DIY America #4: Ithaca NY
a vibrant college-town creative enclave in the heart of the Finger Lakes
Ithaca, NY
by Ryan Titus
What’s good gunkyarrrd. Before I get started, I want to thank y’all for launching diy america. The opportunity to put on for our cities, especially an oft-overlooked one such as the case here, is very much appreciated. So I’ll cut to the chase...
A quaint college town (home to Cornell University & Ithaca College) of about 35,000 – and growing – Ithaca, New York is the creative haven of the Southern Tier region. Conveniently situated in “the flats” at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, the city is surrounded by richly forested hillsides and unique geological formations (gorges, waterfalls, rapids, and most notably the Finger Lakes) which make it ripe for hikers and those with an affinity for the great outdoors. By any measure, this is among the most liberal of any small American city. It’s an interesting dynamic – progressive rural hippy folks abound coupled with a significant international presence. “The Commons” is the pedestrian corridor & epicenter of downtown, wherein you will find your post-show dive bars, various eateries, etc. . . Performing spaces are sprinkled throughout adjacent neighborhoods, a fair portion within walking distance.
Quick & to the point about me: I dj deep groovy soulful house music in the region under the moniker titus. Having just moved back here after a half decade between Texas & Florida, I am still finding my footing. Currently I host a vinyl-only radio show on the WRFI airwaves named eudaemonia. I would love to invite guest dj’s on the show to help foster a relationship with house music purveyors in the northeast region of the States. With that said, if any of you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out – my salient goal in this piece is to contribute to the enrichment of all sorts of musical offerings within the area.
*Bonus Note*
Given its prime location, those open to an extended stay would be able to secure shows at many of the wineries/breweries/venues in the surrounding Finger Lakes region. If interested in doing so, now is the time to lock in those dates!!! I am happy to furnish you with a list of places if that is the case. Just email me: rtitus2110@gmail.com
WHERE TO PLAY:
Best underground music venue in the city. Proper stage. Ample bar space. Professional sound. Connected to a sizable outdoor patio on the Cayuga Lake inlet.
Book: booking@deepdiveithaca.com
2 level listening room & cocktail bar. The Watershed upstairs is more of the gallery/socializing section, whereas the member-supported downstairs level contains an intimate live music room with a small bar. A vast array of nightly programming. Most reliable place to score a local gig.
Book: info@thedownstairsithaca.org
Perfect outdoor space for a music-drenched daytime/evening kick back. Neighborhood gathering spot.
Book: events@northstarpub.com
Flexible space open to both bands & dj’s. Charming & rustic.The stage, dance floor, & bar are situated in such a way that fosters a fun & intimate experience.
Book: https://www.cedarwoodeventvenue.com/party-inquiry; send DM @ https://www.facebook.com/cedarwoodny
A quick drive up the west side of Cayuga Lake will deliver you to the finest cidery in the area. Outstanding hosts of live music everyFriday night from May-September. Highest quality food & beverage. Several unique structures on-site available for booking an overnight stay.
Book: booking@fingerlakesciderhouse.com (music is usually booked by the end of March for that year.)
Popular hangout. Stellar cider. Weekends are always booked full of live music & DJ’s. For those who lead an active lifestyle, there is a hiking trail conveniently nestled alongside the cidery.
Book: booking@southhillcider.com
Supreme glamping site located in South Hill. Hosts of the ever-cozy “Firelight Live” every Tuesday evening from spring to fall. Cozy campfire lounge area. A truly unique venue for a celebratory gathering of music & life. Shares grounds with La Tourelle Resort & Spa.
Book: info@firelightcamps.com ; emily@firelightcamps.com
Exceptional theatre well known for hosting national music concerts.
Book: info@center4art.org
Ithaca’s premier non-alcohol hang. Decent sized stage & dance-floor with several “tuck-away” rooms. Ideal for unique/unusual performances.
Book: Instagram DM or call 607-272-5282
Local musician jazz performance every Wednesday. It’s worth getting in touch to see if you can slide in and add to an always delightful lounge-bar experience. Argo’s Warehouse across the parking lot is an outstanding place to take in an elevated party experience if there are DJ’s playing that night; however, they will not work with any other dj’s besides the current residents.
Book: DM https://www.instagram.com/argosinn/ ; call 607-319-4437
Wonderful hang. Great staff, great food, great drinks. Hosts of “vinyl thursdays” with local dj’s in rotation. Volume must stay relatively moderate/conversational. DJ booth has all you need, just bring enough records to play for ~3 hours.
Book: email me rtitus2110@gmail.com & i can connect you.
Community School of Music & Arts
Spaces are available for rent. Have been known to throw legit parties. Right downtown in the middle of all the happenings.
Book: start a rental inquiry @ https://csma-ithaca.org/rehearsal-space/
The art space is a flexible, multidisciplinary arts & performance venue on the west side of town. Space specs.
Book: email production & events manager shawn@thecherry.org
MAJOR EVENTS:
Long-standing annual rural live music festival. Held in nearby Trumansburg. Absolutely beloved by the locals & people far and wide. The vinyl dj tent is always a hit.
A full day, city-wide celebration of live music performed on neighborhood resident’s porches – taking place every fall. Very popular amongst the local community.
