Category: Ithaca

  • Recording Studios in Central New York

    New York State is home to a great deal of recording studios, and Central New York certainly has their fair share. These studios are found from Ithaca to Syracuse and Utica, with many of these studios having a long and rich history, while others have only been around for a few years.

    Cooperstown, NY

    Rep Studio in the heart of downtown Ithaca provides recording artists with a spacious, comfortable environment in which to create and hone a first-rate product, whether it be a music CD, a radio spot, custom music for any application, sound to picture, or anything else audio.

    Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca is a state-of-the-art recording facility that has worked with both major label and independent artists worldwide for the past 30 years. The studio offers music production services for the entire album-making process including writing, recording, mixing, and mastering. Pyramid Sound is equipped with a live room that features three iso booths built with acoustic production in mind. Both the live room and the control room are built on sand and separated from one another to avoid excessive bleeding and vibrations, and both spaces are patchable to any other room via both instrument and speaker cables.

    The live room in Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca.

    Discover Recording Studios from across New York State in Western New York, the Capital Region, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New York City.

    Subcat Studios was originally founded in 2001 in Skaneateles before moving to Syracuse. The SAG-AFTRA-approved studio offers music recording and production, professional video production, and other educational services for recording artists. Mastering Engineer and Principal Owner Ron Keck had been working with digital recording since 1989. Because of his experience and skillset, SubCat quickly gained a reputation for high-quality audio recording. Today, SubCat prides itself on high-quality studio recording, remote recording, audio mixing and mastering, videography and photography, graphic design, CD and DVD duplication, printing, and much more.

    Studio A in Subcat Studios is equipped with a drum set.

    Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica has a rich and extensive history. It was initially a wooden church erected in 1920, and on October 9, 1927, the current brick church building opened to the public with an auditorium filled. Big Blue North was purchased by its current owners, Audio Engineer Jeff Aderman and Studio Manager Pamela Jardieu in 2000 and underwent two and a half years of renovation under the supervision of audio industry icon John Storyk. The facility opened as Castle Recording Studio in 2003, and continued until the owner’s retirement 10 years later, reopening as Big Blue North Recording Studio in 2013.

    Big Blue North Recording Studio comes equipped with 5,000 square foot residence, a.k.a The Fort, with a large kitchen and dining room to self-cater your meals, a living room with a big TV to veg out, a practice room to work out your parts, a library to check your email, a private outdoor courtyard to get some fresh air, four bedrooms and an attached garage to securely park the band van and free wireless internet. Weekly cleaning service is included. Available free of charge for out-of-town residents.

    There are several recording studios throughout New York State and Central New York where aspiring musicians can produce music in their pursuit of making their musical dreams come true. If you know of another we missed, reach out to editors@nysmusic.com!

  • In Focus: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad at Ithaca Reggae Festival 2023

    Ithaca Reggae Festival 2023 took over Stewart Park this over June 23-24, bringing some roots and rhymes to local reggae fans. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad closed the festival off Saturday evening playing some favorites.

    For five years now the Ithaca Reggae Festival has been drawing crowds to the Finger Lakes Region. This years line up included Sundub, New Planets, Scientist, Double Tiger, and the Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. With great food, arts, and activities for youth and adults, the reggae festival helps build community and keeps the music alive.

    Rochester Reggae and Jam band Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad finished the festival off Saturday night with high energy felt from both the crowd and the band. Founded in 2001, the band is well known for their reggae roots and dub sounds. Performing old and new songs from their latest release, Love In Time, the crowd was left wanting more.

  • NY Harvest Festival Announces Return for 26th Annual Celebration

    The NY Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair are returning to Ithaca for the 26th straight year of celebrating music, arts, and cannabis culture. Taking place October 6-9, 2023 at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds, attendees will get to experience a packed musical lineup along with interactions with local cannabis companies.

    NY Harvest Festival
    2021 NY Harvest Festival Cannabis Cup

    Featuring multiple stages, fine art displays, street vendors, workshops, activist & educational speakers, a farmers market, onsite camping, and many more activities, the NY Harvest Festival expects to embody the connection between cannabis and music.

