the tickets that are right for you. Participation for the kids & attendance for the audience is 100% FREE! This is only possible with the support of folks like you. Make a one-time donation when you register for tickets – or become an R2Patron today to support equitable access across our community.”
Twang Thang
The Amalgamators – Travis Forte on bass, Steve Gabriel on drums, Camilo Nascimento guitar –kick off their monthly residency at the Downstairs, playing “homespun versions of vintage jazz and classic surf rock instrumentals” on the third Thursday of every month
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10
Keepin’ It Country
The State Theatre of Ithaca kicks off 2025 with Ashley McBryde, the acclaimed country singer who just released her latest single, “Ain’t Enough Country Songs.” Winner of various Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards, McBryde is a member of the Grand Old Opry, and has scored several others hits, including “One Night Standards” and “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.”
Mae Estes will open the show; the Arkansas native has drawn raves for her hard-country sound, which includes her debut hit, “Thinkin Bout Cheatin.’”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16
Where: State Theatre of Ithaca
Cost: $36-$72, available online here and at the State Theatre Box Office
Son Henry
Son of the Blues
“Son Henry is an award-winning singer/songwriter and lap steel guitarist based in New York State. If Chris Stapleton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Robert Johnson met in a bar and decided to have a monster jam, you’d get a sound like Son Henry’s. His raw and melodic storytelling style reflects his love of Roots, Blues, and Vintage Country music. Son sings and performs original music on the guitar, lap steel, dobro, and slide guitar as either a solo artist or as a lead in bands with long-term collaborators in the UK, US, and Eastern Europe.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Hopshire Farms and Brewery
Cost: free; donations welcome
Ready for Release
Local Americana band Freight is set to release the first single "Somehow" off their upcoming album, "Old Bones," Friday at Stonebend Farm. The night will also premiere the accompanying video, shot at Stonebend Farm in summer 2024, starring local luminaries Max Moses and Margaret Harper of Cast Iron Cowboys
“Recorded at Grass Alley in Chicago, Ill, Sunwood Studios in Trumansburg, NY and Electric Wilburland in Newfield, NY, ‘Somehow’ is a powerhouse duet and an anthemic affirmation on the optimistic nature of love. Engineered by Jaime Gartelos, mastered by Dana Billings ‘Somehow’ finds Freight dabbling in a modern sound that mines the best of Nashville polish via midwest grit.”
Joining Freight for the evening are Michael Callahan and Janet Batch, who along with Freight, will reprise the Fall 2024 tour show, with opening sets and band sit-ins.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Stone Bend Farm
Cost: $10
Underground Sounds
Ithaca Underground will host its first show of 2025, bringing in locals Evil Sex Witch, Raindrop Collector, and Green As New Light along with Long Island’s Face Stabber. “Attention, people who like really cool things… This lineup is gonna damage your ears!” Open to all ages. (Poster by @whymustidothiss)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Bar
Cost: “Bring a crisp $10”
Yeller Tooth (Photo by Bailie de Lacy)
Resident Noise
Dom Martyr – the electro-pop project of Angelo Peters and Alicia Aubin – will host a month-long residency at the Downstairs, performing every Friday in January along with some special guests. This week’s edition features Ric Robertson, a singer-songwriter whose latest album is “Choices and Chains,” and Yeller Tooth, the duo of Sahar Milani and Cameron Scoggins.
When: 9 p.m. Fridays in January
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
From left: Chris White, Peter Dodge, and Robby Aceto of Cloud Chamber Orchestra
Z Marks the Spot
The Smith Opera House in Geneva will host Ithaca’s Cloud Chamber Orchestra, who will create a live improvised soundtrack to the classic 1920 silent film "The Mark of Zorro.”
“Step back in time and experience the swashbuckling action of The Mark of Zorro (1920), the iconic silent film that introduced Douglas Fairbanks as the masked hero Zorro. This legendary tale of adventure, romance, and justice in old California remains a cornerstone of action cinema, thrilling audiences for over a century.
