Sammy of The Mooney Suzuki at Stones Fest 2012 (more by Stephen Yang)

Stones Fest, a tribute to the Rolling Stones, is returning to NYC this year on May 22 to 23 at Bowery Ballroom. As usual, the show is hosted by The Cabin Down Below Band and it features many of the usual guests like Norah Jones, Patrick Carney (of The Black Keys), Jason Isbell, Butch Walker, Delta Spirit, Cory Chisel & Adriel Denae, Johnny T, Adam Green, Jesse Malin, Ruby Amanfu, Petter Ericson Stakee (of Alberta Cross), Nicole Atkins, Justin Long, Jack Dishel (of Only Son), Seth Herzog, Sammy James Jr. (of The Mooney Suzuki), Danny Clinch & The Tangiers Blues Band, Steve Schiltz (of Hurricane Bells), Har Mar Superstar, Josh Lattanzi (of The Candles), The Uptown Horns, Jamie Burke & Mikki James, and many more. Tickets for both nights go on sale Friday (4/26) at noon and proceeds will benefit Sweet Relief and The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

Meanwhile, the actual Rolling Stones will be on their own tour (Mick Taylor included) around that same time. A number of North American dates have been announced but still none in NYC. Also, their kickoff show in LA has been pushed back a day due to NBA playoffs. Updated Stones dates are listed below.

Har Mar Superstar - 'Bye Bye 17'

In other related news, Har Mar Superstar, who plays Stones Fest, is on tour now and plays his own NYC show a week earlier at Le Poisson Rouge on May 15 with The Young Things and Nightbox. He then returns the following month to play Grand Victory on June 14 with The Boxing Lesson, Purple Spires, Supercute!, and NVUS as part of Northside Festival. Tickets for the LPR show are on sale now. No advance tix for the Grand Victory show, but admission is $12 at the door and you can also try to get in with your Northside badge.

Har Mar's new album, Bye Bye 17 just came out this week (4/23). You can stream it in full over at The Current and the track "Lady, You Shot Me" is also streaming below. Har Mar also just interviewed Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas. You can stream/download the entire 52 minute conversation over at Earwolf.

All Har Mar Superstar and Rolling Stones dates are listed, along with the song stream and Stones Fest 2013 flyer below...

Continue reading "Stones Fest returning to NYC in 2013; Har Mar Superstar on tour, released an LP, interviewed Julian Casablancas"

by Andrew Sacher

It was pretty exciting earlier this year when baroque pop legends The Zombies (who just released a RSD 12") toured with support from Elephant Stone, and now, as revealed in today's Summerstage 2013 lineup announcement, they'll be playing a show in NYC with another band they've surely influenced, Django Django. That show happens on June 15 at Central Park Summerstage and also includes Adam Green & Binki Shapiro and a DJ set by Modest P. The show is free to the public. It's a day show which runs from 3 to 7 PM so it could be a good one to catch before heading to Brooklyn for Northside Festival that night.

Adam Green & Binki Shapiro will be in the NYC-area even sooner when their tour with Father John Misty and Jessica Pratt hits Maxwell's on May 17 (sold out). UPDATE: We just learned that Adam Green & Binki dropped off the Father John Misty tour.

The Central Park show is part of The Zombies' US spring/summer tour which hits the Bergen Performing Arts Center (6/13) in NJ and Mohegan Sun (6/14) in CT right beforehand. All dates are listed, along with a video of their full Live on KEXP set at SXSW (where they were sounding especially great), below...

Continue reading "The Zombies expand tour, playing Central Park Summerstage w/ Django Django and Adam Green & Binki Shapiro (dates)"

by Andrew Sacher

Julia Holter at Bowery Ballroom in 2012 (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Julia Holter has a few live dates coming up this spring and summer, including previously discussed NYC dates on April 25 at BAM for day 1 of the Crossing Brooklyn Ferry festival with The Roots, Parquet Courts, Solange, David Longstreth, TV on the Radio, Phosphorescent and others (4/25 tix and 3-day festival passes); and May 1 at Brooklyn Masonic Temple for the Night of Improvised Round Robin Duets as part of the Red Bull Music Academy NYC residency with Andrew Bird, Questlove, Kim Gordon, James Chance, Thundercat, Andrew WK, and many others (sold out).

