Folk band Mama Look! to play concert in Trumansburg

Three Tompkins County musicians are aiming to bring healing and a positive message to their audiences at a time of what they consider worldwide distress. 

Mama Look! — the new folk band formed by Amy Puryear, Uniit Carruyo and McKenzie Jones — is set to bring the group’s songs of resilience, love and community to an intimate evening of music at the Perry City Friends Meetinghouse, located at 6324 state Route 227 in the hamlet of Perry City in Trumansburg. The concert will take place Feb. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. A suggested donation of $15-$30 can be provided at the door; the concert’s proceeds will go toward supporting the Perry City Friends Meetinghouse. 

Puryear, Carruyo and Jones are all veterans of the local music scene, starring in such bands as Laila Belle, Sim Redmond Band and Strange Heavy. The three musicians got their start as an outfit last July, days after the Grassroots Music Festival in Trumansburg. 

“We’ve sung together in little bits here and there, but we’ve never been in a musical project together like this before,” Puryear said. “We were talking at Grassroots about how fun it would be to make some music together, and instead of just talking about it, we right then and there set our first rehearsal date for two days after the festival. It just instantly felt like this magical, super healing and bonding project to be in together. We’ve been working together ever since.”

Their goal? To become an oasis for listeners at an arid time, colored by global distress.

“To be a beacon of light during a time that feels very trying and difficult in a lot of ways,” Puryear added. “It feels like we can share our songs and our voices and our hearts to create something that’s hopeful and beautiful, meaningful and healing for people right now, not just for our own selves.”

Her band’s music, Puryear said, can connect with audiences who are coping with the effects and the aftermath of natural disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, and also the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Some of the songs are about love and motherhood. Others are about revolution and peace. 

“To me, it all feels very connected, and this feels like one thing that I can do,” Puryear said. “The one thing I know how to do is to share my voice and share my heart. We’re creating something that feels like synergy. We are three women, we are three mothers, and we are three voices. We’re creating something bigger than just the three individuals coming together.”

Puryear said that bringing the collective spirit of people together through music is partially the antidote to the dire times we live in. The Perry City Friends Meetinghouse, then, might be the doctor to deliver the cure. 

“This concert is more than just a night of incredible music — it’s a chance to support the Perry City Friends Meetinghouse, a community space dedicated to peace, justice, and spiritual connection,” Puryear said in a press release promoting Mama Look’s! show. “The Meetinghouse is currently the home for Curiosity Collective, SingSong Music Classes, Women’s Wellness Wednesdays, ArtsCool and more.”

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Puryear hosts SingSong Music Classes for children ages one to four. On Wednesdays, she also hosts Women’s Wellness Wednesdays, a women’s empowerment and self-care event. 

“It feels like [the Meetinghouse] is one of the most important things we have; it brings us together as a community,” Puryear said. “And when the community is together and has places to gather, then we can also find ways to help outside of our own community.”

Joining Mama Look! will be Tenzin Chopak and Travis Knapp, each performing a solo set. Both performers are staples of Ithaca’s music scene. Chopak’s soulful songwriting and intricate guitar work have captivated local audiences, while Knapp’s uplifting folk melodies and powerful storytelling bring warmth and inspiration to listeners.

“Funds raised will help maintain and preserve the Meetinghouse and grounds for future generations to continue to gather, enjoy and benefit from,” Puryear said. “Built in the late 1800s, the structure is in need of exterior painting, full building insulation, a new roof and a parking area. These major projects need funding in the coming year.”

An assortment of fresh baked goods will be available for purchase at the venue. 

Ulysses Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com. Contact Eddie Velazquez at edvel37@gmail.com or on X (formerly Twitter): @ezvelazquez.

In brief:

Trumansburg Central School District welcomed Hilary Ewing as the new principal of Charles O. Dickerson High School on Feb. 4.

Below is a message from TCSD Superintendent and former Charles O. Dickerson High School Principal Megan Conaway:

“I am writing with much enthusiasm to announce the next principal of Charles O. Dickerson High School, Ms. Hilary Ewing. Ms. Ewing will begin this role on March 17, 2025. With a background in engineering and extensive experience as a math teacher, department leader, and associate principal, Ms. Ewing brings over 15 years of educational expertise to our district. Currently serving as Associate Principal at Ithaca High School, Ms. Ewing has extensive leadership in enhancing community collaborations as well as expanding college and career readiness programs. Operating with a growth mindset, Ms. Ewing believes that every person has the ability to learn and grow. Ms. Ewing is deeply committed to the power of community in building connections and creating safe, inclusive spaces for students. With a proven track record for initiating meaningful change, Ms. Ewing has worked collaboratively with staff to share her passion for increasing access to STEAM and other elective programs. We look forward to the leadership and positive impact Ms. Ewing will have on our community!

“During this transition time, Ms. Ledley will continue as acting High School Principal through the first week of March. Thank you to our stakeholder members who assisted with our interview process and helped to guide this very important decision.”