Downtown Ithaca

"The Eighth Moon" with Jennifer Kabat and Chris Holmes
2024-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join Buffalo Street Books for a conversation with Jennifer Kabat and Chris Holmes. They will be discussing Kabat’s debut memoir for a special live recording of the Burned By Books podcast.

Nice Racks Market
2024-11-03 13:00 - 17:00 | Liquid State Brewery, 620 W. Green St., Ithaca
Fall fits for all! 12 vintage vendors and local product creators bringing Ithaca the very best mens and womens clothing, accessories, footwear and handbags. Plus chicken and beer made on site!

Lifelong Fall Artisan Craft Sale
2024-11-08 12:00 - 16:00 | Library Place, 105 West Court St Ithaca, NY 14850, Ithaca, 14850
Artisan pieces, crafts, collectibles and baked goods with plenty of vendors, all in the lovely Library Place Community Room space! Come shop for something special for yourself, or get a jump on your holiday gifting. Free to attend!

Figure Drawing Fridays at CSMA
2024-11-08 18:00 - 20:30, 2024-11-22 18:00 - 20:30 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
Drop in for figure drawing sessions at CSMA, generally held on the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings of each month. If you’re an intermediate or advanced-level artist interested in drawing from the nude model, come join our non-instructed, open sketch sessions. Just grab your own supplies and enjoy an evening of creativity in the company of other artists.

Ben Folds
2024-11-08 20:00 - 22:00 | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 W. State Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
Ben Folds, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist, will be bringing his signature blend of indie rock, pop, and classical influences to Ithaca on November 8, 2024. Known for his witty lyrics, powerful piano melodies, and engaging stage presence, Folds has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with hits like “Brick,” “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” and “The Luckiest.” Over the years, he has earned numerous accolades, including collaborations with symphony orchestras and a stint as a judge on NBC’s The Sing-Off.
This stop on his tour will feature a mix of fan favorites alongside new tracks from his latest album, What Matters Most. Audiences can expect an evening filled with humor, heartfelt stories, and impeccable musicianship as Folds delivers another unforgettable live performance. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, this is a show not to be missed!

James Baldwin: A Celebration & Community Conversation
2024-11-09 14:00 - 15:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Celebrate James Baldwin with us and take home a free copy of a Baldwin book, donated by Beacon Press! Funds raised support Buffalo Street Books as it transitions to a nonprofit model.
Our conversation will be led by:
Mwalimu Kofi Acree, Director for the John Henrik Clarke Africana Library and Curator of Africana Collections for the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Anne V. Adams, Professor Emerita of Africana, Women’s, and Afro-German studies
Kenneth A. McClane, W.E.B. Dubois Professor of Literature Emeritus

Corn Husk Dolls with Penny Miner
2024-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | The Tompkins Center for History & Culture, 110 N Tioga st, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
Do you know the story of No Face Doll?
Join us, Saturday, November 9th, at 2 p.m., to learn a piece of Haudenosaunee culture from Penny Miner. From the Allegany Territory and the Seneca Nation, Penelope is a traditional Seneca Artist who has been practicing her art since her youth. Her art forms include black ash basketry, corn husk dolls and beadwork, and are all influenced by her family who inspired her to continue the traditions. At this event she’ll tell the story of a corn husk doll and lead the group in creating their own dolls to bring home.
There are limited spots available and tickets are required for each participant who would like to make and bring home a doll.
Supplies are provided, and admission to the History Center in Tompkins County is complimentary. This craft is best completed by children (or grown-ups) who have learned how to tie knots, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied at all times.
Find more information on Penny Miner here: www.penelopeminner.com
Find more information on The History Center in Tompkins County here: thehistorycenter.net

Writing Workshop: Get Inside Your Character's Head
2024-11-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
In this fiction writing workshop learn how to develop a character using a ‘character tree,’ psychology, personality typing, and putting them in situations of stress and novelty. Led by local speculative fiction author, Naomi Daniluk. Registration required through Community School of Music and Arts.