Julia has since added another NYC date which happens on July 12 at Le Poisson Rouge before she plays Pitchfork Music Festival. Tickets for that show are on sale now. All of her dates are listed, along with a stream of the 15-minute opening track from the digital re-release of her 2010 album, Celebration, below.

Jessica Pratt - 'Jessica Pratt'

Support at the LPR show comes from Jessica Pratt, who, like Julia Holter, owes much to the loner folk of cult legends like Linda Perhacs. But while Julia brings in Laurie Anderson-esque art pop sensibilities and some modern home recording techniques, Jessica Pratt, more similarly to Angel Olsen, is interested in actually sounding like she recorded in the early '70s. Her 2012 self titled record is a raw, bare-bones release (much like Olsen's Half Way Home from that same year), and a really gorgeous listen for anyone seeking Linda Perhacs, Sibylle Baier, or Vashti Bunyan's influence in modern music. Stream the track "Night Faces" below, and if you like what you hear, there's also a Spotify widget of the full album embedded.

Jessica Pratt has also been added as an opener to Father John Misty's tour with Adam Green & Binki Shapiro, including the NYC-area show on May 17 at Maxwell's (sold out). And after that run, she'll play another show at Le Poisson Rouge on June 2 as a support act for the previously discussed Grouper show at that venue. Raajmahal is on that bill too and tickets are still available. That show happens after both Grouper and Jessica Pratt play Chaos in Tejas.

All Julia Holter and Jessica Pratt dates are listed, along with song streams, below...

Continue reading "Julia Holter adds LPR show w/ Jessica Pratt, who's touring w/ Father John Misty & Grouper (seperately) (dates & streams)"

Father John Misty at Webster Hall earlier this month (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Father John Misty, the current project of former Fleet Foxes member Josh Tillman, is continuing to chronically tour internationally over the course of the next few months. His last NYC show was a sold out gig at Webster Hall and he'll be returning to the area for a far more intimate show at Hoboken's Maxwell's on May 17. Tickets for that show go on sale Friday (2/1) at noon.

That show, like most of his spring US run, is with Adam Green (Moldy Peaches) and Binki Shapiro (Little Joy), whose new album together was released today. You can stream it below via Spotify and check out the video for "Just to Make Me Feel Good," which was directed by Dum Dum Girls bassist Malia James.

Meanwhile, FJM recently recorded an acoustic version of "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" live at TRI Studios. A video of that performance and a list of all dates are below.

Continue reading "Father John Misty announces tour w/ Adam Green & Binki Shapiro (whose LP is out today) (dates, streams)"

Future of the Left at HotelVegan in March (more by Tim Griffin)

MS MR at BV-CMJ in October (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Though things are certainly getting a little better, much of NYC is still devastated by Hurricane Sandy (like Staten Island and Coney Island). Lots of people still don't have power and transportation is limited. Here's the list of shows that are and aren't happening in town tonight (11/2/2012).

The Grouplove show at Terminal 5, which MS MR opens is still on for tonight, but due to complications caused by Hurricane Sandy, the show will no longer be livestreamed on the Bowery Presents YouTube page.

The Hospitality and TEEN show at Bowery Ballroom tonight has been postponed due to lack of power. A new date TBA.

Crooked Fingers and John Vanderslice at The Bell House is happening.

Grass Widow, Royal Baths & Habibi at 285 Kent is happening.

For those with bored kids (as in real kids, not, like "the kids") in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bowl is having a Family Day as we speak, with free brownies for bowlers.

At 6 PM, Brooklyn Bowl goes back to being 21+ with Particle playing at 8 PM and a late night dance-a-thon featuring The Fort Knox Five and the Funk Hunters starting at 11:30 PM.

