Thursday, Sept. 16: Utica Music and Arts Fest kicks off today

The Utica Music and Arts Fest gets underway tonight with a kickoff party at the F.X. Matt Brewery Tour Center Courtyard. Jimkata and The Buddhahood will both be performing. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. and admission free with UMAF bracelet, or $5 without.

In addition to the event at F.X. Matt, there is a kickoff party at Nail Creek Pub and Brewery, also in Utica, featuring The Rusty Doves, Strung Sideways, Aaron ShamleyKiernen McMullen, J. Schmitt starting at 8 p.m.

The festival takes place in various venues around the city of Utica and runs through Saturday. One-day passes are $25 and include free admission to all participating venues and free transportation for the day/night or purchase. Saturday day pass will include free admission to participating venues and your admission to sample Utica Greens at the Utica Greens Fest from 12 to 6 p.m. on Varick St. Single event admission is also available at the various venues. Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Also tonight

• Keyna Hora Klezmer Band at Boyle Senior Center, Auburn (6 p.m.)
• 3rd Annual Last Daze of Summer Festival with Blue Sky Mission Club and Tim Herron Corporation (8 p.m.) at Sterling Stage Kampitheater, Sterling
• Dam Dog at Farmer’s Market, Oswego (5 p.m.)
• The Heavy Pets, Lee Terrace and Same Blood Folk Band at Westcott Theater, Syracuse
• Loretto Foundation Benefit Concert with Tony Bennett at Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater, Syracuse
• Andy Pitz and Chris Coccia at Wise Guys Comedy Club and Bistro, Syracuse

At the clubs

• Applebee’s Restaurant (3189 Erie Blvd. E) – Karaoke, 9 p.m.
• Bluewater Grill (11 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles) - Tumbleweed Jones Band with guest, 9 p.m.
• Empire Brewing Company (120 Walton St.) – Just Joe, 10:30 p.m.
• Fusion (3705 Brewerton Rd., N. Syracuse) – Karaoke 8 p.m., Back to School Party with Kill the Maestro, Descending Angel, A Couple Strangers, Matt Raymo and Jim Brown, 9 p.m.
• Ithaca Ale House (111 M. Aurora St., Ithaca) – Michael Crissan, 10:30 p.m.
• Kosta’s Bar and Grill (105 Grant Ave., Auburn) – Paul Case, 6:30 p.m.
• Mac’s Bad Art Bar (1799 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale) - Open Mike with Ronnie Dark All Stars, 9 p.m.
• Mohegan Manor (58 Oswego St., Baldwinsville) – E.S.P., 6:30 p.m.
• Oswego Farmer’s Market (First Ave., Oswego) – Damdog, 5 p.m.
• Sharkey’s Eclectic Sports Lounge (7240 Oswego Rd., Liverpool) – Gary Frenay and Arty Lenin, 8 p.m.
• Shenanigan’s (318 E. Fayette St.) – Karaoke with Chad the Entertainer, 7 p.m.
• Shifty's (1401 Burnet Ave.) - Ryan Burdick, 8 p.m.
• Spencer’s Ali (126 W. 2nd St., Oswego) – Smart Alec, 9 p.m.
• Tavern on the Lock (24 S. First St., Fulton) - Joe Donelan, 6 p.m.
• Uno’s Chicago Grill (Route 31, Clay) – Mark Ballard, 9 p.m.
• Village Tavern (6 E. Main St., Marcellus) – Funky Blu Roots, 8 p.m.
• Waterfront Tavern Deck (Route 11, Brewerton) – George Leija, 5 p.m.
• Western Ranch Motor Inn (1255 State Fair Blvd.) – Tommy Barr, 6:30 p.m.