Event Calendar
Season tickets now available!
New this season, we are offering season ticket packages for an easy way to experience the arts all year long. With performances, dances, and additional free community events happening throughout the season, the Conservatory is excited to welcome you back!
The Conservatory welcomes everyone!
The Trumansburg Conservatory hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, festivals, art openings, dance and theatre performances, lectures, book signings, and poetry readings. We are committed to providing high-quality experiences that enrich the lives of our participants while ensuring the continued success and growth of TCFA.
We invite you to explore the calendar and be part of the creativity, connection, and community that make the Conservatory so special!
Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you! Sign Up Here >
End of Summer Dance: Ageless Jazz Band Free Concert
Free Concert Event.
Refreshments served. Donations appreciated.
We kick off our 2026 concert and dance series with a free concert featuring The Ageless Jazz Band!
Based in Ithaca, NY, this incredible 18-piece Big Band has been lighting up the stage for over 40 years! With an electrifying mix of styles ranging from Swing to Bebop, Latin, Rock, and Contemporary jazz, they bring sophistication and a whole lot of fun to every performance. Under the brilliant direction of saxophonist and composer/arranger Peter Rothbart, this talented ensemble showcases both professional and semi-professional musicians from the area. Together, they are passionately dedicated to making Central New York swing like never before!
So, whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado or just looking for a night of lively entertainment, the Conservatory is thrilled to bring The Ageless Jazz Band to our newly renovated space!
Program support for The Ageless Jazz Band is provided by the Tompkins County Community Arts Partnership (CAP).
GNSI Exhbit: Sketch with the Artists
In conjunction with our current exhibit, “A Stand of Artists: The Art and Science of Collective Animal Groups”.
Free Event. All ages are welcome.
TCFA will be offering an opportunity to meet and sketch with artists of the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) on Sunday, September 13, from 1-3pm. This will be a free event and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Guild and its work in scientific illustration. Specimens for drawing will be supplied (including three live owls!), and drawing materials will be provided free of charge. The event takes place in the beautiful, light-filled auditorium of the Trumansburg Conservatory.
The sketch event coincides with the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators member show at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. This show features diverse works from group members in a variety of media and has open gallery hours on Fridays and Sundays, 1-5 pm., except during Labor Day Weekend. The show runs through October 2.
The “Sketch with the Artists” event is co- sponsored by the GNSI-Finger Lakes Chapter.
Kinloch Nelson & Muriel Anderson Concert. Fall Guitar Concert Series
Ticketed Event: Part of Our Concert Series
General Admission: $25.00
Refreshments served.
Over a decades-long guitar performance career, Kinloch Nelson has played folk, classical, ragtime, American primitive, Celtic, new-age, R & B, surf, rock, pop, country, jazz music, and an extensive catalogue of original compositions in bands, ensembles, and as a solo performer/composer. Nelson has received positive reviews in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine, Fretboard Journal, Rolling Stone, and Mojo Magazines. He has contributed transcriptions and instruction videos to Acoustic Guitar Magazine, performed for NPR radio and TV, and released CDs and vinyl on Tompkins Square, Heartland, BKNjr, and Sampler Records.
“A gifted performer and brilliant arranger who can do wonders with virtually any song.”
Dave Walker ~ Just Jazz Magazine
“In a genre where players often seem to rush to mysticism, Nelson plays as if he has all the time in the world to leave his mark. record review ~ David Fricke ~ Rolling Stone
"Kinloch Nelson’s guitar playing is a journey through American roots: Jazz, Country, Blues, Classical, Folk , Celtic and whatever it is that ties them all together. “Frank De Blaise ~ City News, Rochester NY
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Muriel Anderson is renowned for her expertise on the 20-string harp-guitar, yet it is her gentle sense of humor and uplifting melodies that leave her audience smiling. Guitar Player Magazine lists her as one of the 50 noteworthy guitarists of all time. She has been listed among the top ten female guitarists, and is the first woman to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. She has recorded with country legend Chet Atkins, performed with Les Paul and countless other greats in Muriel Anderson’s ALL STAR GUITAR NIGHT® over 30+ years..