Over at Cameo you can see strong>Apollo Heights, Backwords, and Fan-Tan. $10, more info here.

Tonight's Chris Isaak show at Beacon Theater has been postponed to November 11. All tickets will be honored.

The Sonar Fest Tour with Die Antwoord, Azari and III, and others was scheduled to hit Roseland Ballroom tonight, but that show has been cancelled.

Meanwhile, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Future of the Left, and Jeff Rosenstock (of Bomb the Music Industry) were supposed to play Le Poisson Rouge tonight, but that show has been moved to Europa. Tickets are available.

LPR, still without power, also cancelled tonight's Draleta Music presents: "Picking Up the Pieces" show.

Tragedy (the tribute band) at Merury Lounge has been rescheduled for 1/5. Hollis Brown at Mercury Lounge will have a "new date soon."

Lincoln Center says "Friday's White Light Festival performance of The Spirit of the Body is postponed. New York Philharmonic, Lincoln Center Theater, Chamber Music Society, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Film Society, and Metropolitan Opera performances will go on as scheduled. For further information, please contact the presenting organization. The David Rubenstein Atrium and New York Public Library are open."

The Adam Green and Binki Shapiro show at Maxwell's has been cancelled due to no electricity at the venue. Adam and Binki are still supposed to play Le Poisson Rouge on Monday (11/5).

Highline Ballroom had to cancel both of their shows tonight. The early show, David Choi and Clara C has been postponed to Sunday (11/4), and the late show, Maya Jane Coles, has been relocated to SRB Brooklyn (177 2nd Ave).

Our Miami Connection screenings are postponed.

The Bloody Beetroots show at Webster Hall has been cancelled.

The STS9 shows at Best Buy Theater for tonight and tomorrow both appear to still be on.

The Pearl Jam/Joseph Arthur side project RNDM show at Music Hall of Williamsburg is still on for tonight. David Garza opens all dates on the tour.

Union Hall is open for Hoots & Hellmouth.

Cultfever, Blonds, and Kenji Urada play Glasslands tonight before Bear In Heaven and Small Black DJ a Hurricane Sandy benefit at the venue.

Your 33 Black Angels and The Archive play Zebulon.

The Smashing Pumpkins show at Susquehanna Bank Center would have happened tonight, but that show was one of the shows the band was forced to postpone.

UCB Chelsea is open but UCB East is still closed.

Fontana's opened with a generator last night (just as a bar, no show) and probably will do the same tonight.

Rockwood Music Hall is closed, and says "All tickets for tonight's Jaymay show will be honored at one of her upcoming two shows (11/9 or 11/16). Alternatively refunds are available by contacting MusicToday customer service at tix@musictoday.com or 1-800-594-TIXX (8499)."

Pianos is still closed, so no Luke Rathborne, Mon Khemer, Little Rader or Chris Bathgate, but Pianos promises they will open as soon as power goes on.

Cake Shop is still closed.
The Living Room is closed.
Joe's Pub is closed.
Santos Party House is closed.
Sunshine Cinema is closed.

more updates to this post coming...

If you're at home., watch the telethon with Bruce Springsteen and many others.

Aerosmith still played the 'Today Show' this morning and Steven Tyler dropped the F-bomb. Video below...

What else?

Continue reading "What is & isn't going on Friday? (Andrew Jackson Jihad/Future of the Left moved, Die Antwoord cancelled, Hospitality & Chris Isaak postponed & more)"

Adam Green & Binki Shapiro

As discussed, founding Moldy Peaches member Adam Green is releasing a collaborative album with Little Joy singer Binki Shapiro this January and the duo are playing some shows before then, including one in NYC on November 5 at Le Poisson Rouge with Computer Magic. Tickets for that show are still available. Adam and Binki have added some other shows happening around the same time, most of which are over in Europe except for another NYC area gig which happens on Friday (11/2) at Maxwell's. Tickets for that show are on sale now.

