Tonight: Laura Cantrell at 11th Street Bar

July 31, 2011

Laura Cantrell (with guitar wiz Mark Spencer) will be playing at the 11th Street Bar tonight starting at 8:30pm.

Laura was born and raised in Nashville, but came to New York City for college and never left.  She’s not only a singer and songwriter but a musicologist as well, serving as the proprietress as The Radio Thrift Shop on WFMU.  Rolling Stone has called Laura “A modern woman with an old-timey heart, with a voice pitched somewhere between the bluesy realism of Lucinda Williams and the vintage femininity of Kitty Wells.”

Laura plays traditional country, alt-country and folk-rock as well.  The title song from her debut album, Not The Trembling Kind, was written by Jersey rocker George Usher.  She’s also covered Gordon Lightfoot‘s Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Her latest album, Kitty Wells Dresses, is a straight country album made up of covers of Kitty Wells’ songs with one original (the title track).  Laura has opened for Elvis Costello and also for country music legend Charlie Louvin.

Laura Cantrell,  11th Street Bar, 510 E. 11th Street between Avenues A &B (Any train to 14th Street or L Train to 1st Avenue, then transfer to the 14 A bus to 11th Street), 8:30PM, No Cover

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Today and Tonight: Take Your Pick

July 30, 2011

It’s one of those days where there are multiple good choices.  Here’s the run down:

Late afternoon to early evening in the East Village: Hayes Carll, Rhett Miller, Teddy Thompson and Martha Wainwright are playing a free show in Stuyvesant Town at the  Stuyvesant Town Oval from 4-8pm.  The Stuy Town website says “Events are free to residents and their guests.”  Whether that means you will be stopped and asked to show ID is not clear, but I haven’t had any reports of that happening in the past.  Enter at 16th Street and 1st Avenue; L Train to 1st Avenue.

Late afternoon through the evening on the Upper West Side:  She’s Got the Power! A Girl Group Extravaganza including a tribute to Ellie Greenwich; with LaLa Brooks, Lesley Gore, Arlene Smith (former lead singer of The Chantels), Baby Washington, Barbara Harris (of The Toys), Beverly Warren, Brenda Reid and Lillian Walker (The Exciters), Louise Murray (of The Jaynettes), Margaret Ross (of The Cookies), Maxine Brown, Nanette Licori (of Reparata and the Delrons), Peggy Santiglia Davison and Jiggs Sirico (of The Angels).  This is for those of you who remember the music of the late 50s and early 60s fondly or those who would like to see it live for the first time.  At Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Damrosch Park Bandshell, 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues (A, C, D or 1 Trains to 59th Street), 5 – 10pm.  This show is free.

Evening in Brooklyn (Park Slope):  Dr. John and The Lower 911 play Celebrate Brooklyn (Prospect Park Bandshell).  The good doctor plays these parts every so often; tonight is such a night. Chuck Brown and Red Baraat open.  The F train to 7th Avenue will get you there. Gates 5:30pm /show 6:30pm.  $3 contribution requested.

Evening in the East Village:  As I reported yesterday, Banjo Jim’s is closing after Tuesday August 2.  Tonight is the Celebrate Banjo Jim’s party with musicians to be announced.  The festivities start at 9pm.  Banjo Jim’s is located at 9th Street and Avenue C.  To get there, take any train to 14th Street or the L train to 1st Avenue and then transfer to the 14D bus to 11th Street.  This will be free; but there will probably be a tip jar for the musicians.

Late Evening in the East Village: The Pretty Babies, an all female Blondie cover band led by Tammy Faye Starlite with the incredible Linda Pitmon on drums.  It’s also Tammy’s birthday show.  This will be happening at  The Lakeside Lounge, Avenue B at 10th Street at 11pm.  Take any train to 14th Street or the L train to 1st Avenue and then transfer to the 14A or 14D bus to 11th Street and walk to Avenue B.  This will be free; but there will probably be a tip jar for the musicians.

 

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Posted by Eliot

Advance Planning: July Music Calendar Update (Added 7/29)

July 29, 2011

This has to be the final July update.