Recordings
Her double CD “Nightlight Daylight” won top honors in a dozen awards and is the first ever to include an interactive fiber-optic lighted CD cover, her own concept. It includes collaborations with fellow musicians Victor Wooten, Phil Keaggy, Mark Kibble of Take 6, Danny Gottlieb, Stanley Jordan, Tommy Emmanuel, Earl Klugh, Howard Levy, Jeff Coffin, Tierra Negra and members of the Nashville Symphony.
Her recording of “El Noi de la Mare” appears in Woody Allen’s film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” and her “Heartstrings” recording accompanied the astronauts on the space shuttle Discovery. Muriel Anderson has released more than a dozen instrumental CD’s, eight instructional DVD’s and guitar books published by Hal Leonard, Mel Bay, and Zen-On Japan. Her compositions include commissioned classical works for the Nashville Chamber Orchestra and Vox Caelestis Womens Choir, as well as songs which have appeared as title tracks for three albums by various artists.
Acoustic guitarist Muriel Anderson has justifiably gained a reputation as one of the world’s best and most versatile guitar instrumentalists.
Chicago Tribune
“Muriel Anderson is a good friend and a great guitarist.”
Chet Atkins
“Just one hell of a great player …a great personality, and what I like is the touch that Muriel has on the guitar, the way she plays it like we all wish to play.”
Les Paul
https://murielanderson.com/press/bio/https://murielanderson.com/press/bio/
Superstition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_9oBWKcBVo&list=RDb_9oBWKcBVo&start_radio=1
Vincent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYQDwAHVTfk&list=RDbYQDwAHVTfk&start_radio=1
Latin American Fiesta w/Jorge Cuevas & the Caribe Jazz Allstars
Our first community dance celebration.
Jorge T. Cuevas & The Caribe Jazz Allstars will kick off the 2026 Latino Dance Fiesta at TCFA.
Playing a mix of “irresistibly danceable” Latin Jazz originals and jazz standards, Jorge T. Cuevas & The Caribe Jazz Allstars play the styles of salsa, cha cha, merengue, samba, and swing all to be enjoyed on TCFA’s fabulous dance floor. Our dance party will kick off with a Latin dance lesson, and the evening will feature Latin-themed food selections and a cash bar with sangria, beers, and cider.
The evening begins at 7:00 pm with a free Salsa lesson by Michael Luis Ristorucci of Salsa Ithaca, and the band begins at 7:30. Doors open at 6:45 pm.
The evening will feature dance lessons throughout in the styles of salsa, merengue, and samba. This community dance concert event promises to be a memorable experience for all music and dance lovers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy live music in a beautiful setting. Grab your friends and family and join the fun on our fabulous, newly restored dance floor!
Listen to selections from the group here:
42nd Annual Fall Invitational
42nd Fall Invitational: Featuring the Paintings of Gillian Pederson-Krag and Vincent Joseph
Opening Reception:
Saturday, October 10
7:00 - 9:00pm
Gallery Hours:
Fridays and Sundays
1:00 - 5:00pm
Free and open to the public.
More details to come.
Encore Players: "Dark Hearts" performance
Celebrating the spirit of the season, Encore Players presents another installment of “Dark Hearts”.
Ticketed event through Encore Players.
More information to come.
Feng E: Electric Ukelele Concert: Fall Concert Series
Ticketed Event: Part of Our Concert Series
General Admission: $25.00
Refreshments served and cash bar
Teenage Taiwanese phenomenon Feng E first stunned the world at just ten years old when his breathtaking ukulele performance of Tommy Emmanuel’s version of Classical Gas went viral. Seemingly overnight, the prodigy found himself on The Ellen DeGeneres Show—twice—then captivating audiences on both Asia’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent.
