That five piece Groove-laden dance band outta Ithaca, comin' back to Millheim!

Zydeco has been in the background of these gentlemen’s lives since the beginning. Having attended the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance since early childhood, each member has a foundational appreciation (and heritage!) for the genre. The distinctive melodies and irresistible grooves attracted the attention of this group, leading them to usher in the next generation of dance music in Ithaca.

This band comes from an intriguing blend of musical backgrounds. The members have a collective resume spanning multiple decades, playing in countless musical projects ranging from country, folk, rock, and punk rock. They’ve come together to learn, study, and perform Creole Dance music, a rich tradition that is coveted and honored in Louisiana. Still in the early stages of national awakening, Zydeco is an infectious genre that grabs the listener and steers them to the dance floor.

Heavy Bone has been setting roots in Ithaca since March of 2024, but is expanding far and wide as time goes on. Members Jonas Puryear (accordion and vocals), Joe Hayward (bass and vocals), Sam Schmidt (guitar), Cole Stearns (washboard) and Zeb Whitford (drums) are excited to show you Upstate New York’s newest excuse to dance!