You might notice that things look slightly different all of a sudden. It doesn't look that different, but a little. Basically the site is wider - it's now a more standard size that takes advantage of some of that available screen space. Pathetically, this upgrade has been in development for something like two years. To say I multitask is an understatement and it's hard to prioritize things like redesigns when there are so many posts to post and bands to book. I'm glad this is finally live!

Speaking of bands to book, we have 91 of them playing our SXSW parties starting Wednesday. For that reason, today (Tuesday) was probably the dumbest possible day for me to make the switch over to this new design, but I couldn't wait any longer. If you notice anything broken, please don't hesitate to "contact us" via the new "Contact" page (never had one of those before)... actually that page is still kind of bare at the moment. Feel free to leave comments too. A developer that is standing by will see them quicker in the comments too. I already found one bug as I was typing this.

What's new? You'll notice more standardization across all pages of the site. For instance the Petfinder featured adoptable pet of the day is now on every page instead of just hidden on category pages. There's a new ad size and more featured content. I know it's hard to find content after it scrolls off the homepage on this site. It's a common complaint. Some of the new design features take that into account. I also know I still have a long way to go in that area, but hopefully things have improved slightly for now.

Remember you can always see a list of today's shows by clicking on "What's Going on Today". You can now also always see a list of BrooklynVegan-presented shows by clicking on "BV Events". With all the live shows we put on now (including the fun one at Knitting Factory last night - thanks everyone who came out), it's kind of amazing that there was never a page like that before. "Contests" will bring you to any posts with a contest in them. "Recent Galleries", though already a feature of the site for a few months, is now is a bit more automated making it easier for me to update. Same with "Recent Features", and I added "Most Popular" to go with "Recent Comments". Look through the sidebar if you don't know what I mean.

All posts now have a "Share This" button in case u want an easy way to send a link to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace (not thinking this one is going to be used too often), Digg or Google Reader. Besides that there's a few minor design things and other random new pages. All in all, not much new, and nothing revolutionary.

All of the feedback by testers has been positive so I hope you like it too, and thanks for everything!

"In celebration of the release of their new album Work, Shout Out Louds are in New York to play a sold out show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn tonight. As a special surprise, Shout Out Louds will play a free show tomorrow, March 2nd at Pianos on Ludlow Street, Lower East Side. No tickets necessary, but space is extremely limited! First come, first served! The show starts at 7 p.m."

"NEW YORK (AP) -- A US Airways plane has crashed into the Hudson River, sending passengers fleeing for safety in the frigid waters. New York City firefighters are responding to the crash. It was not immediately clear if there were injuries. Witness Barbara Sambriski, a researcher at The Associated Press, said, "I just thought, 'Why is it so low?' And, splash, it hit the water." [Associated Press]

"Eyewitness News has learned a plane has crashed into the Hudson River. The plane is a US Airways flight 1549 from LaGuardia to Charlotte. There were 146 passengers on board the flight, along with 5 crew members. There is no report on their conditions. The plane went down near 57th street. The plane took off from LaGuardia at 3:11 p.m. Ferries are rescuing passengers, some who are seen standing on the wings of the plane." [ABC News]

NY1 is saying it went down near 50th street, near the Intrepid. The plane is still intact and floating downstream. It may have hit birds, and seemed to be more of an emergency, and "smooth", landing... They said a witness said all passengers survived.

CNN is reporting from the rescue area. Said people are in good shape, but freezing and shivering in blankets. A witness said he thinks everyone got off the almost-full plane. The pilot reported a "double bird strike".

The West Side Highway is closed at 34th St...

The water is 40 degrees. Circle Line boats are helping with the rescue.

Today is the last day to register to vote in some states, so hurry.

Thurston Moore by photographer Lori Baily (more)

It pains me to have to write this post.

BrooklynVegan-contributing photographer (and friend to anyone that has met her) Lori Baily's parents were murdered in their Nebraska home this past Sunday. It was a completely random act of violence by a suspected psychopath who is now in custody.

Lori Baily is an asset to the entire music community in NYC. Whether it's checking out Thurston Moore, the 'world music' of Extra Golden or even a metal show, you'll find Lori out watching and photographing bands almost every night of the week. You saw her pictures of Iggy & the Stooges on this website yesterday. I know that her plans for this month included spending a lot of time at John Zorn's club The Stone, seeing the Melvins and checking out fellow Nebraskan Conor Oberst at Bowery Ballroom tonight.

She is also constantly helping out bands, photographers & friends in any way she can

"Lori is one of those people who will go to any means to help out a struggling artist or struggling musician. She has put us up numerous times, for free. Anything we've ever needed help with, Lori has always been a sure bet. She does a lot for free for a lot of people in the NYC music scene. We'd love to be able to return that generosity to her in this time of need."
- Brooklyn/Chicago band These Are Powers

Jennifer Lori Baily
c/o Scott Kathol
701 J. St
Lincoln, NE 68508

Speaking of her friends, she counts many musicians among them and a benefit concert is being talked about. If you're interested in helping out in any way in additon to the options above, feel free to contact us using the info on the top right of this website.

The website server host performed an upgrade on the server and some things aren't working right now. In case you see an error or a page doesn't load, you know why. :(

Holy Fuk @ Emo's Annex, Austin, TX - Mar 13, 2008 (Elizabeth Weinberg)

Frightened Rabbit in Austin, TX - Mar 13, 2008 (WOXY)

These are Powers in Austin, TX - March 2008 (Elizabeth Weinberg)

A Place To Bury Strangers in Austin, TX - Mar 14, 2008 (WOXY)

* Pillow fight!
* Tim Haslett, RIP
* Mary Weiss is at Blender Theater
* Digitalism is playing Webster Hall
* Celebrate 10 years of the Living Room
* Why? & Panther are playing Knitting Factory
* Pearl Jam announced tour dates w/ Ted Leo
* Tragedy (Bee Gees tribute band) playing BB King's
* Adam Kesher is playing Studio B around midnight
* Sons and Daughters & Bodies of Water are @ Bowery
* Holy Fuck & A Place to Bury Strangers are @ Music Hall
* Drink At Work 2-year anniversary show in Ochi's Lounge
* Serge Santiago is DJing Studio B (and so is Digitalism)
* Conspiracy of The Beards is at Highline in the afternoon
* Longwave & Frightened Rabbit are playing Mercury Lounge
* Anti-Pop Consortium are playing 2 shows @ Knitting Factory
* Oneida, Old Time Relijun & These are Powers are playing Market Hotel

Zooey Deschanel CANCELLED her appearance at Glasslands Monday.

Tay Zonday's "Chocolate Rain" wins a YouTube award. It was about two months ago that he performed the song live in Brooklyn.

Speaking of YouTube, have you listened to Michael Stipe's recent announcement?

A new Human Giant clip (that is somehow safe for television) below. What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Saturday?"

Hi. Reporting lots of music news and throwing events is a lot of work. Can you help? Email jobs AT brooklynvegan DOT com. thx!

You may still be experiencing technical difficulties. BrooklynVegan.com was just upgraded to new software, and we're still working the bugs out of the new system - slowly, but surely (and slightly at the expense of sleep and new content. sorry!). I'll ask people to report any errors again in a few days, but for now they are to be expected. thanks!

As some have noticed, this website is going through a little trouble right now. You might recognize the phrase "Internal Server Error". It's a recurring problem that makes me want to cry - often leading to less sleep and more gray hair. Luckily (hopefully), that should all be in the past very soon. Qualified people are working on an upgrade to the whole system as we speak. The goal: a faster and more-functioning website in 2008 (commenting especially). Thanks!