“As part of the Smith’s 130th Birthday Film Series, this event features live musical accompaniment by the acclaimed Cloud Chamber Orchestra. Renowned for their inventive and improvisational scores, the ensemble will enhance the action-packed drama with a captivating live performance, bringing this classic film to life in a whole new way.” The band includes Chris White, Robby Aceto, and Peter Dodge, who will be joined by percussionist Damian Dodge and sound engineer Greg McGrath for this performance.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St., Geneva
Cost: $13-$20, available online here
Quiet Doom
“Best known incorporating organ bass pedals into his drum setup, allowing him to play bass and drums simultaneously, Willie B with guest J Tubbs joins us in the Grayhaven Lounge.” (Poster Art by Esmé Saccuccimorano)
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Grayhaven Motel, 657 Elmira Road, Ithaca
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
In Concert
The Ithaca Community Chorus and Chamber Singers will present their Winter Concert/
The Ithaca Community Chorus will perform Mozart’s Requiem and the Chamber Singers will perform two pieces by Jonathan Dove: “In Beauty May I Walk” and “Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars.” This concert is under the direction of Gerald Wolfe and in memory of H. Donald Hinman. Soloists include: Tamara Acosta, soprano; Caitlin Mathes, alto; Arthur Lewis, tenor; and David Neal, bass.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Cost: $20 (+$2.69 fee), available online here (free for children and students) and at the door.
Dance the Night Away
“Here we go again! Rage into the New Year with us! Your favorite, or at least something you're interested enough to click this link over, club event! Goth, Industrial, Dark Wave, Electronic, Cyberpunk, and whatever else we feel like playing. All in the palm of your hand!!! But for real, don't try to put me in the palm of your hand. I'm husky, you'll get hurt. BUT COME TO EVENT AND DANCE INSTEAD! That's more fun anyway!” Open to all ages.
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday
Where: Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar
Cost: “No cover, donations appreciated, but in no way expected.”
Setting Up Shop
Janet Batch continues the “Sad Sack Song Swamp” residency at the Downstairs, joined by various musical friends each Saturday in January. “Oh, it's gonna be so swampy!” she says.
This week’s edition features Freight’s JP Payton, Mortal Combine’s Michael Callahan, and the Cast Iron Cowboys’ Margaret Harper.
About Batch: “One part Stevie Nicks, two parts Johnny Cash, singer-songwriter Janet Batch hails from New York’s Finger Lakes region, writing and recording songs inspired by working-class life. Some anthemic, some heartbreaking, many songs harken back to the hardscrabble stories of her youth in the Rust Belt. She fronts a 4-piece band whose sound is reminiscent of the seventies and eighties country radio she was raised on. Her lyrics point to an affinity for poetry and prose and are a sweet surprise to those lucky enough to catch them; her style has been described as ‘country with an art degree.’”
When: 8 p.m. Saturdays in January
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10 or pay what you can
Neighbor
Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?
Deep Dive returns from its winter break by hosting Neighbor, “one of the most exciting and unpredictable live bands on the music scene today. Neighbor combines ambitious composition, soulful balladry, and a fearless approach to their lengthy improvisations. Not boxed in by a single genre, their songwriting brings elements of Americana, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Soul and more.”
Also on the bill is Rigometrics, hailing from Portland, Maine. “Their signature blend of multiple genres seamlessly unites classic rock with a contemporary edge, comprised of explosive guitar solos by Josef Berger effortlessly shredding through intricate melodies; Derek Haney providing a foundation through pulsating beats on the drums, and Keenan Hendricks hitting an extraordinary vocal range with hammering piano skills. Together, the three-piece band delivers performances that leave diverse audiences in awe and garner a dedicated fan base.”
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $12 (+$3.81 fee) in advance, available online here; $15 day of show
Guitar Man
“To celebrate the release of his 11th album, ‘Sunday Brunch,’ Dennis Winge will be hosting a workshop called 'The Art of Solo Guitar' followed by a concert for everyone!” The workshop for guitarists runs 6-6:45 p.m. (handouts are included) followed by the concert at 6:45-8 p.m.
When: 6-8 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Downstairs
Cost: $10/PWYC
You Say It’s Your Birthday!
Angry Mom Records will host E's Birthday Show, celebrating the founder of The ElectroZone and a key player in the Ithaca music scene.
“Your ears and auras will be blasted by the Killing Truth, Modular Moose, and Whistler's Motherf*cker (first show)! To finish the night off in style Black, MA will be bringing a killer DJ set! This show is all ages and all we are asking is $10! Come say happy birthday to E and have a wonderful time! See you there!”
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Angry Mom Records
Cost: $10
Going Galactic
The Galactic Escort Service returns to Deep Dive for Galactic Monday, with Ashley Ickes, Tenzin Chopak, Josh Oxford, Emmett Scott, and Michael Schuler ready to whip up some atmospheric grooves.
