The Pulse of Ithaca Podcast

Episode 22: Interview with Jeb Puryear of Donna The Buffalo

In this special edition of The Pulse of Ithaca, we're coming to you from the GrassRoots Festival headquarters in Trumansburg, NY — and we’re joined by none other than Jeb Puryear, co-founder of Donna the Buffalo and the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival.
Jeb takes us deep into the story behind the 33rd annual GrassRoots Festival, shares the early days of Donna the Buffalo, and reflects on how this beloved gathering continues to bring people together through music, dance, and shared purpose.
We also cover upcoming Ithaca events, including a preview of the 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest. Whether you're a longtime local or just discovering what makes this community special, this episode is packed with inspiration, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t want to miss.
🎶 GrassRoots Festival: July 17–20, 2025 – grassrootsfest.org🎟️ Donna the Buffalo tour info: donnathebuffalo.com📍 Ithaca Reggae Fest: July 20–22, 2025 – Stewart Park  www.ithacareggaefest.com

Episode 21: GrassRoots Culture Camp with Tara Nevins - Recorded at GrassRoots HQ | Trumansburg, NY

In this special episode, Pete and Mikey Swerves visit the heart of the Finger Lakes music scene to sit down with Tara Nevins, founding member of Donna the Buffalo. Tara shares the story behind the band, the launch of the GrassRoots Festival, and how Culture Camp grew into a four-day gathering of music, dance, food, and togetherness.
We also cover highlights from the 2025 Great Blue Heron Music Festival and the Downtown Ithaca Thursday Night Concert Series.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, this episode captures the spirit of community that defines Ithaca's music culture.
🔗 Culture Camp Info and Tickets: grassrootsfest.org🎶 Donna the Buffalo Tour Dates: donnathebuffalo.com

Episode 20: Interview with Russ Friedell from Ithaca Reggae Fest

This week on The Pulse of Ithaca, Pete and Mikey Swerves bring you a full rundown of the local music scene. From DJ Gourd spinning vinyl at Bike Bar to Dirty Blanket’s bluegrass energy and the psychedelic reggae of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, there's no shortage of sound in the Finger Lakes right now.
We also talk about the upcoming acoustic set from Jimkata’s Evan Friedell and Cooper Casterline, who’s dropping new solo work that’s worth a listen.
Later in the episode, we sit down with Russ Friedell, Talent Buyer for Ithaca Reggae Fest, to talk about this year’s event, what’s new in 2025, and the deeper purpose behind the festival’s roots.
If you care about live music, community, and what keeps it all moving in Ithaca—this episode’s for you.

Episode 19: Music, Events, and Winter Waterfalls: Exploring Ithaca’s Scene

Welcome back to The Pulse of Ithaca Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the latest music and entertainment news around Ithaca, including the much-anticipated return of Mountain Jam Festival after a six-year hiatus, featuring headliners like Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, and Goose. We also highlight upcoming shows at some of Ithaca’s favorite venues, including Jason Isbell and Elvis Costello at the State Theatre, a Bob Marley Birthday Benefit at Deep Dive, and Melt Live in concert. Plus, Ithaca Loves Teachers is back, celebrating 20 years with special discounts and events for educators across Tompkins County.
Mike shares his recent experience at the Microbes Mostly show, and in our Great Outdoors segment, we tackle the cold, harsh reality of winter waterfall hiking. We explore stunning locations like Letchworth State Park—often called the Grand Canyon of the East—along with Ithaca Falls, Wells Falls, and more. We also chat about snowboarding, upcoming winter adventures, and everything that makes this season in Ithaca unique.

Episode 18: Upcoming Concerts & Lick Brook Hike: Kicking off 2025 with The Pulse of Ithaca

Pete and Mikey Swerves dive into Ithaca’s hottest upcoming concerts—from country star Ashley McBryde at the State Theatre to jam-packed shows at Deep Dive and the Winter Village Music Camp. Then, lace up your boots for the “Great Outdoors” segment, where they share insights on Lick Brook Trail’s breathtaking waterfalls, 2.5-mile trek, and photo-worthy views. Don’t miss this blend of local music buzz and scenic adventure on The Pulse of Ithaca!