"Window of Tolerance" with Susanna Cupido
2024-11-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Susanna Cupido is excited to celebrate the launch of her debut novel, Window of Tolerance. Please join her at Buffalo Street Books for a short reading and Q&A period.

Climate Fiction Discussion Group
2024-11-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join Buffalo Street Books in exploring exceptional works of climate fiction! We’ll use a different book each month as a jumping-off point for talking about our collective climate future. If you can’t read each month’s book cover-to-cover, that’s okay–but the more you read, the more meaningful the conversation. Led by aspiring climate writer Wendy Skinner, with guest poets and writers. Free and open to all.
Order your books from BSB for a 10 percent discount.
About the Book: The Ministry for the Future is a masterpiece of the imagination, using fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all. Its setting is not a desolate, postapocalyptic world, but a future that is almost upon us. Chosen by Barack Obama as one of his favorite books of the year, this extraordinary novel from visionary science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson will change the way you think about the climate crisis.

Present Conversations II - Group BIPOC Exhibition NOV 13 Artists Talks
2024-11-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, 110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca
Join us for the opening of Present Conversations II, a dynamic group exhibition showcasing the works of BIPOC artists, curated by Yen Ospina through Orozco Gallery Ithaca. The exhibition is up November 1st – November 27th, at CAP ArtSpace, located in The History Center at 110 N Tioga St, right in the heart of the Ithaca Commons.
Throughout the month of November, we invite you to engage deeper with these artists during our artist talks located at CAP Artspace (100 N TIOGA ST, ITHACA NY. Located in The History Center in the middle of the commons.) These will be held on
Wednesday, November 13th
5:30PM – RICHARD COLON
6:00PM – LAMBS WING
6:30PM – ZACH SCOTTON
7:00PM – GESELLE DOMINIGUEZ
Thursday, November 14th
5:30PM – DANIEL RIVERA
6:00PM – SARAH LOPEZ
6:30PM – YEN OSPINA
7:00PM – MARIKA CHEW
Wednesday, November 20th
5:30PM – SHIYI LI
6:00PM – ANNIE SHENG
6:30PM – PYUS CHAN
Each talk is an opportunity to learn more about the inspirations behind the artwork, with interactive icebreaker questions fostering a connection between the artists and the audience.
A few of the participating artists will have prints available for sale during their talks, offering you a chance to take a piece of the exhibition home with you. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a supporter of BIPOC voices, or simply curious, this exhibition and the accompanying talks promise to be enriching and inspiring experiences.
To learn more go to @orozcogalleryithaca for updates!
For any questions, please reach out to Yen Ospina at ospinayen@gmail.com.
Made possible in full by Community Arts Partnership Grants & Yen Ospina

Present Conversations II - Group BIPOC Exhibition NOV 14 Artists Talks
2024-11-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
Join us for the opening of Present Conversations II, a dynamic group exhibition showcasing the works of BIPOC artists, curated by Yen Ospina through Orozco Gallery Ithaca. The exhibition is up November 1st – November 27th, at CAP ArtSpace, located in The History Center at 110 N Tioga St, right in the heart of the Ithaca Commons.
Throughout the month of November, we invite you to engage deeper with these artists during our artist talks located at CAP Artspace (100 N TIOGA ST, ITHACA NY. Located in The History Center in the middle of the commons.) These will be held on
Thursday, November 14th
5:30PM – DANIEL RIVERA
6:00PM – SARAH LOPEZ
6:30PM – YEN OSPINA
7:00PM – MARIKA CHEW
Wednesday, November 20th
5:30PM – SHIYI LI
6:00PM – ANNIE SHENG
6:30PM – PYUS CHAN
Each talk is an opportunity to learn more about the inspirations behind the artwork, with interactive icebreaker questions fostering a connection between the artists and the audience.
A few of the participating artists will have prints available for sale during their talks, offering you a chance to take a piece of the exhibition home with you. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a supporter of BIPOC voices, or simply curious, this exhibition and the accompanying talks promise to be enriching and inspiring experiences.
To learn more go to @orozcogalleryithaca for updates!
For any questions, please reach out to Yen Ospina at ospinayen@gmail.com.
Made possible in full by Community Arts Partnership Grants & Yen Ospina