“Every Monday, a core group of Ithaca-based musicians join forces to create live improvised music on the spot. The group projects both obscure and classic films to aid in enhancing the experience as both audience and performers embark into the unknown spaces and places of the sonic realm. Guaranteed no two shows are the same, come be a part of the excitement of musical creation in real time.”
When: 9 p.m. Mondays
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $10
What’s the Frequency?
Femme Frequencies, a monthly, local women in music showcase hosted by Lilac Milk, returns to Deep Dive. This month’s lineup includes Margaret Harper, Colleen Countryman, Susannah Lee Powell, and Jessie Elizabeth.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: $8 (+ $3.21 fee) in advance, available online here; $15 day of show
For the Children
First Unitarian Society of Ithaca will host “Music for Little People,” a free biweekly class. “Share in the joy of music in this class, which is free and open to the public. Children aged 0-5 and their caregivers are welcome to meet us in the Arch Room each month. Sing, play, dance, explore instruments, and connect through music!”
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22
Where: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca (FUSIT), 306 N Aurora St.
Cost: free and open to all
Wednesday Night Jazz
Kicking off a full night of jazz, Greg Lofaro and The Firefly Trio return for the Deep Dive Jazz Happy Hour. They’ll be followed by the Deep Dive House Big Band at 8-10 p.m. and the People’s Jam hosted by Drew Martin at 10:30 p.m.
When: 6-11:30 p.m. every other Wednesday
Where: Deep Dive
Cost: free
Rena Guinn
More Shows
Yayle Hues are at Cortland Beer Company at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
The Scale House Brewery hosts its Open Mic Night at 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to CrossRoads in Lansing at 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday
Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg hosts its weekly Vinyl Showcase at 7-10 p.m. Thursday
Tavern on the Commons hosts Karaoke Night at 10 p.m. Thursday
Gerard Burke is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Friday
Rena Guinn is at South Hill Cider at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Stiv Morgan and Birds on the Wire team up at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Friday
Sandra Esparza and Benny Teitelbaum are Benny and The Mex
Benny and The Mex are at BRU64 at 6-8 p.m. Friday
M3 is at Summerhill Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Ed Iseley is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Jess Novak and Ben Wayne are at Heuga’s Alpine Bar and Grille at Song Mountain in Tully at 6-9 p.m. Friday
Ted Romer is at McGraw Box Brewing at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Clint Bush is at the Brackel Pub and Grub in McDonough at 7-10 p.m. Friday
Tommy Tornado is at Cortland Beer Company at 8-11 p.m. Friday
Jay Spaker of Double Tiger
Double Tiger and After Hours head to Syracuse’s Funk N Waffles at 8 p.m. Friday
The David Graybeard Trio is at Aurora Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
M3 is at the Puffin Bird at Labrador Mountain in Truxton at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Sean Farley is at Two Goats Brewing at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
The Dirtroad Ruckus Duo is at Treleaven Winery at 5-8 p.m. Saturday
The Elderly Brothers are at McGraw Box Brewing at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Benny and The Mex are at Homer Hops at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
The Dropouts are at ONCO Fermentations for “Stein Saturday” in Tully at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Rachel Beverly is at Brewer’s Kitchen and Taproom at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Sarah Noell and Friends are at South Hill Cider at 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Kenny Ende is at Grist Iron Brewing at 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Heavy Bone and the Good Times Zydeco Band trek to The Harmony House in Rochester at 7-11 p.m. Saturday
Soul Citizen Disco is at Cortland Beer Company at 8 p.m. Saturday
Benny T brings his Open Mic Posse to Summerhill Brewing at 1-4 p.m. Sunday
The Tarps are at Americana Vineyards at 2-4 p.m. Sunday
Bradshaw Blues continues the weekly blues series at ONCO Fermentations in Tully at 3-5 p.m. Sunday
Transient Kicks
Transient Kicks are at the Nest Tavern in Apulia at 4-7 p.m. Sunday
Storyhouse Ithaca hosts Presentation Night at Liquid State Brewing at 7-9 p.m. Tuesday ($5 suggested donation)
Kenneth McLaurin hosts Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night at The Downstairs at 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
Argos Grove plays jazz at Bar Argos at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Brookton’s Market hosts jazz night with What’s Cookin’ at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday
Levi Dusseau returns to 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
Heavy Bone and the Good Times Zydeco Band play The Harmony House in Rochester at 7-11 p.m. Saturday.