Ithaca jamming

[Mandoviol]

Hey all,

I'm moving up to Ithaca this week to start grad school at Cornell. Any insight on jams/sessions/meet-ups in the area? I know it's a musical town, especially for old-time.

(I could just search this online, but I figure you guys will give me faster and more accurate feedback).

Thanks,

MV

[Andy Alexander]

Hey MV, welcome to The Peoples Republic Of Ithaca. There really isn't a lot of quality jamming opportunities in Ithaca itself. If you get into town in time, I recommend that you come up to Pickin' In The Pasture which starts 8/22. The Pasture is about 1/2 hour north of Ithaca and hosts what is probably the largest gathering of acoustic musicians in this part of the state. There is quite a bit of jamming that goes on and you could probably get hooked up with some area musicians for future sessions. www.pickininthepasture.com Also, in January, my friend Rick Manning puts on Winter Village Bluegrass Festival which is an indoor event. There will be some great bands coming into Ithaca for this event.

[JeffD]

There is a contra dance every Wednesday during the summer, that uses a pick up band. They play from a set of tunes compiled and available on the internet. All are welcome. Every Monday night there is a jam playing out of those tunes, at a private house. Once a week there is a hard core old time jam at various announced private houses.

There are many and various musical events and festivals through out the year, including the excellent bluegrass festival(s) mentioned above.

And that is the beginning.

PM me for details if you want.

[allenhopkins]

Check out Cornell Folk Song Society. Been around more than 50 years, has a good website with links, sponsors singing parties etc.

There's an Ithaca Bluegrass Jam listed on the folkjam.org website.

Finally, Eric Aceto's Ithaca Stringed Instruments is a luthiery shop that might have some good referrals.

[bmac]

I think you are in luck... There seems to be an active mando community and a good instrument store, though I was looking for a banjo when I was there so I didn't pay much attention to mandos. I was at a "jam" of sorts where there was a whole bunch of newish Webers and a bunch of players of beginner to middle range. I suspect there is a lot of activity for you to search out.