Figure Drawing Session with Two Models
2024-11-19 14:50 - 17:00 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
Join us for a unique figure drawing session at CSMA featuring two models! This non-instructional event is perfect for intermediate and advanced-level artist who want to explore form, light, and composition in an inspiring setting. Bring your own materials and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to creativity, where you can connect with fellow artists and deepen your skills in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

Present Conversations II - Group BIPOC Exhibition NOV 20 Artists Talks
2024-11-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, 110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca
Join us for the opening of Present Conversations II, a dynamic group exhibition showcasing the works of BIPOC artists, curated by Yen Ospina through Orozco Gallery Ithaca. The exhibition is up November 1st – November 27th, at CAP ArtSpace, located in The History Center at 110 N Tioga St, right in the heart of the Ithaca Commons.
Throughout the month of November, we invite you to engage deeper with these artists during our artist talks located at CAP Artspace (100 N TIOGA ST, ITHACA NY. Located in The History Center in the middle of the commons.) These will be held on
Wednesday, November 20th
5:30PM – SHIYI LI
6:00PM – ANNIE SHENG
6:30PM – PYUS CHAN
Each talk is an opportunity to learn more about the inspirations behind the artwork, with interactive icebreaker questions fostering a connection between the artists and the audience.
A few of the participating artists will have prints available for sale during their talks, offering you a chance to take a piece of the exhibition home with you. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a supporter of BIPOC voices, or simply curious, this exhibition and the accompanying talks promise to be enriching and inspiring experiences.
To learn more go to @orozcogalleryithaca for updates!
For any questions, please reach out to Yen Ospina at ospinayen@gmail.com.
Made possible in full by Community Arts Partnership Grants & Yen Ospina

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Pharmacology, Psychotherapy, and Psychoeducation
2024-11-20 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for an insightful conversation on November 20th, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, where Dr. Joseph Strayhorn, M.D., will delve into the holistic approach to mental health care. This session will cover essential topics such as the roles of pharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation in fostering mental well-being. Dr. Strayhorn, a board-certified psychiatrist with decades of experience, will provide valuable insights for individuals, professionals, and families navigating the complexities of mental health.
Dr. Strayhorn brings a wealth of expertise from his work at Upstate Medical University, where he has treated patients for decades, researched psychotherapy and psychoeducation, and authored numerous publications. His experience spans both pharmacological treatments and therapeutic approaches, making him uniquely positioned to address a wide array of mental health topics.
Learning Objectives:
1. To understand why both medication and psychotherapy, although very useful, are not enough to relieve the burden that mental illness poses for society.
2. To understand the difference between psychoeducation and psychotherapy, and to understand some of the reasons why psychoeducation has great promise.
3. To be familiar with one answer to the question, “What skills should we teach and learn, in promoting mental health?”
4. To be familiar with a method of psychoeducation which the speaker has been directing, which is available for children and their families.

A Book Release in Story and Song: "Waiting for the Steamboat at Lamoreaux Landing"
2024-11-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join local author David B. Schwartz to celebrate the his new release Waiting for the Steamboat at Lamoreaux Landing. He will be reading from the book and accompanied by local musician, Richie Stearns.