Episode 17 | Halloween Vibes, Mountain Biking, and Music Happenings in Ithaca

In this week's episode of The Pulse of Ithaca, Pete and Michael bring you the latest in Ithaca’s music scene, from Fall Creek Brass Band to the epic “Halloween” funk party with The Comb Down. Plus, we cover the 3rd Annual Halloween Classic XC Bike Ride—costumes, bikes, and all the spooky fun you need! The hosts also discuss the results of the "Best of Ithaca" presented by the Ithaca Times. In the Great Outdoors segment, Pete shares his journey into mountain biking and highlighting the best local trails. Michael dives into his breathtaking northern lights photography, giving tips on how to capture this natural wonder.
Third Annual Halloween Classic XC Bike & Halloween Barn Party Halloween: https://www.bikereg.com/halloween-classic-cx?orc=1#Register

Episode 16 | Welcome to Season 2 of The Pulse of Ithaca Podcast!

🎙️ Welcome to Season 2 of The Pulse of Ithaca Podcast! 🎙️
In this exciting season premiere, your host Pete introduces the new co-host, Michael, aka Mikey Swerves, a local freelance photographer and outdoor enthusiast. Together, they dive into the latest music and entertainment news in Ithaca, NY, and reminisce about their summer adventures—hiking trails, photographing waterfalls, and catching local shows.
This week, they cover:
The 41st Apple Harvest Festival (Sept 27-29), featuring live music, street performers, craft vendors, and of course, lots of apples! 🍎
Upcoming shows at the State Theatre, Deep Dive, and more, including Neko Case on October 4th and the Finger Lakes Comedy Festival (Sept 26-28).
Local music buzz: Scuba Jerry and Cast Iron Cowboys at Bernie Milton Pavilion, and new album releases from New Planets, Rose & The Bros plus much more!
Tune in for all the details on Ithaca’s bustling entertainment scene, and don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth coverage of local music, events, and culture!
Listen now and keep your finger on the Pulse of Ithaca!

Episode 15 | Interview with Ithaca Reggae Fest co-founder Michael Mazza

This week hosts Sean and Pete are thrilled to welcome Michael Mazza, the dynamic founder of Ithaca Reggae Fest and the Youth Entrepreneur Market. Michael shares his journey and the impact of these initiatives on the Ithaca community.
Alongside this engaging interview, Sean and Pete dive into the vibrant local entertainment scene, with updates on upcoming concerts and festivals at Lincoln Hills Farms, Wonderland Forest, and the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival. They also highlight local events like the Ithaca Festival and exciting shows at Deep Dive and the State Theater.
In the final segment, the hosts share their recent camping and biking adventures.

Episode 14 | Interview with TJ Schaper -Talent Buyer and Trombonist

This week, we're live from Deep Dive in downtown Ithaca, featuring an insightful interview with TJ Schaper, talent buyer for some of the city's top venues. TJ shares his journey from trombonist to key influencer in Ithaca's musical scene, offering a behind-the-scenes look at talent buying and venue management.
We'll also take a look at upcoming concerts in Ithaca and at Lincoln Hill Farms.
Join hosts Sean and Pete for your weekly dose of Ithaca’s lively entertainment offerings. If you're a local music enthusiast or just exploring what the city has to offer, this episode is your go-to guide.

Episode 13 | 3.20.2024 - Interview with Max Childs

On this week's episode of The Pulse of Ithaca Podcast 🎙️, we're thrilled to feature an exclusive interview with Ithaca's own singer-songwriter Max Childs 🌟, alongside our deep dive into the city's vibrant music scene 🎶 and enchanting outdoor locales 🌲. Join your hosts, Sean and the astute Pete, as they guide you through the rich cultural tapestry that Ithaca, NY, offers.
Musical Rhythms of Ithaca: 🎵 The episode starts on a high note with a lineup of upcoming concerts, spotlighting the Railriders Jam in Ellicottville, where Grammy Award winners The Infamous Stringdusters headline an impressive array of talent. Also, get the inside scoop on the latest gigs at Deep Dive Ithaca, ensuring your calendar is packed with the best musical offerings.
Spotlight on Max Childs: 🎤 Delve into the artistic journey of Max Childs, whose soulful tunes and heartfelt lyrics capture the essence of Ithaca's musical spirit. Learn about his inspirations, his memorable moments on stage, and what fans can expect from his upcoming projects.
The Great Outdoors – Arnold Lake Adventure: 🏕️ Sean shares captivating stories from his recent camping trip to Arnold Lake near Oneonta, painting a picture of serene landscapes, campfire tales, and the simple joy of connecting with nature. It's a segment that invites you to explore the beauty that lies just a trek away.