Tonight: Five Shows to Mix and Match

May 22, 2012

Tonight is another night with many good shows, all not too far from each other in the East Village and the Lower East Side.  Chuck Prophet and his band, The Mission Express, are rocking out and playing two shows with separate admissions at Joe’s Pub at 7pm and 9:30pm.  No doubt Chuck will be featuring songs from Temple Beautiful, his album released earlier in the year about San Francisco.

Megan Reilly will lead her band into The Living Room to play haunting, atmospheric rock.  Look for songs from her recently released album, The Well.  At the same time, Freddie Stevenson will be playing recently written songs over at Rockwood Music Hall as he tries out the songs to see which will make it to his next album.

Finally, Julia Haltigan will bring her band into their home turf, The 11th Street Bar, and play her unique blend of rock, 50s pop, Latin rhythms and Tom Waitsian blues during this latest edition of her long-running Tuesday night residency there.

Whatever you choose, you will end up with a great night of music.

Chuck Prophet and The Mission Express, Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street between Astor Place and E. 4th Street (R Train to 8th Street, 6 Train to Astor Place, B, D or F Trains to Broadway-Lafayette), 7pm and 9:30pm (separate admissions), $20

Megan ReillyThe Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street between Stanton and Rivington Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 9pm, No Cover (but a contribution for each band is strongly encouraged)

Freddie Stevenson, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 9pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the band is highly recommended)

Julia Haltigan, 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), 10PM, No Cover (but a contribution for the band is highly recommended)


Tonight: Elliott Murphy (Solo) at The Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2

May 21, 2012

Although Elliot Murphy is originally from Long Island, he moved to France 20 years ago.  Back in the 70s, Elliott played around these parts a good deal.  These days Elliott makes it to New York City once or twice a year to play.

Elliott’s music is straight ahead rock with interesting, literate lyrics.  He’s held in high regard by other musicians, and special guests on his albums have included Bruce Springsteen, Mick Taylor, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Sonny Landreth, David Johansen, The Violent Femmes, Cindy Bullens and Shawn Colvin.

Although Elliott’s appearance in New York City have been with The Normandy All Stars (his current band), atonight’s show is just Elliott solo.  Given Elliott’s story-telling songs, his dynamic guitar playing and his easy rapport with an audience, this is certainly a show worth your time and attention.

An Evening with Elliott MurphyRockwood Stage 2,196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 7:30pm, $15


Tonight: KaiserCartel and Julia Haltigan at The Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2

May 18, 2012

Courtney Kasier and Benjamin Cartel are musical partners whose sound as the two-person band KaiserCartel is based on guitar and drums.  But you’ll find many other instruments showing up in Courtney’s hands and Ben switching over from drums to guitar from time to time.   Harmonies anchored by Courtney’s strong vocals define their songs. If you need a label for their music call it acoustic or maybe folk-rock.

This is the last show for this duo for a while. Courtney has accepted a job at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan to head and create the singer/songwriter program. KaiserCartel has stated that because of that, tonight won’t be like another show.

Stick around after KaiserCartel finish their set and you’ll be greeted by Julia Haltigan playing with her band. Julia sings, plays guitar and leads a large band through Julia’s original material along with a cover or two that draw on rock, r&b, latin rhythms, 40s and 50s pop and more.  I’ve been told that tonight, in addition to the usual guitars, bass, drums, trumpet, mandolin and harmonica, Julia’s band will also include a pedal steel guitar.

Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), KaiserCartel, 8pm, $13; Julia Haltigan, 9pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the band is highly recommended)


Tonight: Second Dan at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2

May 17, 2012

Second Dan at Rockwood Stage 2

Second Dan been called Oasis without the posturing.  They are a New York City based band, although the Melbourne accent of  lead singer, Dan Rosen, might lead you to conclude otherwise.  Their lead guitarist, Adam Lerner,  is also a photographer.  As for their music, you can call them rock and power pop.

When last we left them in late 2010, they had released a pretty good album, Angeline, with one of my favorite songs for that year, Today, and a couple of creative videos.  Then they took a break.  I, for one, am happy that break is finally over.

Second Dan, Rockwood Stage 2, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 10pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the band is highly encouraged)


Tonight: Freddie Stevenson at The Rockwood Music Hall and Julia Haltigan at The 11th Street Bar

May 15, 2012

After having been on tour together through the South for the past few weeks, Freddie Stevenson and Julia Haltigan resume playing here in New York City tonight, albeit separately.

Originally from Edinborough, Freddie Stevenson has been playing midnight Sundays at The Rockwood Music Hall, along with his band, The Midnight Crisis, for a while. Tonight Freddie starts a new residency at The Rockwood, this one on Tuesdays at the much earlier hour of 9pm.

Freddie’s original music has a little bit of everything in it including folk and English music hall, and he’s an engaging performer. The picture o the left shows Freddie with his band The Midnight Crisis.  I’m not sure whether Freddie will be playing solo or with the Crisis tonight.

Once Freddie has finished his set, get over to The 11th Street Bar (11th St. & Avenue A) by jumping into a cab or taking the M15 bus (and walking a block) to catch Julia Haltigan playing with her band on her home turf. Julia sings, plays guitar and leads a large band through material that draws on rock, r&b, latin rhythms, 40s and 50s pop and more.  Some of Julia’s songs could be called  Tom Waitsian, except for the fact that they are way too cheerful for Tom.

