Community Calendar

Acclaimed Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, composer, and MacArthur Fellow recipient of the prestigious “Genius Grant”, Chris Thile is a multifaceted musical talent, described by The Guardian as “that rare being: an all-round musician,” and hailed by NPR as a “genre-defying musical genius.” Thile is a founding member of the highly influential string bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, and has collaborated with countless luminaries from Yo-Yo Ma to Fiona Apple to Brad Mehldau. For four years, Thile hosted public radio favorite Live from Here with Chris Thile (formerly known as A Prairie Home Companion). With his broad outlook, Thile creates a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike, giving the listener “one joyous arc, with the linear melody and vertical harmony blurring into a single web of gossamer beauty” (New York Times).

Over the last year, Thile has been touring with Nickel Creek in support of the critically acclaimed 2023 release Celebrants, and captivating audiences with a playfully ambitious biographical composition entitled ATTENTION! (a narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra).

The wide-ranging program of Thile’s 2025-2026 solo performances will feature selections from his acclaimed solo recordings of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas – including the upcoming second volume out this autumn – alongside his signature mix of classical, folk and improvisational brilliance.

On October 18, from 7-9 p.m., the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cortland, NY, presents the CORTLAND COFFEEHOUSE PLUS. Enjoy a performance by Brian Fitz, dine at the café, and find a book in our cozy bookshop.

Brian Fitz is a musician, activist, and proud father of two amazing daughters (and three wonderful cats). A lifelong New Jersey resident, Brian recently made the move to Homer, bringing with him a rich history of community involvement and creative expression. In New Jersey, he was active in a variety of musical projects and deeply rooted in local activism. Now in Central New York, he hosts a monthly Open Mic at Ake Gallery in Cortland, fostering connection and creativity through live performance. Brian's songwriting spans a wide spectrum—touching on science, politics, parenting, and even the poetic possibilities of fresh produce.

Guitarist Jim Durr will join Brian for the second set.

Suggested donation: $5 - $10, or more to help preserve the historic church building.

3 Church Street, Cortland
Use side entrance on Elm Street
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

DakhaBrakha is a music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine. Their “ethno chaos” sound spans years of performances prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion, but war is in everything now. They masterfully blend Ukrainian traditional music with influences from around the world, resulting in an unexpected new music.

They are troubadours, activists and educators. Though their name means Give/Take in the old language, DakhaBrakha is new Ukraine, both pre-colonial and post-Soviet, working within a global network of art and music. They aim to help audiences see Ukraine not as a monolith, but as a cosmopolitan culture that takes in other cultures and gives in return.

Direct from its Off-Broadway season, A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, "A Celtic Christmas." Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.

After captivating audiences across the globe, "A Celtic Christmas" by A Taste of Ireland returns to the USA this festive season following a highly successful 2024 touring season. Experience the magic as world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling in one truly unforgettable performance.

Featuring former World Irish dance champions and stars from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, "A Celtic Christmas" delivers a holiday spectacular packed with Irish wit, traditional tunes and heartfelt ballads, alongside all your favorite carols. The show’s exciting mix of electrifying rhythms and extraordinary talent promises an evening brimming with Irish charm and enthralling entertainment, all in one powerhouse event.

Immerse yourself in a traditional Celtic landscape and let the magic of an Irish Christmas transport you to a world filled with excitement and wonder, where vibrant music and dance embody the heartbeat of the festive season.

With over 150 5-star Facebook reviews and more than 150,000 followers, "A Celtic Christmas" by A Taste of Ireland promises 100% live singing and dancing as it bridges the gap between energetic folk music, Irish dance, and modern tap styles.

Don’t miss your chance to see this magical show as it tours the USA for a strictly limited season. Get your tickets now before they sell out.

**Musical instruments are subject to change from performance to performance.

Singer, songwriter, music producer, visual artist, and writer Neko Case is the consummate career artist — fearless and versatile, with a fierce work ethic and a constant drive to search deeper within herself for creative growth. “One of America’s best and most ambitious singer-songwriters” (Rolling Stone) and “essentially peerless” (NPR), Case has long been revered as one of music’s most influential artists, whose authenticity, lyrical storytelling, and sly wit have endeared her to a legion of critics, musicians, and lifelong fans.

In addition to numerous acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated solo records, Case is a founding member of Canadian supergroup The New Pornographers. She is the author of The New York Times bestselling memoir ‘The Harder I Fight the More I Love You’ and the weekly Substack newsletter ‘Entering The Lung,’ and is currently composing the musical theater adaptation of the Academy Award-winning motion picture ‘Thelma & Louise.’

$1 from every ticket will go to Peer Solutions and support their positive youth leadership and development program designed to prevent harm before it begins and engage lifetime ambassadors of positive change (www.peersolutions.org).