A lovely weekend festival hosted at Stewart Park, perfectly situated on the ever picturesque Cayuga Lake. Taking place annually every June. Annual Flat Attack US Pro/Am Championships of Flatland Freestyle Skateboarding takes place alongside the reggae festival.
Held every June-September on Thursdays. Performances take place at the Bernie Milton Pavillion in the Ithaca Commons (aka in the middle of heavy downtown foot traffic). Performers selected by April 1; fill out application here.
LOCAL PROMOTERS & RESOURCES:
Microtones (house/techno)(tonesmicro@gmail.com) (@microtones.wav on instagram)
Ithaca Underground (electronic/punk) (booking@ithacaunderground.org)
Angry Mom Records (throw punk/indie shows on the regular)
Jack Reynolds (widely respected Front of House Sound Engineer & studio manager)
FLX Music 24/7 (event aggregator)(flxmusic247@gmail.com ; 315-651-5937)
LOCAL BANDS/DJs:
New Planets (world/afrobeat/funk)
MAQ (jazz/latin)
Hank Roberts (free jazz)
Mosaic Foundation (roots reggae)
John Brown’s Body (dub/reggae)
Analogue Sons (dub/jazz)
Don’t Don’t (indie pop)(guitarist is booker @ The Downstairs also)
Delaques (groove fusion)
Cast Iron Cowboys (country western)
Richie Stearns and Rosie Newton (americana)
Fall Creek Brass Band (new orleans jazz/funk)
Junkyard Theory (trip hop/dub/electronic)
Proper Philth (gangsta funk/disco)
DJ Art-V (all forms of African music, vinyl only)
Kamal Naeem (eclectic dance/house/world) Soundcloud
DJ Dijon (funk/disco/world)
Aparece (boogie/disco/dance/world)
DJ Mateo (funk/hip hop/world)
DJ Midwife (house/techno/electronic)
Whoisbriantech (house/techno)
Glitter Skulls (live techno synth wizard)
DJ Highstone (vinyl only rave journey)
DJ ha-MEEN (Reggaeton/Hip Hop)(Cornell Hip Hop Archivalist)
DJ Tuggle (versatile dance music)
FOOD
mama said hand pies (next level savory)
Asia Cuisine (just go, seriously - Ithaca staple)(126 N Aurora St)
Angel Hearts Diner (vegan comfort)
Viva Taqueria (mexican)
Tacos CDMX (tacos)
Botanist (my favorite cafe)
Ithaca Ale House (modern pub & fare)
Hound and Mare (excellent cafe/bakery)
Gimme Coffee (very popular & high quality, with a couple locations)
Cafe DeWitt (breakfast & brunch)
Alley Cat Cafe (coffee for cat lovers)
Hawi Ethiopian (simply outstanding)
North Star Pub (quality neighborhood pub, great food)
Le Cafe Cent-Dix (bomb French)
Franco’s Pizzeria (thin crust haven)
The Yellow Deli (just about the only late night option. It’s a cult. But hey, sometimes your hungry :p)
Hazelnut Kitchen (cozy eatery in nearby Trumansburg)
Thompson and Bleeker (pizza, pasta, wine - all very fine)
Moosewood Restaurant (innovative & vibrant vegan)
Simeon’s American Bistro (upscale & cozy)
Coltivare (very nice farm-to-table)
Gola Osteria (eclectic italian)
Milkstand (ideal breakfast & lunch hotspot)
Meru Ramen (the real deal)
Ithaca Bakery (something for everyone here, 2 locations)
Bickering Twins (my fav. tequila bar/mexican restaurant)
The Greenhouse Cafe (coffee & cocktail lounge)
by Ryan Titus
ˋ°•*⁀➷ GUNK CLASSIFIEDSˋ°•*⁀➷
is your band (or solo act) looking to connect with other bands or performers to put together a bill for an upcoming show? send GUNK a little intro to your music (no links sorry) including an email address for a reply and we’ll publish the listings!
—> thegunkyard@gmail.com **if you’d rather your email address not listed let us know and we can get you in touch with interested parties**
My name is Cooper Gillespie and I play music under the name Coloring Book. I just put my first album "gumball sport" on streaming services, and I really want to start playing shows to promote it. I'm based in Brooklyn. The quickest (but cheapest) way I'd describe my music is a mix between Dan Deacon and Animal Collective, but I think it's more than that. Ultimately some friends have said it's experimental electronic. I'm studying music composition at The New School and definitely apply what I learn there into my music. email: coopergillespie@gmail.com++Get to the gig (today! tomorrow!):
2/20: TO-GO RECORDS ANNOUNCES “DISCOVERING NYC” COMPILATION + RELEASE SHOW: the comp features Brutus VIII, Nara's Room, sweet93, Playland, S.C.A.B., Femcel, Balaclava, and a lot more, with a release show @Alphaville on Feb 20th. A portion of proceeds from the comp and the release show will be donated to LA wildfire relief and Palestinian Children's Fund. Tapes available at the show
2/20: Lambskiss Debut, PFFU, DJ Silky Smooth @ Cassette
2/21: Measure Twice Reading and Songshare: Fenne Lily, Leah Rando, Isaac Stalling + more @ Cassette
xx ceci and hannah
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