Freddie Stevenson and the Midnight Crisis, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 9pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the band is highly recommended)

Julia Haltigan, 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), 10PM, No Cover (but a contribution for the band is highly recommended)


Tonight: James Maddock at The Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2

May 12, 2012

Tonight you’ll find James Maddock playing his monthly show at his home base, The Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2.  James is certainly a favorite around here; his shows are not only excellent musically, they are just plain fun.  Joining James will be his band, Oli Rockberger (piano), John Shannon (guitar), Drew Mortali (bass), Aaron Comess (drums) and Leslie Mendelson (vocals and tambourine). Tonight is the last time James will be playing The Rockwood until September. Opening tonight’s show will be Chris Velan.

James Maddock (with Chris Velan opening),  The Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2,196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit, but note that F trains from Brooklyn are not stopping at 2nd Ave.), 7pm, $15 (bar stools and standing only, $22 table seats are sold out)


Tonight: Five Bands in Five Hours on The Lower East Side

May 4, 2012

Take advantage of tonight’s alignment with five bands playing over five hours in two clubs.  Start the evening off at The Rockwood Music Hall at 7pm with Bryan Dunn.  Bryan’s latest record is Sweetheart of the Music Hall, and the title track is an affectionate look at The Rockwood.  Stick around after Bryan’s finished, because at 8pm, Jim Boggia will take the stage, playing intelligent pop on guitar and sometimes ukelele and serving up some very funny between song remarks.

Once Jim is done, it’s time to leave The Rockwood behind and walk the three short blocks over to The Living Room.  At 9:15pm, it’s time for Chris Cubeta and The Liars Club.  Chris is a very good song writer and he and the band play tuneful rock and he’s also a producer at Galuminum Foil Studios in Brooklyn.  At 10:15pm, Nick Africano will take over and will play the CD release show for his brand new record, The Butterfly Bull, which has a Jeff Buckley-like feel to it.  Finally, at 11:15pm, Misty Boyce will lead her band through her original keyboard based, synth flavored indie pop.

Bryan Dunn (7pm), Jim Boggia (8pm), Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), No Cover (but a contribution for each band is strongly encouraged)

Chris Cubeta and The Liars Club (9:15pm), Nick Africano, (10:15pm), Misty Boyce (11:15pm), The Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street between Stanton and Rivington Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), No Cover (but a contribution for each band is strongly encouraged)


Tonight: Joy Askew at The Rockwood Music Hall

May 2, 2012

As I mentioned in my interview with Joy Askew (read part 1 here and part 2 here), her gorgeous album Drunk on You is keyboard based, atmospheric, rhythmically driven rock.  It was, in fact one of Now I’ve Heard Everything’s best albums of 2011.  Tonight, Joy plays at The Rockwood Music Hall with a stellar band consisting of Liz Tormes, Misty Boyce, Amanda Homi, Graham Maby, Robert Di Pietro and Larry Saltzman.

You can expect to hear many songs from DOY as well  as other songs from Joy including some new ones.  The show starts at 8pm, so those of you who can’t stay out late on a school night can make this one.

Joy Askew, 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 band is highly recommended)


Advance Planning: May 2012 Music Calendar Update (Added 4/29)

April 29, 2012

Three updates for the coming week: the time for Alana Amram‘s show has been revealed,  Bryan Dunn has been added to Friday at The Rockwood Music Hall and Jeremiah Birnbaum has had to cancel his show on Tuesday.

Canceled: May 1 – Jeremiah Birnbaum – Rockwood Music Hall – Midnight

May 3 – Alana Amram and The Rough GemsBar Matchless – 11pm

May 4 – Bryan DunnRockwood Music Hall – 7pm


Tonight (Sunday) and Tomorrow Night (Monday): Benefit for Lucinda’s Kids at The Bowery Electric

April 29, 2012

If you went to see music at The Rockwood Music Hall, The Mercury Lounge , The Living Room or The Bowery Electric, chances are that you would eventually run into Lucinda Gallagher.  She was a  dark haired, bright eyed and generous woman with an encyclopedic knowledge of local bands.  Stick around a little more and you would learn that Lucinda was a single mom with two kids,  each kid having his or her own musical taste, which you would learn about too.

Lucinda died suddenly late last December, sadly and without warning, a suicide.  Friends from the downtown music scene stepped into to give those kids a home.  Tonight and tomorrow night, some of Lucinda’s favorite bands will be playing at The Bowery Electric to help raise funds for her kids.

Apr. 29 – Benefit for Lucinda’s Kids featuring Marah, Jesse Malin, Willie Nile, Jimmy Gnecco, Dave Milone,  Jim Boggia, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Petter Ericson Stakee (of Alberta Cross). The Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery between 2nd and 3rd Streets (6 Train to Bleecker Street or Astor Place, F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 2nd Avenue exit), 6pm, $25

Apr. 30 – Benefit for Lucinda’s Kids featuring Tommy Stinson (of The Replacements), HR (of Bad Brains), Alan Vega (of Suicide), James MaddockAaron Lee Tasjan & Very Special Guests, The Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery between 2nd and 3rd Streets (6 Train to Bleecker Street or Astor Place, F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 2nd Avenue exit), 7:30pm, $20


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