Since then, Feng E has transformed from a viral sensation into one of the most exciting young artists in the global ukulele scene. His dazzling performances have taken him to stages across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, China, and Hawaii, where he’s racked up international awards and headline slots. His groundbreaking 2024 West Coast tour of the United States turned heads with show-stopping sets at the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival, plus a string of high-profile TV and radio appearances.
Now with nearly a million YouTube subscribers and climbing, Feng E continues to set records and push boundaries. In 2025 alone, he headlined the Denver International Ukulele Festival and saw his band Resonance Effect take home the top prize in the Taoyuan Iron Rose Hot Sound Award in Taiwan (their version of shows like Idol). From October, he embarks on a highly anticipated U.S. Eastern tour, including a marquee performance in New York City.
If you're not already familiar with Feng E, check out one of his latest videos (many with well over 1 million views!) and experience him for yourself! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhLZAu9jvU0
FOR MORE INFO ON FENG E, CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE HERE: https://fengemusic.com/
Draw-A-Thon Cafe
Free event. Open to the public.
DRAWATHON 2026 @ TCFA is registered with The Big Draw, an international festival that takes place in October all over the world to celebrate the universal language of drawing. All levels of experience are welcome and encouraged. Come draw with us and be part of a global movement!
The annual Draw-a-thon at TCFA is for anyone who loves to draw, as well as those who think they can't!
Halloween Open House
Free and Open to the Public.
The Halloween Open House returns to the Conservatory, featuring candy, hot chocolate, coffee, and fresh apples, offering a family-friendly, festive atmosphere in the T'Burg spirit.
TOiVO: Fall Back Community Dance. Part of our Community Dance Series
Ticketed event: part of our Community Dance Series
$12.00 general admission.
TOiVO is a beloved six-piece band who play traditional social dance music—an eclectic mix of waltzes, polkas, swing, Tex-Mex, and Cajun two-steps. Their events at TCFA often serve as fundraisers for the conservatory's programs and scholarships.
TCFA’s Community Dances are held on our newly restored large wooden dance floor.
Refreshments served.
Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo Jazz Guitar Concert. Fall Guitar Concert Series
Ticketed Event: Part of Our Concert Series
General Admission: $25.00
Refreshments served and cash bar
Frank Vignola, is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, John Lewis, Lionel Hampton, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal.
Frank Vignola is one of the most popular and sought-after guitarists on the international music scene. His dynamic genre-spanning music has brought him to 21 countries on three continents – and still growing – performing in some of the world’s most illustrious venues, including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, New York’s Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, and the world’s oldest indoor concert hall, Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy.
Vignola has recorded over 30 CD’s as a leader and has been a guest on hundreds of recordings. Vignola has written over 18 educational music books, recorded the critically acclaimed “Vignola Plays Gershwin” CD, and recorded 3 DVD’s for Mel Bay Publications. He has also produced over 50 full-length video teaching courses for TrueFire.com, for all levels. His on-line One on One private lessons and online Jazz Studio continue to thrive, having reached thousands of jazz guitar enthusiasts all over the globe.
Currently, Frank Vignola holds residency every Wednesday night at the world-famous Birdland Jazz Club Theatre in New York City. Vignola also has a duo partnership with violinist Tessa Lark. “Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night” has featured some of the finest talent on the planet, including Mike Stern, Pasquale Grasso, Jimmy Bruno, Janis Siegel, Sheryl Bailey, Bill Charlap, Houston Person, Tessa Lark, Chris Flory, and many more.
https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankVignolaGuitar
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFeCTDyYOss-QhnCG6VPxlxGTfMlx1rJa
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Vinny Raniolo is best known for his accompanying skills and is a very high-demand rhythm guitarist. His dynamic playing has taken him to 14 countries on three continents (and still growing), and he has performed in some of the world’s most illustrious venues, including the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, New York’s Lincoln Center, and the world’s oldest indoor concert hall, Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy.