July 31 – Laura Cantrell – 11th Street Bar – 8:30pm

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Breaking: Banjo Jim’s to Close This Tuesday, August 2nd

July 29, 2011

Banjo Jim’s is a bar located at Avenue C and 9th Street in the East Village which presents live music seven days a week.  As of Thursday night (July 28th), on several places on the Banjo Jim’s website, you can read the following:

Banjo Jim’s is closing!  The last day of concerts is Tuesday, Aug. 2nd

This is a story I’ve been quietly following for some time. The word out on the street this year was that the current owners of Banjo Jim’s were looking to sell the place.  There have been meetings of Community Board 3 and its State Liquor Authority and Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Committee much earlier this year where transfer of Banjo Jim’s liquor license has been discussed.  On July 18, there was another Community Board SLA & DCA Licensing Committee meeting where the transfer of the license was recommended under the conditions that the new owners of the bar which will replace Banjo Jim’s agree that:

1) it will operate as a tavern lounge,

2) it will close any facade doors and windows at 10:00 P.M. every night or during any live music or DJ performance,

3) it will have recorded music and live music consisting of acoustic musicians amplified by a microphone only, and will not have promoted events or any event at which a cover fee will be charged, and

4) it will have DJs no more than twice a week.

Of course, what the third condition above means is that not only are electric guitars out, so are amplified acoustic guitars, the guitars which even acoustic acts use these days.

According to the blog EV Grieve, the new owner has said the following about music after he takes over:

Whatever we end up doing it will be pretty low-key. We would always plan it for earlier than later and we aren’t getting any of the amplification equipment from Banjo’s. All we’re hoping to hang onto is the old piano.

The new bar is currently slated to be called The James Daniel.

There is a Celebrate Banjo Jim’s party with musicians to be announced scheduled for this Saturday, July 30 at 9pm.  The last slot on the final day of August 2nd, 10pm, is currently blank.

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Posted by Eliot

Tonight: Sydney Wayser at The Rockwood Music Hall

July 28, 2011

Sydney Wayser has been recording been recording a new album for the past six months, titled Belle Choir Coast.   I suspect that this show will be similar to her last show, where she performed material from that record for the first time.  Here’s what I said about that show:

What we got was Sydney’s music tied to straight ahead rock arrangements.  This was a musically more muscular Sydney.  Musical growth, sure, but not only that, it had a great beat.  Just seeing this unfold on stage was invigorating.

Sydney Wayser, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

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Tonight: Amy Speace at The Rockwood Music Hall

July 27, 2011

Amy Speace comes into Rockwood Music Hall tonight.  She’s touring behind her new record, Land Like a Bird, a mostly atmospheric Americana, sometimes straight acoustic album written after Amy left this area and resettled in Nashville. It’s an excellent, emotionally powerful record and the shows that I’ve seen Amy perform with the material from it have been uncommonly good.  Instead of a band this time, Amy will be performing in a duo trio format with Thomm Jutz on guitars and vocals and Denny McDermott on percussion.   Given that Amy is no longer based in these parts, take tonight’s opportunity to see her.

Amy Speace, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

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Advance Planning: August Music Calendar

July 26, 2011

Either there are a lot of musicians taking the month of August off, or there will be more shows posted in the coming days and weeks.  Still there’s a nice variety of things going on, just not at the frenetic pace of July.  As always, where there are updates, they will be posted, both here and in a news item.

Aug. 2 – Israel Nash Gripka (Farewell to New York Show) – Rockwood Music Hall – 9pm

Aug. 3 – Demolition String Band – Living Room – 7pm

Aug. 4 – Hobson’s Choice – Spike Hill – 11pm

Aug. 5 – My Pet Dragon (Record Release Show) – Mercury Lounge – Midnight

Aug. 7 – Freddie Stevenson – Rockwood Music Hall – Midnight

Aug. 9 – Nicole Atkins – City Winery Parking Lot – 5:30pm

Aug. 9 – Nick Africano and Misty Boyce – The Rock Shop – 7:30pm

Aug. 9 – Julia Haltigan – 11th Street Bar – 10pm

Aug. 11 – Milton – World Financial Center – 5:30pm

Aug. 12 – Drina Seay – Lakeside Lounge – 7pm

Aug. 12 – Radio Happy Hour: The Final Episode w/ special guests Twin Sister, Mike Doughty, Matt Pond PA, Franz Nicolay, Jenny Slate, Max Silvestri, Gabe Liedman, Arden Myrin, Arthur Phillips, John & Molly Knefel, Murray Hill, William Ocean, Jared Logan, Jessi Klein, & more – Le Poisson Rouge – doors 6:30pm / show 7:30pm

Aug. 12 – The Amygdaloids – Googie’s Lounge (upstairs at The Living Room) – 7:30pm

