By Taylor W.
Before X Ambassadors were creating hits like “Renegades” and “Unsteady,” the Ithaca, New York-bred group spent their time traveling to cities outside their hometown — because the artists they wanted to see in concert would never stop by their hometown.
So, 11 years after leaving Ithaca and achieving their own dreams of becoming a successful rock band, the X Ambassadors guys are making sure their hometown isn’t always forgotten. Behold, the inaugural Cayuga Sound Festival, which will not only bring some great acts to their hometown, but will also benefit local nonprofits in the city.
The Cayuga Sound Festival will take place in Ithaca, New York, on Sept. 22 and 23.
“When we were kids growing up in Ithaca, it was always so exciting to hear when musicians we loved were coming to tour through our town. It always felt so special — like they’d decided to come play just for us,” the band wrote in an Instagram announcing the fest. “We’re bringing that noise back to where it all started. @cayugasound is the music festival we dreamed of as kids in Ithaca. Eclectic, cutting edge, and daring musicians from all over the world, all sharing the stage together.”
Taking place on Sept. 22 and 23 in Ithaca’s Stewart Park, X Ambassadors and The Roots will serve as headliners for the inaugural festival. Also taking part in Cayuga Sound’s first year are K. Flay, The Knocks, Tei Shi, Margaret Glaspy, Jukebox the Ghost and more. Some of the nonprofits that will receive part of the festival proceeds are Friends of Stewart Park, the Ithaca Youth Bureau, GIAC, Planned Parenthood Ithaca, Community School of Music & Arts and more to be announced.
Performances will take place on two stages in Stewart Park, with after parties and other events happening throughout the city all weekend. For more information, visit the festival’s official website.