Arts Around Ithaca: Week of April 23

April 23, 2012
By Sun Staff

The Sun Staff previews the upcoming events on campus and around town for the week ahead, including the last Castaways show.

Final Show at Castaways, 9:30 p.m. on Sunday at Castaways: Well, this is it. One final blowout at Castaways will close out the venue for good. And what better bands than two Castaways veterans, John Brown’s Body and The Sim Redmond Band. J.B.B. has been touring the world since 2003 with their “Future Roots Music” — or reggae rhythms with hip hop, dubstep, electronic, ska and funk influences.

Likewise, S.R.B.’s unique blend of roots-rock, Afro-Caribbean and reggae music continues to rise on the global front since their inception as a band ten years ago. While both bands have toured and reach people from all over the world, they return to their base of Ithaca for one final headlining show. —   Alice  Wang

Finger Lakes Comedy Festival, Thursday to Saturday, Various Locations: Three days, four venues, six shows, 20 comedians and unlimited laughter. This three-day festival features 20 of the best up-and-coming comedians in North America as they joke it out for the title of the Finger Lakes Funniest Comedian and a national headlining feature show. Not only will you be able to watch each set, you’ll also be able to vote for your favorite comedian, count your votes among those of the judges and the comedians to find the country’s newest talent. —   Alice  Wang

Last Call Straight Up XVII, Friday at 8 p.m. at Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts: When was the last time you were serenaded by a group of fellows so dashing and pretty-sounding that you blacked out from happiness? On Friday, the men of Last Call will perform their annual spring show, Straight Up XVII, complete with original music arrangements, boy-band choreography, flashing lights and a silly, silly comedy script. The Callboys, as fans affectionately call them, will make all of your wildest a capella dreams come true. Join hundreds of screaming fans as they perform hits spanning from “We Are Young” and “Stereohearts” to “Bye Bye Bye” for a night of music, laughter, and fun! —  Addy Davidoff

Ithaca Ballet Presents Swan Lake, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the State Theatre: For a triumphant close to their 50th season, the Ithaca Ballet graces the State Theatre with two performances of the stunning masterpiece, Swan Lake. The first ballet of esteemed Russian composer Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake is truly a visual symphony —  blending sumptuous choreography, a commanding score and the age old story of forbidden love for a gorgeously poignant result. Composed in 1875, the ballet tells the story of Odette, a princess cursed to remain a swan for the rest of her life by an evil sorcerer. The lush musical score, familiar to most, and the intricate footwork makes this ballet one of the most beloved of all times. —  Sarah Angell & Lubabah Chowdhury