"Rooms: The Works and Life of JJ Manford" with Gordon Sander and JJ Manford
2024-11-22 17:00 - 18:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join author and biographer Gordon Sander and artist JJ Manford for a conversation at Buffalo Street Books.
About the Book: When Gordon Sander ’72, BA ’73, began an artist residency at Risley Residential College in 2002, he was returning to familiar ground. The author, photographer, and journalist had come back to the Hill twice before to work on books and had a history of hiring Risleyites as assistants. But this time would be different. Not only would Sander end up doubling his planned one-year stay, he’d also meet a fine arts major who’d go on to become a lifelong friend and collaborator.
That student was Jonathan “JJ” Manford ’06—the subject of Sander’s ninth book, titled Rooms, to be published by a small Latvian art press in January 2024. “Back at Cornell I envisioned writing a book about JJ at some point,” admits Sander, whose byline has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and numerous other publications. “The idea was like one of those bubbles at the bottom of a glass of soda.” Now a painter whose work has been mentioned in the New Yorker, Manford was named by the popular online art marketplace Artsy as one of its most sought-after “emerging” artists in 2022.
About the Artist: JJ Manford’s remarkable work and exquisite style, which has been described as “psychedelic realism,” has been featured in The New Yorker, Art Net and numerous other publications. His “lush interiors,” to paraphrase The New Yorker, hang in various museums, including ICA Miami and Everson Museum of Art of Syracuse, as well as many distinguished private collections.

Faculty Friday Fundraiser
2024-11-22 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 402 N Aurora St., Ithaca, 14850
An incredible line up of faculty members from Opus Ithaca School of Music join together to play a concert of jazz and classical music, in support of Opus Ithaca’s Scholarship Fund. Join us for this free concert, open to the public! We’ll be accepting donations in cash and electronically.
Performers include: Sarah Chandler, Ryan Reilly, Andi Merrill, Liz Shuhan, Ali Jones, Victoria Miskolczy, Guillaume Pirard, Zack Knewstub, Cathryn Gaylord, Jessica Caporizzo, and Juliana Pepinsky…

Fall Watercolor Workshop
2024-11-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
Join us at CSMA for an autumnal watercolor workshop! We will learn some watercolor painting basics through various exercises, then dive into a fall still life scene. In this workshop, participants will explore fundamental painting techniques while painting autumn pumpkin scenes.
All necessary materials will be provided, ensuring participants have everything they need to explore and create with watercolor. Participants are welcome to bring their own brushes, preferably watercolor brushes, to customize their painting experience.

Beginner Jazz Jam
2024-11-23 14:30 - 16:30 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
Grab your instrument and come jam with us! CSMA is hosting Beginner Jazz Jam sessions on Saturdays running bi-weekly from 2:30 – 4:30pm. These sessions are available to anyone regardless of their experience level, though some experience is recommended. Whether you have a little experience playing jazz, or have been playing live jazz for years, this is a chance to play, learn, and develop your skills.

Writer's Group at CSMA
2024-11-23 14:30 - 16:30 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
Join our writer’s group at CSMA! Open to fiction writers of all levels. Bring a piece of writing to read out loud for constructive feedback, or just come to hear other writer’s share and offer your support.

"Yield Everything, Force Nothing" Generative Creative Writing Workshop
2024-11-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
About the Workshop Series:
Yield Everything, Force Nothing is the title of a Jean Valentine poem and hopefully a blessing over this workshop series. In these three classes, we will yield to our intuition, write expansively, and try to forgo the everyday pressures of linear thinking. I will gently guide you through fun, multi-step interactive prompts and we’ll engage in playful, radical revision techniques. You will surprise yourself. The most common feedback I get about my teaching style is “I’ve never taken a class like this before” and “I can’t believe I just wrote this!”
These classes are meant for adult writers and humans of all skill levels.
To register: https://forms.gle/jTL548EPmMpWL8HXA. You are welcome to join 1, 2, or all 3 classes. Sliding scale, if payment is a barrier for you, please email nicolevbasta@gmail.com. 50% of all proceeds will go to a family in Gaza.

"100 Things to Do in Ithaca" Book Signing
2024-11-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join Buffalo Street Books for a book signing with author Amanda Jaros Champion!

