Hot weekend of music includes two can't-miss events
You hear it all the time from people in Central New York: “there’s nothing to do around here.”
Well, with two big events coming up over the next couple of days, you’re not likely to hear that this weekend.
First off, on Friday, Cafe Domenico will celebrate their 20th Anniversary, and to commemorate the occasion, Utica’s genuine java joint will present continuous music performances from 3 - 9:30 p.m. right next door at The Other Side.
Then, grab enough coffee to keep you going the next day, because you’re not going to want to miss the return of a local legend to Central New York: Danny Holmes is back for a special concert on Saturday at Unity Hall’s historic music venue.
The weekend festivities get underway at Café Domenico/The Other Side at 3 p.m. with a set by J. Schnitt, followed by The Dove Tones at 4.
Well-known local blues man Jimmy Wolf takes the stage with his trio at 5, leading into a 6:00 p.m. set by The Real Burnouts.
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At 7 p.m. two of the area’s most popular musicians, Matt Mielnick and Ann Carey, better known as Nook & Cranny, put their eclectic repertoire on display, after which the jazz stylings of the Julie Falatico - Rick Montalbano Trio bring the event to a finish.
While the lineup is stellar, the quality was just one factor to be considered when owners Kim and Orin Domenico put their roster together.
“The music was chosen on the basis of quality, diversity of genres and, very importantly, association of the musicians with the Cafe and its owners,” explains Kim. “All the performers have been longtime Cafe customers, and/or, like Jimmy Wolf, played at the Cafe in its earliest years.”
Admission is free, but donations for musicians are appreciated. Refreshments and commemorative merchandise will be available at the Café.
Danny Holmes needs no introduction to local music fans, having been the bass/vocalist in several Utica-based bands including Bad Dog NY, M.U.C.H. and Timbre. In the mid-70s he started a duo with Rich Mancini that ruled the crowded acoustic scene in CNY.
Now, on a visit from his current home in Florida, the multi-talented singer/songwriter will perform with a new, prettier partner (sorry, Rich), his wife, vocalist Karen Holmes in the duo, Rose n’ Thorne, at Unity Hall.
Together they feature spot-on harmonies in their renditions of songs by artists like Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Nora Jones, The Beatles, Neil Young, James Taylor and Eric Clapton. Their eclectic music selections range from Talking Heads, Dave Mason and Bonnie Raitt, to Elvis, Amy Winehouse, and the Little River Band
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for the general public and $15 for Unity Hall members. Show time is at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15.
Advance tickets can be purchased at www.unityhall.com and at the Adirondack Cheese Company in Barneveld. It’s recommended to get tickets early because seating is limited. Proof of COVID vaccination is required. Masks are recommended.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Central New York music scene: One weekend, two can't miss events