Aug. 13 – Drivin’ N Cryin’ – Mercury Lounge – Midnight

Aug. 14 – Freddie Stevenson – Rockwood Music Hall – Midnight

Aug. 15 – Ursa Minor – Living Room – 10pm

Aug. 16 – Julia Haltigan – 11th Street Bar – 10pm

Aug. 17 – Shooter Jennings & The Triple Crown – The Bowery Electric – 11pm

Aug. 18 – Jim Boggia – Rockwood Stage 2 – 7pm

Aug. 19 – Cassie Peterson – Living Room – 7pm

Aug. 19 – The Dirty Urchins – Rockwood Music Hall – 7pm

Aug. 20 – Caitlin Rose – Mercury Lounge – 8pm

Aug. 20 – Spanking Charlene – Lakeside Lounge – 11pm

Aug. 21 – Danya Kurtz – Barbes – 7pm

Aug. 21 – Freddie Stevenson – Rockwood Music Hall – Midnight

Aug. 22 – Martha Wainwright – Joe’s Pub at Cooper Square Hotel – 7:30pm (limited tickets at the door only)

Aug. 22 – Sheri Miller – Rockwood Music Hall – 8pm

Aug. 23  – James Maddock Duo (w/John Shannon) – Rockwood Stage 2 – 7:30pm

Aug. 23 – Julia Haltigan – 11th Street Bar – 10pm

Aug. 24 – Lelia Broussard – Highline Ballroom – doors 6pm / show 8pm

Aug. 24 – Charlie Faye (Record Release Show) – Rockwood Stage 2 – 8pm

Aug. 26 – Amy Speace (playing with James Mastro) – Guitar Bar Jr. – 7:30pm (limited capacity, bring your own chair, first come first served)

Aug. 26 – James Maddock, Melody Kills -  Public Assembly – show 8pm

Aug. 26 – Julia Haltigan – Rockwood Music Hall – 9pm

Canceled: Aug. 27 – Ted Leo – The Rock Shop – show 8pm

Canceled: Aug. 27 – Sydney Wayser – Living Room – 9pm

Canceled: Aug. 29 – Robbie Fulks – Living Room – 8pm

Canceled: Aug. 30 – Robbie Fulks and Jenny Scheinman - Barbes – 7pm

Canceled: Aug. 3o – Ulysses S. Grant – Rockwood Stage 2 – 10:30pm

Update: Aug. 30 – The Elvis Club – Lakeside Lounge – 9pm (but get there early)

Aug. 30 – Julia Haltigan – 11th Street Bar – 10pm

Update: Aug. 30 – Aaron Lee Tasjan – Rockwood Stage 2 – 10:30pm

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Posted by Eliot

Music Video: The Madison Square Gardeners – Santa Monica and Vine

July 25, 2011

One of the hardest working bands around New York City, The Madison Square Gardeners, is taking the summer off.  That doesn’t mean anyone is taking a vacation because it seems like all the Gardeners play in multiple bands.  But with summer at about the halfway mark, I thought it was time to bring out a Madison Square Gardeners song.  This one, Santa Monica and Vine, is from their first album, Don’t Name the Pig.

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Posted by Eliot

Photo Recap: The Basment Band at The Living Room

July 24, 2011

The Basement Band played their CD release show for their new album, July, at The Living Room Friday night.  This time the core members of the band, Jeff Malinowski (guitar and vocals), Amal Bouhabib (vocals, tambourine), John Durgee (drums and vocals) and James Preston (bass and vocals) were joined by Patrick Hay (guitar) and a pianist and organist whose names I did not catch.  This seven member version of the band played their spirited Americana and folk-rock songs including songs from new album and older material.  They ended the set with an inspired cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way.  Here are some photos from that rousing show.

More photos after the jump Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted by Eliot

Tonight: Ursa Minor at The Living Room

July 23, 2011

Michelle Casillas

Ursa Minor consists of Michelle Casillas (guitar, vocals), Tony Scherr (guitar), Rob Jost (bass, vocals) and Rob DiPietro (drums, vocals).  Call their music atmospheric indie rock played by top caliber musicians.  You can expect to hear a mix of songs tonight including ones on their very good new record, Showface, which just came out last week.

Ursa Minor, The Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street between Stanton and Rivington Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue (but note that the F train going to Brooklyn is not stopping at 2nd Avenue this weekend), use the 1st Avenue exit ), 10pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the band is highly encouraged)

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Posted by Eliot

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