    On Friday, October 6, the headliner event features two sets of Dogs in a Pile, whose exploratory music blends psychedelia, jazz, fusion, funk, traditional, and rock n roll. Performing their first-ever festival show here years ago, Dogs in a Pile returns to put on yet another unforgettable showing.

    Saturday, October 7th’s lineup will additionally feature more local New York talent, as Sophistafunk, The Garcia Project, Gratefully Yours, and special guest Immortal Technique will all take the stage.

    Other artists anticipating performances at the event include The Tyler Neal Band, Tony Vacca & World Rhythms, EARTH, The Cosmic Charlies, and so many other up-and-coming local talents.

    Lastly, the festival’s main event, the Cannabis Cup, takes place Sunday, October 8 at 4:20 pm, and festival producer and veteran NY cannabis activist Rob Robinson will be the host. Known as America’s longest-running cannabis cup, everyone over 21 that wants to be, gets the opportunity to be a judge.

    “NY Harvest Fest is a celebration of our cannabis culture. A place where the culture could always feel free, despite prohibition. Now that cannabis is legal and its potential is being realized, we are excited to bring this event, this culture, back into the light.”

    – Rob Robinson

    As the longest-running, largest, private cannabis event in New York, the NY Harvest Festival continues paving the way in the marijuana industry while intertwining it with community involvement. Now, for the 26th straight year, the festival has even more freedom and excitement surrounding cannabis legalization.

    A shot of the crowd from the 2022 NY Harvest Festival
  • Catch Dogs In A Pile at 3 NY Festivals This Summer and Fall

    Dogs In A Pile, a rising funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia fusion quintet, has announced their Fall 2023 tour dates, bringing their total sound to three music festivals in NY this summer and fall.

    Dogs In A Pile in San Diego, CA. Credit: Dogs In A Pile Instagram / @dogsinapileband

    Hailing from Ashbury Park, NJ, the band began when guitarist Jimmy Law, a student of the Philadelphia University of the Arts, and drummer Joe Babick, a student of the Count Basie Theater program, began to play together.

    They were joined by Berklee School of Music student and bass player Sam Lucid, who recommended Berklee student and keyboard player Jeremy Kaplan. The final addition to Dogs In A Pile came in 2019 with Berklee student and guitarist Brian Murray.

    Their latest work is their studio album “Bloom,” featuring nine tracks by the band. It can be found on Spotify alongside the band’s other works.

    The band has credited a string of local shows with their quick rise in popularity, leading to their tours in the summer and fall. Keeping with the theme, Dogs In A Pile calls their fanbase the Dog Pound.