Often featured on National Public Radio in duo with Frank Vignola, Vinny has become a familiar figure on Public Television, featured previously on three popular shows, including the heavily programmed Tommy Emmanuel and Friends. Frank and Vinny’s own PBS special, Four Generations of Guitars, premieres in the 2014-15 season as part of the forthcoming 13-episode series Music Gone Public.
Vinny has also worked with artists like Leon Redbone, Vince Giordano, Deana Martin, and Olli Soikkeli, as well as making on-screen appearances on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.
Visit his website at VinnyRaniolo.com
Handmade Holiday
Free and Open to the Public
Vendor booths and merchandise are featured.
The Handmade Holiday Market is an annual artisan event held in conjunction with Trumansburg’s WinterFest. The event features local crafts, artwork, and seasonal live music. Our second annual Gingerbread House contest will be held in partnership with Hula Hut in Ithaca, NY.
Student Holiday Recital
Ticketed Event: Not part of season ticket package
$10.00 General Admission
$ 8.00 Students & Seniors"
Children 12 and under are free
Our four fine arts programs join together to create a special holiday event celebrating dance, music, visual art, and theatre.
More information to come.
New Year's Day Gong Bath with Caryn Sheckler
Ring in the New Year with our annual New Year’s Day Gong Bath: an immersive, meditative sound experience led by gong master Caryn Sheckler. Participants lie down or sit while harmonious sound waves wash over them to reduce stress, lower brain activity, and promote deep relaxation.
$25.00 general admission
$20.00 Seniors / Students
Separate Event. Not part of the season ticket package.
Winter Square Dance. Part of our Community Dance Series.
Ticketed Event: Part of Dance Series Season Ticket
General Admission: $15.00
Join us for a fun evening of dance with live music and callers.
More details to come.
Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Exhibit. Opening Reception
Gallery Hours:
Fridays and Sundays
1:00 - 5:00pm
Mardi Gras Ball. TCFA Dance Series.
Ticketed Event: Included Dance Series Season Ticket
General Admission: $30.00
The Lowdown Alligators return to TCFA to celebrate what they kicked off.
The 7-piece jazz ensemble performed a benefit concert—complete with theatrical spectacle and glamorous costume changes—to kick off TCFA's capital and restoration campaign.
The band was originally formed in 1976 by tuba player Dane Marion and pianist/vocalist Peggy Haine, growing into a beloved fixture of the Upstate New York jazz scene. In recent years, they have reunited for highly successful TCFA community events, such as the Capital Campaign Kickoff and local Sweetheart Balls, to help the conservatory raise funds for its historic building restorations.
Dress in your favorite costume in celebration of Mardi Gras right before Fat Tuesday!
Refreshments served and cash bar.
Encore Players: Spring Production. TBD
Encore Players returns to TCFA for their annual Winter production.
Ticketed event through Encore Players.
More information coming soon.
WinterRoots
Ticketed Event: Concert Series Season Ticket Event
General Admission: $30.00
Students: $18.00
Children 12 and under are free of charge
An extension of GrassRoots Unplugged. Our annual winter music festival features many of your favorite local musicians.
More information to come.
Tim Ball & Kevin Elam Concert
Ticketed Event. Concert Series Season Ticket Event.
General Admission: $25.00
Tim Ball is an accomplished American fiddler, singer, and guitarist whose playing is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Ireland, New England, Canada, and Appalachia, tied together by the distinct musical heritage of his native upstate New York. With over two decades of experience performing in Celtic and contra dance ensembles, Tim has built a reputation for his expressive style and deep musical knowledge. His latest album, Upstate Crossroads, marked a major milestone in his career, earning the No. 1 spot on the January 2023 Folk Alliance International music chart.
Refreshments served and cash bar.
“Ball is off to an exceptional solo career, as evidenced by these timeless and infectious songs.”
—Tom Haugen
“When I heard your album I thought that I was listening to a much older fiddle player—in the best possible way.”
