The Pulse of Ithaca Podcast

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.

Episode 12 | - Interview with Steve and Chris from Bike Bar and Old Goat Bike Shop

In this episode of "The Pulse of Ithaca" podcast, we have a spotlight on the heart of Ithaca's vibrant scene, featuring an exclusive interview with Steve and Chris from the iconic Bike Bar 🚴‍♂️🍻. They dive into their journey of combining a love for bikes with a passion for crafting the perfect social spot, sharing insights into their thriving business and what makes it a central hub for locals and visitors alike.
We're also taking you through Ithaca's lively events. We warm up with the 26th annual Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off 🌶️, where over 40 restaurants battle it out to claim the title for the best chili, offering a mix of flavors, community spirit, and fiery competition. Next, we tune into a promising unforgettable performances by Circles Around The Sun and Mikaela Davis, blending instrumental rock with harp-driven melodies for a night of musical enchantment as well as other local events.
The adventure continues with "The Great Outdoors" segment, where Sean shares his captivating camping experience at Pharo Lake 🏕️, immersing us in the tranquility of the Adirondacks, complete with tales of nature's calm, campfire stories, and the raw beauty of the outdoors.
 

Episode 11 | Interview with Matt O'Brian of FLYING OBJECT!

This week on "The Pulse of Ithaca Podcast," 🎙️ join hosts Sean and Pete for an engaging journey through the heart of Ithaca's vibrant music 🎶 and outdoor scene 🌲. Dive into the excitement of upcoming concerts, including a special spotlight on the Ithaca Reggae Fest 🎉 and an intimate interview with Matt O'Brian of FLYING OBJECT 🚀.
Discover the soul-stirring reunion of John Brown's Body 🎸, the pioneering spirit of Sister Nancy 🌟, and the authentic dub vibes of Pachyman 🎚️, alongside the energetic performances of regional bands at the fest. Get the inside scoop on FLYING OBJECT's upcoming show at Deep Dive 🌊, and groove with Bumping Uglies' unique blend of reggae, ska, and punk rock.
Plus, explore the serene beauty of the Tamarak Lean To in Danby with Sean's personal adventure 🏕️. Whether you're a local music aficionado or an outdoor enthusiast, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and the pulse of Ithaca's thriving community.
Tune in to celebrate the sounds and sights of Ithaca, and discover why this place is truly home 🏡. Don't miss this blend of music, interviews, and outdoor tales—subscribe, rate, and review to keep your finger on "The Pulse of Ithaca." 💖

Episode 10 | Reunions, Rhythms, Arepas, and Adirondack Adventures

Welcome to this week’s episode of "The Pulse of Ithaca," where we dive into the vibrant heartbeat of our city's culture and community. In this exciting episode:
Reunion of John Brown's Body: We kick off with an electrifying segment on the much-anticipated reunion of John Brown's Body, the legendary band that has left an indelible mark on the music scene. Discover the story behind their comeback and what this means for their fans in Ithaca and beyond.
Ithaca's Concert Scene: Next, we turn up the volume as we profile the upcoming concerts in Ithaca, NY. Get the inside scoop on the hottest gigs, the must-see artists, and how these events are energizing our city's nights.
Culinary Spotlight - Yxis Arepas: Shifting gears, we tantalize your taste buds by interviewing the proprietors of the beloved food truck, Yxis Arepas. Learn about their journey, the secrets behind their delicious arepas, and how they're spicing up Ithaca's food truck scene.
Sean's Winter Camping Adventure: Lastly, join us as we chat with Sean about his recent winter camping trip to the Adirondacks. Sean shares his exhilarating experience and why it's a must-try adventure.
Whether you're a music enthusiast, a foodie, an outdoor adventurer, or just love staying connected with Ithaca's pulse, this episode is packed with stories, interviews, and insights that you won't want to miss. Tune in, get inspired, and feel the rhythm of our city with "The Pulse of Ithaca."
Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. 🎶🍴🏞️🎧