    Concert Dates

    June 7 – Madame Lous – Seattle, WA

    June 8 – Jack London – Portland, OR

    June 9 – Domino Room – Bend, OR

    June 10 – Hogfarm Hideaway – Laytonville, CA

    June 15 – Weiser River Fest – Weiser, ID

    June 17 – Northlands Festival – Swanzey, NH

    June 23 – Beardfest – Hammonton, NJ

    June 24 – Back Home Festival – New Martinsville, WV

    June 25 – Electric Forest – Rothbury, MI

    June 30 – Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA

    July 14 – Gambler’s Run Festival – Lake Tahoe, CA

    July 21 – Gathering at Chaffee’s – Girard, PA

    July 28 – Rye Bread Music Festival – Schaghticoke, NY

    July 29 – Weekend at Bertha’s – Wilmington, DE

    Aug. 5 – Flood City Music Festival – Johnstown, PA

    Aug. 11 – Catskill Mountain Jubilee – East Durham, NY

    Aug. 12 – Jam Packed – Richmond, VA

    Aug. 19 – Oxbow Music Festival – Morrisville, VT

    Sept. 7 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

    Sept. 9 – Basement East – Nashville, TN

    Sept. 10 – Cohab Space – High Point, NC

    Sept. 27 – The Summit – Columbus, OH

    Sept. 28 – Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI

    Sept. 29 – Mr. Smalls – Pittsburgh, PA

    Oct. 6 – NY Harvest Festival – Trumansburg, NY

    Oct. 7 – The Sinclair – Boston, MA

    Oct. 8 – Ramble Music Festival – Darlington, MD

    Oct. 12 – Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA

    Sept. 7 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA

    Sept. 8 – Pour House – Raleigh, NC

    Pre-sale will begin June 7, and tickets will go on sale June 9 for their Fall tour dates. More information on both the band and tickets can be found on their website.

  • 5th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest Returns in June

    The 5th annual Ithaca Reggae Fest will be held from June 23rd to the 24th at Stewart Park. This will be a family-friendly community event celebrating the meeting point of Jamaican and New York State reggae.

    The Fest will kick off on Friday, June 23rd from 5 to 9 PM at the Large Pavilion in Stewart Park. This Welcome Block Party will feature performances from DJ Jesse Hill, Mohawk peoples’ Ononkwa-Medicine, and the GIAC Jumpers. Following these opening acts will be legendary Jamaican producer, Scientist, who will be performing a select set with various special guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in civic responsibility by participating in the HeadCount Voter Drive, with the opportunity to register to vote, and other things.

    On the following Saturday, June 24th, the festivities will continue beginning at 9 AM with 108 Sun Salutations led by the festival’s partners Yoga Farm. After the Salutations, festival goers will have the opportunity to participate in additional yoga activities as well as a free breakfast. A Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ Cultural Celebration and community drum circle with One Heart Community Drumming will directly follow to launch a day full of incredible artists.

    In addition to the headlining performers including the Rochester-based Giant Panda Guerrilla Squad and the Ithaca-based Double Tiger, Saturday’s lineup includes some of the best reggae bands from throughout New York State from Brooklyn’s SunDub to Ithaca’s own afrofunk New Planets.

    The Ithaca Reggae Fest will also feature various “villages” for festival goers to visit and participate in, each with their own theme. As the festival is dedicated to protecting Cayuga Lake, it will showcase numerous water protection organizations from throughout the state in its Education Village. Divertingly, the Youth Village is a place where young people can find a sense of belonging at the festival as Ithaca’s own GIAC is organizing various activities including face painting, family yoga, hula hooping, art projects, games, the Physics Bus, and more.

    With a focus on all things art, GIAC and famous artist Jay Stooks will be hosting the Art Village featuring numerous local, regional, and national artists. These individuals will be creating live art in addition to an interactive mural for all to paint on throughout the day on Saturday.

    Lastly, the Fest is in collaboration with AJ Kohn of the Philadelphia Skateboard Academy, Real Action Sports, and The School of Shred. They will be presenting Skateboard Village which will be hosting the 2nd Annual Flat Attack US Pro/Am Championships of Flatland Freestyle Skateboarding. The event will be free to attend and open to all to register. The Qualifying Rounds take place on Friday, June 23 from 11 AM to 5 PM before the Championships on Saturday, June 24 from 2 to 7 PM. Everything skateboarding will take place at the Tennis Courts in Stewart Park. Following the Championship there will be an open invitation to all local and regional skateboarders to compete in a game of S.K.A.T.E., Highest Ollie, and Kicker Best Trick with tons of prizes and raffles. The Art and Skateboard Village is open to the public, and no Ithaca Reggae Fest ticket is needed to participate.

    The Ithaca Reggae Fest aims to bring the community together through music, art, and everything in between. Tickets and more information can be found here, with local tickets available at Ithaca Guitar Works.

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Concludes 2022-23 Season

    Ithaca’s Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Season Chamber Series concludes on May 28 at First Unitarian Church, with Iberian Enchantment and a program featuring musicians from the orchestra and friends.

    Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Concludes 2022-23 Season

    The season’s final program will feature the Turnia Piano Trio No. 1, The Saraste Navarra and the Louise Farrenc Nonet. Ten talented musicians will perform the pieces, combining winds, strings, and piano. They will play a sparkling Turina, a quick Saraste, and the riveting Farrenc, transporting the audience with their combined musical talent.

    Organizers will unveil an exciting 2023-24 season in June, as the 2022-23 season draws to a close. Furthermore, the orchestra will present its four finalists for the next Music Director and its lineup of soloists.

    The CCO, officially known as “Ithaca’s Orchestra,” founded in 1976 The CCO’s annual program comprises an Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, a Holiday concert, free Family Concerts, and the William Daestch Youth Outreach Program, recipient of the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. Additionally, in 2017, the CCO added a program for advanced students, the Youth Orchestra Program. In 2019, the CCO launched a Diversity Career Fellowship program for college students from underrepresented communities in classical music.

    Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the door. Tickets cost $38.50 for adults and $12 for students with ID.

    For more information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and tickets, visit their website here, or contact the CCO at (607)-273-8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.

  • Celebrate the legendary Grateful Dead show at Barton Hall, performed 46 years ago today

    It was 46 years ago today that one of the most notable Grateful Dead shows ever was performed at Barton Hall at Cornell University on May 8, 1977. One of the most revered and traded shows in the band’s history, the Barton Hall show is a thing of legend, a perfect way to introduce new fans to the band and a performance for the ages with stand out versions of numerous Dead songs.

    The band played its first of three shows at Cornell (1977, 1980, and 1981) on May 8, 1977, and were booked by the Cornell Concert Commission after some troubles with booking live acts in the years prior. However, this was not the first live campus appearance from the Grateful Dead members. Jerry Garcia Band had performed at Cornell’s Bailey Hall less than two years prior on October 27, 1975. The lineup for the May 1977 show included the core of Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, as well as Donna and Keith Godcheaux.

    grateful dead barton hall
    Cornell ’77 Poster designed by Cornell alumnus Jay Maybrey

    In past years, the Cornell Chimes have commemorated the day with a performance of Grateful Dead tunes on a set of bells housed in historic McGraw Tower. One of the university’s oldest musical traditions, the 21-bells are played primarily by student chimesmasters.

    Read our review of Peter Conners’ ‘Cornell ’77’ and our interview with then-Cornell freshman Larry Reichman who took photos at the legendary show for his book Barton Hall 5/8/77.

    Grateful Dead at Barton Hall, Cornell University, May 8, 1977

    Set 1: New Minglewood Blues, Loser, El Paso, They Love Each Other, Jack Straw, Deal, Lazy Lightnin’, Supplication Blues, Brown Eyed Women, Mama Tried, Row Jimmy, Dancin’ in the Streets

    Set 2: Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain, Estimated Prophet, St. Stephen > Not Fade Away > St. Stephen, Morning Dew

    Encore: One More Saturday Night

  • State Theatre of Ithaca Announces Inaugural ‘Benefit My State Variety Hour’

    The State Theatre of Ithaca has announced the inaugural “Benefit My State Variety Hour,” showcasing what the theatre has to offer and the stories behind why the historic venue truly matters to the Ithaca Community, featuring performances by many well-known acts.

    The historic State Theatre of Ithaca is Tompkins County’s last remaining historic theatre, enriching the community since 1928, operated and preserved by the non-for-profit organization State Theatre of Ithaca Inc. The theatre is active and hosts many national, international, and community performances and programming, from comedians to world-class musicians. The Benefit My State Variety hour is being produced by The State Theatre of Ithaca and DSP Shows.

    Dan Smalls of DSP Shows explains that “This event is a pretty amazing way to show off all the great things that happen at the State Theatre. Sure we do tons of great internationally touring music and comedy acts, but here we can show off the best of our local organizations side by side and also share a passion for this building.  Every one of them has a fabulous State Theatre Story to tell and on May 17 we will hear all of them in addition to seeing their performances.” Performers include Sam Nelson of X AMBASSADORS, Richie Stearns, The Ithaca Ballet, Running To Places, Galumpha, Southside Community Center’s CUMEP, and more.