In related news, fellow founding Moldy Peaches member Kimya Dawson has a few shows coming too, including one at Brooklyn's Europa on December 2 with Rob Sonic and Sir Jarlesburg (tickets), and the next day she'll be the special guest at "A John Waters Christmas" at Tarrytown Music Hall (12/3) (tickets).

Lists of all Adam Green & Binki Shapiro and Kimya Dawson dates, and a song stream from Adam & Binki's album are below.

Continue reading "Adam Green & Binki Shapiro add shows; Kimya Dawson playing shows too (dates)"

photos by David Andrako

Father John Misty / Andrew WK & Matt Sweeney

Petty Fest returned to NYC last night (10/24) at Webster Hall for a night of Tom Petty covers with a huge lineup of contributors backed by The Cabin Down Below Band. Cyndi Lauper, Fred Armisen, John McEnroe and Alia Shawkat were surprise guests. Nicole Atkins, Nick Zinner, and Josh Lattanzi teamed up for "Mary Jane's Last Dance," Father John Misty (who also played his second of two sold out shows in NYC last night and will be back at Webster Hall in January) did "Learning To Fly" and "I Won't Back Down," Har Mar Superstar did "Don't Do Me Like That," Andrew WK & Matt Sweeney did "Listen To Her Heart," Albert Hammond Jr. did "I Need To Know" (Fab played the show too), Caveman (who just played our day party and team up with Albert for a show again this Friday) did "Don't Come Around Here," plus a whole lot more.

More pictures from the Jameson-sponsored benefit show (all money went to Sweet Relief), and the setlist, below...

Continue reading "Petty Fest pics & setlist (Andrew WK, Father John Misty, Har Mar Superstar, Nick Zinner, Albert Hammond, Cyndi Lauper, more)"

We haven't completely compared what was announced a month ago, to what the current lineup is, but this is who is playing Petty Fest at Webster Hall Wednesday (10/24):

The Cabin Down Below Band
With Special Guest Stars: Karen Elson, Justin Townes Earle, Father John Misty, Adam Green, Nicole Atkins, Jesse Malin, Sammy James Jr. of Mooney Suzuki, Cory Chisel & Adriel Denae, Steve Schiltz of Hurricane Bells, Ryan Miller of Guster, Har Mar Superstar, Devendra Banhart, Johnny T, Andrew W.K., Matt Sweeney, Danny Clinch & The Tangiers Blues Band, Justin Long, Petter Ericson Stakee of Alberta Cross, Delta Spirit, Caveman, Mikki James, Jody Porter of Fountains Of Wayne and many many more surprise guests!

100% of Ticket Proceeds To Benefit Sweet Relief Music Fund & The Musicians Cancer Fund

Brought To You By The Best Fest, Makers of Dylan Fest & Stones Fest
Artists and line-up subject to change without notice

Adam Green has teamed with Little Joy singer Binki Shapiro for a new album which will be out in January 2013. That's the cover art above. From the sounds of the first single, "Here I Am," this pairing is in the lush, orchestrated tradition of Nancy & Lee, Serge & Jane or, more recently, Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell. You can stream "Here I Am" below.

Adam Green & Binki Shapiro will play Le Poisson Rouge on November 5 and tickets are on sale now.

Continue reading "Adam Green and Little Joy's Binki Shapiro made an album, playing Le Poisson Rouge in November (stream)"

Petty Fest is returning to NYC this year on October 24 at Webster Hall for "A Night To Celebrate Tom Petty." Many of the usual suspects are lined up for this one, like Nicole Atkins, Jesse Malin, Sammy James Jr. (of The Mooney Suzuki), and others. In addition to that, we've got some other interesting additions like Father John Misty, Devendra Banhart, Matt Sweeney (of Chavez, Zwan, and others), Caveman, and Har Mar Superstar, who played last year's Petty Fest, is returning as well. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday (9/28) at noon. All proceeds will benefit Sweet Relief Music Fund & The Musician's Cancer Fund.

