05/03/2018
Lineup includes a wide range of highly talented groups and varied music genres
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance enthusiastically announces its dynamic lineup for the CFCU (Community Credit Union) Summer Concert Series! Free and fun for the entire family, these melodic exhibitions will take place at 6 p.m. each Thursday (except for two shows) between June 21 and September 7, 2018, at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons, 202 East State St. Ithaca.
The series will cover a variety of genres, ranging from jazz to bluegrass to rock and pop.
Vanishing Sun, a popular Rochester-based R&B, jazz and funk group, will kick off the series on June 21 (the summer solstice) by delivering an explosive, tight, high energy show. From the jam scene to jazz festivals, the band has steadily drawn a following from music fans young and old, and from all walks of life.
For those who enjoy some soul with a bit of rock vibe, New Orleans-based singer/songwriter Maggie Koerner, who is already recognizable on the national tour circuit for her incredible live performances with esteemed and festival-favorite acts, will be performing on July 12.
Reggae is also in the mix with Taj Weekes & Adowa joining the series for the July 18 (that’s a Wednesday) show. Taj Weekes & Adowa unite a vibrant diversity of sounds with thoughtful, lush arrangements and a finely honed penchant for telling poetic tales of hardship and hope. Though long hailed by reggae fans, Weekes defies simple genre formulas. His intuitive, intense songwriting ties together the many threads of his Caribbean heritage and honors his unflagging engagement with the world as a musician, philanthropist, and lecturer.
Ithaca’s own The Blind Spots and The Gunpoets will once again be part of this incredible series along with local favorites Thru Spectrums, Viva Mayhem, Fall Creek Brass Band, The Hilltoppers, and Stone Cold Miracle.
East Hill Classic Jazz Band, another popular group from the area, will be popping in for a Saturday afternoon show on August 18 at 1 pm. This talented quartet is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the History Center of Tompkins County is releasing Ithaca Our Home: The 40-year Musical Odyssey, a book outlining the jazz band’s four-decade music career.
Rounding out this impressive list of performers are Kwame Binea Shakedown (roots rock from NYC) and Searson (Celtic pop from Ontario, Canada).
New this year, concert-goers won’t have to worry about a rain date for shows. The Range on the Commons will host any of the concerts affected by adverse weather.
While you’re attending the Summer Concert Series, visit the concession stand where you’ll find a grand selection of tasty wines from Wagner Vineyards and refreshing beers from Seneca Beverage Company. Please have your state ID ready when purchasing alcoholic beverages.
“We are thrilled to once again present a lineup featuring highly talented musicians and singers with diversified sounds. We are truly grateful for CFCU and all of our other sponsors for helping to keep this crowd-pleasing tradition alive,” said Summer Keown, Downtown Ithaca Alliance Special Events Director.
CFCU Community Credit Union (CFCU) returns as title sponsor of the award-winning CFCU Summer Concert Series and will be continuing their support of the United Way through a fundraiser with exciting prizes. Concertgoers can buy a reusable cup, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the United Way, and be entered to win special prizes throughout the summer.
“The CFCU Summer Concert Series is a wonderful opportunity for concertgoers to experience community on a whole new level. We’re proud to partner with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance to bring this popular, family-friendly activity to the community and to find yet another way to support local businesses,” says Lisa Whitaker, CFCU’s President, and CEO.
This year, the series is also made possible by significant support by Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons, Seneca Beverage Company, Wagner Vineyards, and Cayuga Radio Group.
2018 CFCU Summer Concert Series Schedule
June 21 Vanishing Sun (R&B/Jazz/Funk)
June 28 Thru Spectrums (Funk/Rock)
July 5 Viva Mayhem (Ska)
July 12 Maggie Koerner (Soul/Rock)
July 18* Taj Weekes & Adowa (Reggae/Afro Folk)
July 26 Searson (Canadian Celtic Pop)
Aug. 2 Fall Creek Brass Band (Brass Funk)
Aug. 9 Stone Cold Miracle (Soul)
Aug. 16 The Hilltoppers (Bluegrass)
Aug. 18* East Hill Classic Jazz Band (Jazz)
Aug. 23 The Blind Spots (Moxy Rock)
Aug. 30 Kwame Binea Shakedown (Roots Rock)
Sept. 6 Gunpoets (Hip-Hop)
*Denotes non-Thursday shows. Taj Weekes is performing on a Wednesday evening and East Hill Classic Jazz Band is performing on a Saturday at 1 p.m.
For more information about the CFCU Summer Concert Series and other Downtown Ithaca summer events, please visit www.downtownithaca.com or visit Downtown Ithaca’s Facebook Event Page. To listen to a selection of music from this year’s performers, check out our 2018 Summer Concert Series Playlist on Spotify at https://spoti.fi/2r9QJJZ.