    The “Benefit My State Variety Hour” is The State Theatre of Ithaca’s biggest fundraiser of the year. “Over the past decade, our “Benefit My State” concerts have been a fun and creative way to remind this community that The State Theatre of Ithaca is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. This year’s format will be much different than past ‘Benefit’ shows in that we look forward to offering a taste of all of the types of artists that grace our stage to enrich, inspire and connect us at The State Theatre of Ithaca,” said Executive Director, Doug Levine. “Since re-opening after a 20-month hiatus, all local arts organizations are still facing major challenges. There are some signs of improvement, but numbers are still far off from what they were before the pandemic. The funds raised through this benefit concert will directly enhance this organization and help ensure a healthy future for this important community asset.” 

    In addition to general admission tickets, VIP tickets are available for the event. VIP Ticket holders are invited to a cocktail hour after the performance and a meet and greet with the performers. Tickets are on sale now.

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Announces Spring Performance “Eastern Bloc”

    The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, based in Ithaca, will welcome spring with their bright “Eastern Bloc” program on April 23. The orchestra promises a “musical potpourri” of strings, piano and wind instruments, played by members and friends of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra

    Cayuga Chamber Orchestra

    “Eastern Bloc” will kick off with the Arensky Piano Trio No.1 performed by Christina Bouey, Rosemary Elliott and Charis Dimaras. The Ligeti Six Bagatelles for Wind Quintet will follow, played by Wendy Mehne, Paige Morgan, Sarah Chandler, Cathryn Gaylord and Madison Warren. Finally, instrumentalists from both previous performances will join with Diego Vásquez, Michael Sinicropi and Vadim Serebryany for Martinů’s La revue de cuisine. 

    Also known as “Ithaca’s Orchestra,” the CCO has been running since 1976. The orchestra runs multiple programs for students, including their Youth Orchestra and Diversity Career Fellowship program which provides opportunities in classical music for historically underrepresented students. 

    Tickets for the show on April 23 are $38.50 for adults and $12 for students with college ID. They can be purchased here, or at the door.

  • Mikaela Davis ‘Here Comes Sunshine’ Residency Coming to Upstate

    Following up on her successful Dead of Winter Residency singer-songwriter and classically trained harpist Mikaela Davis will be playing a Here Comes Sunshine Residency in May at Upstate locations like Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and more.

    Mikaela Davis, photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage.

    Mikaela Davis is a native of Rochester, navigating folk, rock, and chamber pop in her music. She emerged in the early 2010s showcasing her harp skills with solo covers of indie singer/songwriters, producing her debut album Delivery in 2018. At age eight she began studying classical harp at the Crane School of Music, writing her own songs after that, and touring whenever she wasn’t in school. Since her debut, she has released several singles, including August’s release of “Left Hand Path,” and has shared the stage with Bob Weir, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, and more. She also performs with her band Southern Star, recently recording at the Relix Studio in New York City, releasing an exclusive Relix Studios vinyl.

    Davis recently announced she will be playing a Here Comes Sunshine Residency in May in multiple Upstate cities like Ithaca, Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse, with additional one-off shows in Burlington, VT, and the Rochester Lilac Festival. All residency shows will feature two sets, a mixture of original & Grateful Dead songs. Along with the announcement of these shows, Davis says a brand new album is in the works, to be announced at a later date.

    For more information about Mikaela Davis and to buy tickets to her Here Comes Sunshine Residency, visit here.

    Mikaela Davis Residency Shows

    5/2 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show]
    5/3 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show]
    5/4 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show]

    5/5 – Burlington VT – Burlington, VT [Residency Show]
    5/7 – Ithaca NY [Residency Show]
    5/8 – Ithaca NY [Residency Show]
    5/9 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show]
    5/10 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show]
    5/11 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show]
    5/15 – Rochester NY – Lilac Festival
    5/16 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show]
    5/18 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show]
    5/19 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show]