—Matt Watroba
WKAR, Lansing, MI
“One of the best fiddlers I have ever heard.”
—Dick Hageman
WMNR, Monroe, CT
“Upstate Crossroads is pure joy! Fresh, surprising arrangements and infectious rhythms deliver a diverse, playful musical celebration. Good luck sitting still while this record plays! An exceptional record by one of New York’s best fiddlers and musicians.”
—Joe Crookston
singer/songwriter, Ithaca, NY
Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/3psQJ8cvVgouiN9T1GF6zo
Afternoon Irish Tea with Celtic Harpist Lisa Fenwick
Ticketed Event. No part of TCFA’s Season Ticket Series.
General Admission: $20
Advanced Tickets are recommended. Space is limited.
Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts is once again hosting a mid-afternoon Irish Tea with harpist Lisa Craig Fenwick.
Fenwick will present a program on a Celtic lever harp and a pedal harp. In honor of St. Patrick's Day week, the concert will feature a variety of music styles, with a strong emphasis on Celtic music.
Fenwick, who performs throughout the region, will engage with her audience as she shares information about how the harp works and how it has evolved. She teaches harp both online and in her Ithaca studio.
The event will be held on Sunday, March 14, at 2 p.m. A variety of pastries, teas, and coffees will be served.
Spring Contra Dance
Ticketed Event. Community Dance Series Season Ticket Event.
General Admission: $15.00
The Conservatory returns to hosting a Contra Dance! A live caller will guide this fun and energetic social North American folk dance. Dancers execute walking steps and patterns like the do-si-do or swing. As the sequence repeats, dancers progress up and down the line to engage with new partners.
Come join the fun on our fabulous, newly restored dance floor!
Refreshments served and cash bar.
Kilrush Irish Rock Concert
Ticketed Event. Concert Series Season Ticket Event.
General Admission: $25.00
Refreshments served and cash bar.
In 2001, a group of musicians from the Elmira- Corning Region began meeting up to play informal trad sessions in local pubs and coffee shops. Over the years, the band evolved and began to play a more contemporary style, infusing the influences of other artists and genres to reflect the Irish-American experience. This resulted in a high-energy, crowd-pleasing style with all the elements loved in a traditional Irish band, a sound the band refers to as “Triple Distilled Celtic Rock”.
Kilrush plays events and festivals across New York and Pennsylvania, including the 2012 AOH/LAOH National Convention, Great American Irish Festival, Irish 2000, East Durham Irish Festival, Hooley on the Hudson, North Country Goes Green and more. The band has been honored to share the bill with well-known international acts such as Gaelic Storm, The Elders, Scythian, and the Dublin City Ramblers, to name a few.
Kilrush has released four full albums: “On This Shore” and “Keltoi Anam” which showcased the group’s traditional roots. “Spree”, released in 2015, showcases the band’s more contemporary sound and includes fan favorites such as “Lily’s Ghost” and “Banks Of The Margaree”. In 2022, the band released a self-titled album which, in addition to showcasing a return to their traditional roots, also features their interpretation of contemporary hits such as “Ride On”, “N-17” and “Streets of London.”
I Kilrush credits their longevity and success to the love and support of their fans everywhere ( who they consider family ), but also to the fact that after more than 20 years, Kilrush continues to be fans of the music themselves.
https://kilrushmusic.com/music-videos/
Disco Dance Party
Ticketed Event. Community Dance Season Ticket Event
General Admission: $20.00
Refreshments served and cash bar.
Hustle back to the 70’s with mirror balls and colorful lights as our fabulous dance floor becomes the scene!
DJ Obvious Objects will be spinning all of your favorite disco dance songs, and your ticket price includes complimentary retro snacks and one drink of your choice. The Conservatory will also be selling beer, wine, and piña colladas.
This event is a great way to kick off spring, so boogie on down to the Disco Dance Party!
Cajun Zydeco Festival
Ticketed Event. Concert Series Season Ticket Event.