Father John Misty will be bringing his tour with La SeraJeffertitti's Nile to NYC around the same time, hitting Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 23 and Bowery Ballroom the same day as Petty Fest (10/24). The Bowery Ballroom show is sold out but tickets for MHOW are still available.

Devendra Banhart will also be in NYC around that time to support Swans at Bowery Ballroom on October 28 and Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 29. Tickets for those two shows are still available. Swans also play Bowery Ballroom on October 10 with A Hawk and A Hacksaw, but that one's sold out. Devendra also recently said in an interview, "I finished a record. It's going to be put out by Nonesuch Records. And I didn't know that until today actually. It's kind of my dream label. So I'm really happy about that."

A video of Har Mar Superstar doing "Refugee" at last year's Petty Fest and this year's full lineup are below.

Continue reading "Petty Fest returning to NYC in 2012"

Tickets are still on sale for the official BV Northside showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg (6/15) with Caveman, Frankie Rose, and two more TBA.

Tickets for the King Khan & the Shrines show at Bowery Ballroom go on sale today at noon.

Tickets for Sebadoh's Bowery Ballroom show go on sale today at noon.

Joining Jay-Z, Rush, and Leonard Cohen, Justin Bieber is the newest addition to the artists playing Brooklyn's new Barclays Center this year. Tickets for his 11/12 show at the venue go on sale June 2 at 10 AM. He also plays Izod Center and MSG (not like it matters) but how could we not mention the day that the streets of Brooklyn will be flooded with Beliebers?

Field Mouse, who were added as openers to I Break Horses' Mercury Lounge show on Wednesday (5/30) and UMO/Doldrums' Glasslands show in June, will play Mercury Lounge on July 21. Tickets for that show go on sale Friday (5/25) at noon.

Pomegranates and Kitten play Mercury Lounge on July 27. Tickets for that show go on sale Friday (5/25) at noon.

Tickets for the Gaslight Anthem's Webster Hall show go on sale Friday, June 1 at noon.

TIckets for the El-P, Killer Mike, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire and Despot show at Irving Plaza go on sale Friday (5/25) at 10 AM. Killer Mike also plays a free Brooklyn Bowl show TONIGHT (5/24) with DIIV, The High Highs, and Beat Culture.

The 2-day Dylan Fest begins at irving Plaza tonight (5/24) with Adam Green, Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes, Nicole Atkins, Christoher Chu of POP ETC, and more. Tickets are still available and we're also giving away three pairs for each night. Contest details below.

Speaking of Adam Green, he plays the free Lowbrow Reader Variety Hour at Housing Works on May 29 with Wyatt Cenac, Supercute, and more.

Psychic Ills were added to The Dandy Warhol's Irving Plaza show (6/5). Tickets for that show are still available.

Alex Winston and Devin (who was just added to 4Knots) were added to The Cribs' Irving Plaza show (6/6). Tickets for that show are still on sale.

The Azealia Banks show at Bowery Ballroom is also on sale at noon.

Dylan Fest contest details below...

Continue reading "Sebadoh, Frankie Rose, Caveman, Field Mouse, Gaslight Anthem, Dylan Fest, Justin Bieber & other tickets"

At this point, you know the deal and the general cast of characters, but this year Dylan Fest, a tribute to the music of Bob Dylan, will go down over two nights at Irving Plaza in NYC:

Featuring: The Cabin Down Below Band And Starring: Adam Green, Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes, Nicole Atkins, Ryan Miller of Guster, Cory Chisel, Boz Scaggs, Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Christopher Chu of POP ETC, Petter Ericson Stakee of Alberta Cross, Tyson Ritter of All American Rejects, Jody Porter of Fountains of Wayne, Danny Clinch and the Tangiers Blues Band, Sammy James, Jr. of the Mooney Suzuki, Justin Long, Johnny T, Jamie Burke, Steve Schiltz of Hurricane Bells, Jack Dishel of Only Son, Antony Ellis of Five O'Clock Heroes, Adriel Harris and many, many, more...

