Community Calendar

St. Paul’s Syracuse will host an organ recital by Jeremy Filsell, former Organist and Choirmaster of St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City, at the church with the big red doors located at 220 E. Fayette St. The recital will be held on Sunday, September 27, at 4 p.m. and is part of St. Paul’s yearlong series of bicentennial events celebrating the church’s founding 200 years ago.

Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground is deeply rooted in and colored by traditional bluegrass, yet forward-leaning into a thoughtful modernity. This Boston-based quintet allies together some of the most athletic musical aces of the Northeast bluegrass scene: BB Bowness on banjo, Julian Pinelli on fiddle, Alex Rubin on guitar, Brittany Karlson on bass, led by mandolinist Ethan Setiawan. Fine Ground gives us something to really sink our teeth into.

Named "creative and virtuosic" by WBUR Boston and "one of the most formidable mandolinists of his generation" by The Bluegrass Situation, Setiawan is not short on accolades, having secured both the National Mandolin Championship and the RockyGrass Mandolin Championship. The award-winning bandleader has built an eclectic career spanning traditional bluegrass, Scottish folk music, classical repertoire, jazz, and original instrumental composition, but Fine Ground grew from a desire to return to the music that first inspired him.

Rather than simply retreading bluegrass's past, Fine Ground’s debut album, "Little Storms," reflects the heart of the tradition with fresh original compositions alongside songs from beloved contemporary folk artists. This new release brews together a musical collection that feels equally at home in the bluegrass canon and today's broader contemporary acoustic landscape.

Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios, "Little Storms" was recorded the way this dynamic band has always loved to make music together: live, in a room, listening and connecting to each other through the songs that move them. It is a truthful and moving portrait of the musical depth that only comes hand-in-hand with longtime friendship, collaboration, and love of craft. You can look forward to Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground’s debut record, "Little Storms," on Oct. 2, 2026. "Little Storms" was recorded by Dan Cardinal at Dimension Sound Studios, mixed by Setiawan, and mastered by Dave Glasser at Airshow Mastering.

The album, Cook, isn’t just a nod to Lettuce’s musical heat; it’s an invitation to join the band at the table, where funk, soul, jazz, rock, and hip-hop come together in one rich, flavorful dish.

For these six lifelong partners: Adam Deitch (drums), Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff (guitar), Erick “Maverick” Coomes (bass), Ryan “Zoid” Zoidis (saxophones, synths), Eric “Benny” Bloom (trumpet), and Nigel Hall (vocals, keyboards), Cook marks a bold expansion of their ever-widening musical palette. Released on their own Lettuce Records label, the album arrives on the heels of tours with rap icon GZA of Wu-Tang Clan and reggae legend Ziggy Marley, as well as the release of their live album and concert film Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony. Still, there’s a generous dose of Lettuce’s signature funk throughout, paying homage to James Brown and the JB’s while honoring longtime mentors like Tower of Power and Maceo Parker.

More than just a figurative title, Cook debuts alongside Lettuce Red Crush and Orange Crush wines in collaboration with Aquila Cellars, plus a limited-edition recipe book of pairings included with the vinyl and digital release.

With Cook, the band feels like their concepts and ideas can come to fruition with an innovative team and devout fan base behind them—they’re in a fresh new headspace ready to savor a new chapter.

The Town Pants are back at The Smith Friday, October 30 for their Drinking in the Graveyard Party show! Kick off Halloween weekend with an evening of lively Celtic rock. Costumes encouraged!

Based in Ottawa, Ontario, The Town Pants masterfully blend Irish traditional, folk, rock, and roots Americana. Brothers Duane and Dave Keogh deliver powerful dual lead vocals that ignite every performance with fervour and vitality. The robust rhythm section, featuring Jeff Tripoli and Blake Propst, is complemented by the extraordinary violin skills of Johanna So, crafting a distinct “West Coast Celtic” sound that resonates with audiences long after the final note.

In a sea of Celtic folk-rock bands, The Town Pants distinguish themselves with their unmatched fusion of passion, energy, and spirit. Their imaginative and captivating songwriting cements their status as a leading force in the genre, promising an unforgettable musical experience.