As a local music discovery platform, we at Localify aim to put the spotlight on music communities that inspire us. To kick off our Scene of the Month spotlight series, there seemed to be no better option than to shine a light on Ithaca, NY — the hometown of Localify and CNN’s top town to visit in 2025.
Despite having a population of only 30,000 people, Ithaca has one of the most vibrant music scenes in Upstate New York. While it isn’t a paramount tour destination like New York City, Boston or Los Angeles, touring artists still often take the time to make a stop in the ‘gorges’ town. Music is the lifeblood of community in Ithaca, with a variety of historic venues and local artists of any imaginable genre. Check out some of our highlights from the Ithaca music scene below!
Artist Spotlight: The Gunpoets
Gunpoets is a seven-member live hip-hop band from Ithaca, NY, known for their uplifting lyrics and high-energy performances.
Since forming in 2008, they’ve become a cornerstone of the Central New York music scene, lighting up stages at major regional festivals like the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival and the Great Blue Heron Music Festival. With three studio albums under their belt—including 2016’s powerful Bombs Away!—the band is set to make waves again in 2025 with new music and unforgettable live shows.
Person Spotlight: Brian Dozoretz
Local music scenes thrive not just because of great artists and venues, but thanks to the people who work behind the scenes to keep the music alive. Today, we’re spotlighting Brian Dozoretz, a cornerstone of Ithaca’s music community.
Brian works as the Recording Services Manager at Ithaca College, where he graduated in ’94 with a bachelor of science degree in Audio Production, along with minors in Electroacoustic Music, and Still Photography. He now trains student engineers and oversees a 70+ year archive of concert recordings. On top of his academic achievements, Brian is a GRAMMY®-winning collaborator and longtime Voting Member of the Recording Academy, with four decades of industry experience. He has performed and recorded as a professional bassist for over 40 years, performing on stages throughout Ithaca since ’91.
Venue Spotlight: Deep Dive
All local artists need a stage to perform on, and what would Ithaca’s music scene be without Deep Dive!
Since opening in 2022, Deep Dive has offered weekly entertainment including live music, performances, dance parties, and unique events that emulate the buzzing local music community of Ithaca. Whether you’re catching a touring artist on the rise or a jazz night featuring Ithaca College students and town residents alike, you’re sure to have a great time on the Cayuga Lake inlet.
If you’re in the Ithaca area, check out our venue page for Deep Dive to see featured upcoming events.
Event Spotlight: Porchfest
The first Porchfest was held in Ithaca in 2007 and showcased 20 local musicians. This year, around 234 annual Porchfests are different cities around the US and Canada, continuing the Ithaca-bred tradition of enjoying local music. Porchfest celebrates the diversity of local music communities while remaining free to watch & to perform.
Porchfest 2025 will take place on Sunday, September 21 from noon to 6 PM. Make sure to mark your calendar for an afternoon of dancing, supporting small businesses, and listening to the greatest local music Ithaca has to offer!
We also have exciting Localify news about Porchfest 2025, stay tuned!
We are so glad to have spent the month showcasing the unique music community of Ithaca, Localify’s hometown. Stay tuned for more Scene of the Month spotlights to come!