In related news, Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan was released in January in support of Amnesty International.

photos by Stephen Yang

Stones Fest 2012 celebrated the Rolling Stones with appearances from a bunch of stars of music, film, and television including Adam Green, Will Forte, Norah Jones, Matt Vasquez from Delta Spirit, Evan Rachel Wood, Alia Shawkat, Michael Cera, Jody Porter of Fountains of Wayne, Jesse Malin, Nicole Atkins, Sammy James Jr of The Mooney Suzuki, and many others. Pictures and video of a lot of the the show (but not including everyone), which went down on Feb 22nd at Webster Hall, below.

Continue reading "Stones Fest 2012 pics & video (Evan Rachel Wood, Norah Jones, Alia Shawkat, Michael Cera, Adam Green, Will Forte, more)"

Norah Jones at LPR w/ Doveman in 2011 (more by Vincent Cornelli)

Stones Fest 2012, a tribute to the Rolling Stones similar to Petty Fest and Dylan Fest, is going down on February 22 at Webster Hall. Billed as "A Night To Get Drunk And Celebrate The Music Of The Rolling Stones," the fest will feature appearances by most of the same people who usually play these events, Norah Jones, Adam Green, Jesse Malin, Nicole Atkins, Jason Sudeikis (of SNL), Jessie Baylin, Tad Kubler (of The Hold Steady), The Sheepdogs, Jon Herrington (of Steely Dan), Jody Porter (of Fountains of Wayne, Sammy James Jr. (of the Mooney Suzuki), Jack Dishel (of Only Son), Todd Youth, Alec Higins (of Alberta Cross), Danny Clinch and the Tangiers Blues Band, Steve Schiltz (of Hurricane Bells/Longwave), Justin Long, Antony Ellis (of 5 O'Clock Heros), Jason Roberts, Petter Ericson Stakee, The Uptown Horns, and many more surprise guests. Tickets go on sale Thursday (1/26) at noon. $2 from each ticket will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

The show happens about three weeks before a different Stones tribute happening on March 13 at Carnegie Hall with The Mountain Goats, Glen Hansard, TV on the Radio, and others. Tickets for that show are still on sale.

Speaking of Norah Jones, she's set to release her Danger Mouse-produced LP, Little Broken Hearts, sometime this year and follow it with a tour. Norah Jones and Danger Mouse previously collaborated on 2011's Rome. Check out an acoustic performance of the song "Black" from that album below (via Rolling Stone).

Video below...

Continue reading "Stones Fest happening @ Webster Hall w/ Norah Jones & more (not long before the tribute @ Carnegie Hall)"

videos by SWATEAM91

Moldy Peaches reunion @ Knitting Factory (photo by austinmccutchen)

Kimya Dawson just visited the NYC-area to play shows at Maxwell's (Saturday after the Sonics) and Knitting Factory (Sunday) AND to play a surprise reunion show with the Moldy Peaches! As the audience that included Regina Spektor, at least one member of the Strokes and Macaulay Culkin watched, Adam Green and the rest of the gang joined Kimya on stage after her set Sunday for at least the eight songs which you can watch below...

Continue reading "The Moldy Peaches reunited after Kimya Dawson's Knitting Factory set (videos)"

Nicole Atkins during SXSW 2011 (more by Dominick Mastrangelo)

If you like Bob Dylan and booze-soaked singalongs, you might want to consider hitting Bowery Ballroom on May 26th and 27th for Dylan Fest, a two day extravaganza in celebration of the 70th birthday of musical deity. Much like the one-night fest last year (and at the similar Petty Fest), both nights boast familiar names like Norah Jones, Adam Green, Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis of SNL, Jesse Malin (who has other shows coming up), Nikolai Fraiture of the Strokes, as well as members of Little Joy, The Hold Steady, Fountains of Wayne, Mooney Suzuki, The Lemonheads, and many more, with Nicole Atkins on board for the first night (5/26). Tickets are on sale for both the 5/26 and the 5/27 shows at noon today. The full linuep is below.