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
2024-12-03 19:30 - 21:30 | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 W. State Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss… Grab your teacups!
Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive show reminiscent of classic British pantos.
Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea is uproarious fun, yet it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.
When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the duo conjure wildly funny solutions to stay afloat, and sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic escapade brimming with whimsy, action, and ingenuity in a celebration of friendship at Christmas.
“Complete and utter fun… for all ages.”
★★★★★ CBC
“Outrageously funny, magnificently written, beautifully choreographed.”
★★★★★ London Free Press
“An ode to the idea that anything is possible.”
★★★★★ Torontoist
“I cannot think of a show that will leave you more profoundly happy than this.”
★★★★★ Stage Door
Hailed as “a child’s imagination on steroids” by London Free Press and “a masterpiece of physical comedy” by Theatre In London, critics rave for the charismatic James & Jamesy. A must-see performance on the international comedy circuit, this unstoppable duo is regarded as “one of the most popular fringe duos ever” (CBC).
Get a glimpse into O Christmas Tea : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hfptIluoEE

2024 Annual December Juried Show
2024-12-05 12:00 - 17:00 | State of the Art Gallery, 120 W State St #2, Ithaca, 14850, United Kingdom
The State of the Art Gallery is excited to announce the 2024 Annual December Juried Show, presenting sixty-eight 2-D and 3-D artworks in a wide variety of genres and media. This year 108 artists submitted over 300 pieces, from which the jury members made their choices.
$1000 in prizes will be awarded by prize judge Dara Engler, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Art, Art History, and Architecture at Ithaca College. Prizes will be announced on Friday December 6.
The show will run from December 5th through December 28th, 2024. There will be an opening reception Friday, December 6, 5–8pm.
Regular hours Thursday-Sunday 12-5 pm. 120 W State St. Curbside parking and ADA accessibility. 607-277-1626. Made possible in part with funds from the NYS Council on the Arts, administered by the Community Arts Partnership.
Images:
Arthur Bucknor
Brick House

"The Lunatics: Hunter's Moon" with A.M. Leonard
2024-12-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join BSB for a reading and conversation with author local author A.M. Leonard! on her debut Fantasy novel -Hunter’s Moon!

Comfort Food
2024-12-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W State Street, Ithaca, 14850
Walking on Water Productions and Fitz&Startz Productions presents Comfort Food by Rachel Lampert and Larry Pressgrove
Directed by Cynthia Henderson and Susannah Berryman
Featuring Emily Jackson as Harriet, Achille Van Ricca as Gabriel, and Rachel Lampert as Estelle
Three solo shows in three kitchens! Eating, entertaining, engagements, and estrangements propel the three short stories in the delightful and delicious chamber musical Comfort Food by Rachel Lampert & Larry Pressgrove. Meet Harriet, the host of a TV cooking show; Gabriel, a lover of junk food; and Estelle, adjusting to life alone. Join us for an evening of music, comedy, and dramedy, celebrating the enjoyment of Comfort Food!
Performances dates & times
Fri 12/6 at 7 pm
Sat 12/7 at 7 pm
Sun 12/8 at 4 pm
Fri 12/13 at 7 pm
Sat 12/14 at 7 pm
Sun 12/15 at 4 pm
Tickets are $25
There will be a Pay What You Wish option available at the Box Office before each performance.
The show runs approximately 80 minutes without an intermission.

Queering Modernism: An Exploration of Psychoanalysis and Dysphoria in Literature
2024-12-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Please join us for conversation between Mat Fournier and Jennifer Spitzer on their recent books, Dysphoric Modernism and Secret Sharers. They will talk about sexuality and gender in literature, the influence of psychoanalysis, and the necessity to engage with canonical texts in contemporary terms.

New Roots Art & Music Celebration (@ Gallery Night)
2024-12-06 17:00 - 19:00 | New Roots Charter School, 116 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca
Join us for an inspiring evening at our Art & Music Celebration during December’s First Friday Gallery Night (12/6)! We’re excited to open our campus doors once again to showcase the incredible talent of our students, staff, and families through a gallery night display of art and music. This celebration is a testament to our community’s shared passion for creativity.
