The end of 2016 is now in sight, but we’ve still got a whole month left before we get to 2017. Here are some cool shows around Ithaca to put on your December calendar as we enter the holiday season.
Touring troubadour
Known for his 2001 hit “Strange Condition,” Pete Yorn will make his Ithaca debut. The Syracuse University grad is touring to promote his latest album, “ArrangingTime.”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1
Where: The Dock
Cost: $25
Info: www.peteyorn.com
Big, indeed
Ithaca Underground will host its annual Big Day In at the Haunt this Saturday. Running from noon to midnight, the show will feature more than two-dozen acts performing on two stages throughout the day.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $7
Info: www.ithacaunderground.org
Country cool
Boston roots-rockers Girls Guns & Glory will return to Ithaca to promote their new album, “Love and Protest.” Kelsey Waldon, a Kentucky native now based in Nashville, will open.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: The Dock
Cost: $15
Info: www.thedockithaca.com, girlsgunsandglory.com
Last call
The Rongovian Embassy will close its doors (for now, at least) after “Feast for the Holidays,” with Terrapin Flyer featuring Melvin Seals joined by locals Terrapin Station, St. Vith and the Mary Ott Band, is a benefit for the Trumansburg’s food pantry. There will be drink specials, food, and a silent auction.
When: 2-7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rongovian Embassy, Trumansburg
Cost: $15
Info: www.facebook.com/events/1420048478022910/
A blue adieu
After 36 years, the Blue Monday jam night will mark its finale in Collegetown, as host band Pete Panek and the Blue Cats welcome a variety of musicians for an evening of classic Chicago blues.
When: 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5
Where: The Nines
Cost: cover charge
Info: www.theninesithacany.com
Video stars
Flynt Flossie and Turquoise Jeep return to Ithaca to showcase their catchy brand of hiphop, including songs such as "Lemme Smang It" and "Did I Mention I Like to Dance” that have drawn attention on YouTube.
When: Thursday, Dec. 8
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $12-$15
Info: www.thehaunt.com, turquoisej.com
Holiday sounds
Terry Burns and Ron Kristy will host their annual holiday concert featuring seasonal favorites and original songs. The show also will be a release celebration for the duo’s latest CD, “Always Home.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Where: Unitarian Society Church, 306 N. Aurora St., Ithaca
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
Info: www.burnsandkristy.com
Radical energy
Downtown Boys are known for their live performances, which are equal parts punk show, political rally, and religious revival with frontwoman Victoria Ruiz delivering moving speeches between songs.
When: Friday, Dec. 9
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $10-$13
Info: www.dansmallspresents.com
Going solo
Guitarist Tim Reynolds, who has played with the Dave Matthews Band (and its frontman in a separate duo), will perform a solo acoustic concert that showcases his blend of rock, folk, jazz, reggae, blues and classical influences. Syracuse’s Joe Driscoll will open the show.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Center for the Arts, Homer
Cost: $32-$38
Info: www.center4art.org
Home for the Holidays
The Burns Sisters Band will present a mix of traditional holiday favorites and rootsy originals along with songs from their 2015 album, “Looking Back: Our American Irish Souls.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 16-17
Where: Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca.
Cost: $18-$24
Info: www.theburnssisters.com; www.hangartheatre.org
Solstice celebration
The Scott B. Adams Acoustic Ensemble will host its 19th annual Solstice Concert, performing plenty of holiday favorites and tunes from “The Finger Lakes Wine Album,” along with a wine and cheese reception.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: Hector Presbyterian Church, Route 414, Hector
Cost: $18 advance, $20 at door
Info: www.orchardbeat.com
Double header
Two of Ithaca’s most popular bands – Gunpoets and the Sim Redmond Band – will join forces for this double bill. Gunpoets released their latest album, “Bombs Away,” this summer, while SRB is moving ahead with a retooled lineup.
When: Friday, Dec. 23
Where: The Dock
Cost: $15
Info: www.thedockithaca.com
Two-night stand
Binghamton acoustic quartet Driftwood will return to the Haunt for a pair of shows to promote their excellent new album, “City Lights.” Tenzin Chopak (who just a released a new album of his own) will open the first night, and the Blind Owl Band the second
When: Dec. 29 & 30
Where: The Haunt
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Info: www.dansmallspresents.com
Ringin' in 2017
Big Mean Sound Machine will host its annual New Year’s Eve bash in downtown Ithaca, bringing their high-energy Afrobeat grooves to the upstairs lounge while DJ Gourd spins tunes on the first floor.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31
Where: Lot 10
Cost: TBA
Info: www.bigmeansoundmachine.com
Also, don’t forget the weekly residencies: Galactic Mondays at Casita del Polaris, Irish Sessions at Rulloff’s (Tuesdays), Tuesday Bluesday at the Dock, Reggae Night at the Dock (Wednesdays), the new Musicians’ Noodle Bowl at Lot 10 (every other Wednesday), and various open-mic nights around towns.