Nicole Atkins and her band The Black Sea have also added a headlining show at Music Hall of Williamsburg on July 8th. Tickets go on sale Friday April 29th at noon. The show is one of a few scattered dates scheduled for Atkins in the coming months. Check out her whole schedule below.

In related news, Norah Jones has been announced as the special guest for Saturday's previously discussed Doveman show at Le Poisson Rouge. Tickets are still available. The show is one of three more scheduled for Doveman at LPR, with other appearances occurring on May 26th and June 24th. Details on guests for those shows are still forthcoming.

In also related news, Nicolai Fraiture's day job, The Strokes, have announced that they will appear at the sold out T In The Park festival in Scotland in July along with Pulp, Coldplay, Slash, and Foo Fighters. The band also recently appeared on Conan O'Brien (on 4/20). Check out a video of their performance of "Games" alongside a Nicole Atkins video of "Cry Cry Cry" from SXSW and all tour dates and stuff, below.

Continue reading "Dylan Fest returns , Nicole Atkins adds shows, Norah Jones adds appearances, The Strokes played Conan (video & dates)"

Bert Jansch @ the Bell House last week (more by Benjamin Lozovsky)

* Whiplash @ UCB
* Bert Jansch @ Iridium Jazz
* Chicha Libre @ Barbes
* Citizen Radio LIVE! @ UCB
* Afrika Bambaataa @ Good Units
* Body Language, Two Fresh, MeLo-X @ Brooklyn Bowl
* Gunfire-N-Sodomy, Begorrah, Zombie Reach Around @ Cake Shop
* Team Robespierre, Guts For Garters, Babes on Bikes Burlesque @ Bruar Falls
* Jason Myles Goss, Melanie Edwards, Tony Sherr Trio @ The Living Room
* Arms, We Are Country Mice, The French Kings, Dead Stars, Iyez @ Glasslands
* La Res, The Secret History, Dandelion Wine, Redlight Cinema @ Mercury Lounge

Whiplash tonight will feature Michael Ian Black (The State, Stella), Kumail Nanjiani & Sean Conroy.

Michael will also take part in the 9:30 Citizen Radio LIVE! show at UCB along with Jack Dishel (Moldy Peaches, Only Son) and Adam Green (Moldy Peaches).

Darlene Love is on Letterman tonight.

What else?

Ben Kweller just toured through NYC, hitting the Rock Shop in Park Slope for two performances on Saturday night (11/27). Those who chose the early show were treated to guest appearances by both Adam Green and John Shade (who has a show coming up with Mountain Man). Those who chose the late show also got Green and Shade, but won with an appearance by Conor Oberst who joined Ben for a rendition of Bright Eyes song "Another Travelin' Song." A video of that is below.

You might remember Bright Eyes as that band/project Conor led before he started calling himself by his actual name. You may remember seeing Ben Kweller and Conor Oberst play together on stage when Ben opened for Conor at Terminal 5 in 2008.

If my calculations are correct, it's been a bit over three years since "Bright Eyes" played NYC. That November 2007 show was at Radio City Music Hall with Thurston Moore and the Felice Brothers, and earlier that year Bright Eyes played seven nights in a row at Town Hall with special guests that included Britt Daniel, Ben Gibbard, and Ben Kweller.

On March 9, 2011 Bright Eyes will return to NYC and to Radio City Music Hall for a sort-of-all Merge Records bill that will include opening sets by Superchunk and Wild Flag (Conor put out a solo album on Merge and Wild Flag are signed to Merge too). Radio City tickets ranging in price from $25-$39.50 will go on general sale Saturday, December 4th, at 10am, but a presale begins somewhere on December 1st at noon for that show, and for Bright Eyes' only other scheduled gig: June 23rd at Royal Albert Hall in London. There's also an AmEx presale for the NYC show starting Wednesday at noon.

The UK and NYC shows will be in support of a brand new Bright Eyes album, that is coming out on Conor's label Saddle Creek on February 15th, 2011. It's called The People's Key...

