Ithaca

STRFKR makes a name for themselves in Ithaca
By Nathan Mattise
April 13, 2011 - 8:47am
Review: The Portland, Ore., electro-pop act makes an impression on fans and local authorities with an intimate, raucous set.

The alarm continued to wail in rhythm with the music as STRFKR played their version of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” None of the 100 or so people in attendance really noticed or reacted, all too busy dancing. Firefighters eventually ushered everyone out of the attic-like space. The lead singer of the local opening act, Bruce Hyde of Blow!, grabbed his equipment and evacuated to the street like everyone else.

“Great show tonight.”

Review: Broken Social Scene brings Ithaca to its feet
By Nathan Mattise
September 25, 2010 - 2:46pm
Canadian indie rock collective put on a singularly emotional, two-hour show.

Kevin Drew started the night off by letting the audience know the exact atmosphere he wanted to create.

“It’s a Friday night, let’s pretend we’re all at a basement party somewhere in Ohio.” He paused and took in the scene at the Ithaca State Theater, “At least it is a Friday night.”

Hail St. Vincent
By Trevor Jett Wells
October 23, 2009 - 10:20am
Review: Annie Clark rewards Ithaca’s surprising turnout with a legendary performance.

Hoards of college students and locals pressed the stage at local dive bar Castaways in Ithaca to get a glimpse of St. Vincent and lead singer, Annie Clark. Clark approached the microphone with her soft eyes and her innocently sweet voice, and as the band opened up with their hit single, “Strangers,” Clark let out her silky voice.

The Sand Men: Buddhist monks create sand mandala
By Amy Su
October 20, 2009 - 2:16pm
Buddhist monks spent more than 30 hours creating an intricate sand mandala in Eggers Hall at Syracuse University.

Buddhist monks Lobsang Tashi and Dhondup Gyaltsen spent more than 30 hours creating an intricate sand mandala in Eggers Hall at Syracuse University.

Then, at the end of the five days, they lifted a vase of water and poured it over their creation — destroying everything in moments.

Can't miss CNY concerts for October
By Nathan Mattise
October 1, 2009 - 6:33pm
If you want to create a music "scene" for yourself in Syracuse, you need to expand your horizons (specifically south to Ithaca and west to Buffalo). Luckily, October is a pretty robust month.

Fellow blogger Jett Wells did a good job of highlighting the premier show to catch this month (indie darling St.

St. Vincent coming to Ithaca
By Trevor Jett Wells
September 29, 2009 - 9:39pm
Indie-pop singer, songwriter and musician Annie Clark makes her way to Ithaca in October.

If you don't know who St. Vincent is, get acquainted. She's coming to Ithaca on Oct. 22. 

St. Vincent, a.k.a. Annie Clark and her supporting band, are an electric live band. I was lucky enough to catch Annie Clark perform over the summer at the 2009 All Points West Festival in Liberty Park, NJ, and I underestimated her big-time. With Jimi Hendrix guitar skills, and sultry vocals, Annie Clark is a stead-fast rising star. 

Ra Ra Riot kick off one last run for 'Rhumb Line'
By Nathan Mattise
September 11, 2009 - 7:14am
Review: Syracuse's indie rocker plays an intimate and energetic show at Castaways in Ithaca.

It felt like they never left, but no one was complaining about musical deja vu.

Lead singer Wes Miles called it their, "first show of their last tour of the first album" throughout the night, and Ra Ra Riot reminded fans and friends why they became nearly instant campus heroes at SU not long ago.