$25.00
Food and cash bar.
Join us in our backyard and main stage for our first Zydeco festival, a vibrant celebration of Creole music, culture, food, and dance. This one-of-a-kind festival brings together local zydeco performers, cultural heritage experiences, and authentic Louisiana vibes for all ages.
More details to come.
Chamber Music at New Park: Music of the Great American Songbook
TICKETED EVENT
Chamber Music at New Park presents its 10th Season Opening Celebration!
MUSIC OF THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
featuring
CAITY GYORGY & MARK LIMACHER
An unforgettable evening of live jazz and local food featuring Juno Award-winning Canadian jazz singer Caity Gyorgy with pianist Mark Limacher
THU. SEPT. 3
DINNER 6:30/CONCERT 7:30 PM
TRUMANSBURG CONSERVATORY • 5 MCLALLEN ST, TRUMANSBURG, NY
BILL GREGG: 40 YEARS OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC
Concert spanning 40 years of Bill's electronic music with flutist Christene Simone.
10.00 suggested donation
Reception celebrating the reissue of "Voyage of the Heart" (Sagegazers label)
& new CD "Illumination" will follow.
Guild of Natural Science Illustrators: Exhibit Opening Reception
Opening Reception for the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators’ annual show: "A Stand of Artists: The Art and Science of Collective Animal Groups"
Free Event. Open to the Public.
The exhibit will run through Friday, October 2.
Gallery Hours will be held on Fridays and Sundays from 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Visit the GNSI website to view previous exhibits HERE
Benefit Jazz Concert
Jazz Concert featuring Ithaca and Trumansburg jazz musicians.
5:00 - 6:30: The Ithaca Stompers
7:00 - 8:30: Equinox Jazz Trio with Marc Devokaitis
Minimum suggested donation: $10.00
Proceeds benefit Aubry Sidle & Steven Manly, and their children, as well as Lucas Vann.
Musical Theatre Arts Workshop
Each August, TCFA brings students together for an immersive theatrical experience. Over the course of just 11 days, participants work collaboratively to rehearse and present a full performance showcasing their creativity, dedication, and talent.
Plein Air Pastel Workshop
Learn tips, techniques, and general instructions for outdoor pastel painting, where you will create pastels on paper that can serve as a final piece or as a preparatory work for a later painting. The session will take place on a private estate with views of Cayuga Lake.
Encore Players Presents 1776
Encore Players Community Theatre of Trumansburg presents an abridged version of the Tony Award-winning musical, 1776, with a book by Peter Stone and music/lyrics by Sherman Edwards. The musical tells the story of John Adams and his fight for American Independence in the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Encore Players Presents 1776
Encore Players Community Theatre of Trumansburg presents an abridged version of the Tony Award-winning musical, 1776, with a book by Peter Stone and music/lyrics by Sherman Edwards. The musical tells the story of John Adams and his fight for American Independence in the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Spring Music Recital
We recognize the music students studying with our instructor, Bill Gregg, for their end-of-year recital. We are thrilled to be hosting this year's performances in our main hall at the Conservatory once again.
Cayuga Arts Collective Annual Art Exhibit
Announcing the 10th annual Cayuga Arts Collective Show at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Every year, we invite established and emerging artists to participate in celebrating the creative spirit that fills our community.
Cayuga Art Collective Exhibit: ON TIME
Gallery Hours:
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Fridays and Sundays
Closed 4th of July Weekend
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Re-Opening
We are reopening our doors after an 18-month restoration and renovation project! Join us on Thursday, June 18th at 4:30pm for a Ribbon Cutting celebration.
TOiVO
TOiVO returns as we celebrate the coming of spring with our annual Spring Forward Community Dance.
Price of Admission: By donation. Food & drink available for purchase. All are welcome!
Kilrush
Back by popular demand! This high energy band is a powerhouse of contemporary Celtic music that resonates with the spirit of the Irish-American experience.