Rootstock to bring youth talent to Ithaca Commons, Tompkins County weekend event planner

Good morning ☀️

It’s Thursday and as is my custom, I'll be bringing you a weekend event preview later on in this newsletter.

If someone forwarded this to you, click the sign-up link here for more updates, and don’t forget to spread the word to anyone else who might enjoy giving it a read.

Without further delay, here’s an update on Ithaca’s young entrepreneurs.

Ithaca kids to showcase talent on the Commons for Rootstock 2024 🎙️

Ithaca’s own New Roots Charter School and the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival are partnering once again to host Rootstock, an annual youth music and performance event.

With over 15 acts lined up for Saturday at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons, running from noon to 6 p.m., there will be a little something for everyone, be it music or a new piece of jewelry.

The festival will host the 7th annual Youth Entrepreneurship Market (YEM) and its Spring Workshop Series, so expect student vendors selling food, jewelry and all manner of arts and crafts.

Learn more about Rootstock and the youth market in my recent article on the topic.

Here’s some more of what you need to know today

NY ranked in top 10 states most obsessed with music festivals: Find out where we ranked and what the state’s favorite festival is here. (hint: it’s a yearly event far from New York State.)

Famed American authors’ Elmira summer home nets $50k: An organization supporting Quarry Farm — the historic Elmira area home of legendary author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain – was recently awarded a $50,000 grant to help finance the installation of a state-of-the-art fire suppression system.

Finger Lakes CEO honored by Boy Scout troop headquartered in Dryden: Cayuga Health Systems CEO Dr. Martin Stallone was awarded by a local branch of the Boy Scouts of America with its 2024 Distinguished Citizen Award. Here’s an article covering the award and Stallone’s background.

Plant a seed or turn a new leaf this weekend with help from Ithaca farmers 🥕

The Ithaca Farmers Market is hosting its annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale this Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., at the market’s usual spot, Steamboat Landing just off state Route 13 in the city. Weekend farmers markets are expected to continue there until late November.

The VOICES Multicultural Chorus’s Spring concert will take you around the world this weekend, through the lens of folk music. Head to the First Baptist Church at 309 N. Cayuga Street Saturday at 3 p.m. for the pay-what-you-want folk concert.

The yearly Cornell International Chamber Music Festival begins Friday May 17 at the university’s Barnes Hall. Check out 16 accomplished musicians together in one place with performances running into next Tuesday, more info here.

If folk ‘aint your thang and you prefer a bit of gettin’ down in southern dress, then Deep Dive has you covered this Sunday, bringing in some Southern Comfort and hospitality during its weekly Southern Supper, starting at 5 p.m. for a $5 charge at the door.

That’s about all I’ve got for you today.

Thanks for sticking with me and please reach out to jmack@gannett.com with any comments, questions, or concerns about this newsletter, or news tips in the Tompkins County area.