"Since 2006 the once revolving cast of Bright Eyes players has settled around permanent members Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nathaniel Walcott, with additional musicians joining them in the studio and on tour. Fully realized and bursting with charisma, The People's Key is an assured and accomplished album, artfully arranged and filled with the engaging and mesmeric songwriting for which Oberst is renowned. Recorded in Omaha, Nebraska, at the band's own ARC Studios, The People's Key was produced by Mike Mogis and engineered by Mogis and Andy LeMaster.

Additional Bright Eyes players on The People's Key: Andy LeMaster, (Now It's Overhead), Matt Maginn (Cursive), Carla Azar (Autolux), Clark Baechle (The Faint), Shane Aspegren (The Berg Sans Nipple), Laura Burhenn (The Mynabirds) and Denny Brewer (Refried Ice Cream)." - Saddle Creek

The Radio City show is one day before Wild Flag (the Sleater-Kinney band) plays DC.

Ben Kweller opens for Pete Yorn at Terminal 5 on March 11th.

The Kweller/Oberst video, all dates, and the tracklist below...

Continue reading "Bright Eyes releasing an LP, playing Radio City w/ Superchunk & Wild Flag, Conor played w/ Ben Kweller @ the Rock Shop"

photos courtesy of WireImage/Tommy

Julian Casablancas of The Strokes being stylish

Billed as "A Night To Get Drunk And Celebrate Tom Petty's 60th Birthday!!!", the annual Petty Fest takes place at Bowery Ballroom on 10/28, and it includes essentially the same big group of musicians that keep getting together for these tribute shows to Petty and Dylan. This next one promises appearances from numerous performers including Adam Green (who just showed up at the final Dufus show), Norah Jones (I wonder if she'll sing with Belle and Sebastian at Williamsburg Waterfront tonight), Will Forte & Jason Sudeikis of Saturday Night Live, Nicole Atkins, Nikolai Fraiture, Catherine Pierce, Jesse Malin, Tyson Ritter of the All American Rejects, Reeve & Zane Carney, Jody Porter of Fountains Of Wayne, Sammy James of the Mooney Suzuki, Steve Schiltz of Hurricane Bells & Longwave, Antony Ellis of Five O'Clock Heroes, Mikki James, and Hymns. They wanted to have this in the Varvatos Store but he was booked already that night. I kid. Tickets are on sale for the 18+ show.

Speaking of Nikolai Fraiture, his band The Strokes (whose singer is pictured above) still don't have a new album out and still haven't played a proper NYC show, though they did play one on 9/12 for Tommy Hilfiger during Fashion Week this year.

Scale appeared to be the theme of the entire party, which was equal parts industry corporate, swanky, and of course - this is Tommy we're talking about - preppy. Outside, nearly 40 khaki-clad male models lined the dramatic red carpet, backlit by the designer's bright initials in shifting hues of red, white, and blue set against green grass. Inside, we lost count of the number of rolled-up pants with loafers, kind of like our inability to count the number of celebrities sipping champagne and snacking on lobster rolls: Mark Ruffalo, Ed Westwick, Russel Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Hendricks, Kelly Osbourne, Jeremy Piven, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez.

...By the time The Strokes played their loud-as-hell set including hits "Last Night," "Someday," and "Reptilia," the crowd was ready to dance. Julian was in full form, sliding around in black stretch jeans and white shades, filling the atrium with powerhouse vocals.

A typically reserved crowd of A-list attendees broke out into a spontaneous dance party on the first-floor staircase, like a cross between The Stroke's best-looking fans and J.Crew's latest advertising campaign. After a supremely satisfying set of about eight songs, The Strokes walked off, thanking the crowd. -[Elle]

Continue reading "Petty Fest 2010 includes that same big group of artists, members of the Strokes (who played a fashion week show)"

photos by Daniel Sieradski

As promised Adam Green showed up to sing a tune with Dufus (Seth Faergolzia and band) at Cake Shop on Saturday night, but he wasn't alone. Fellow Moldy Peach Jack Dishel also sang, and so did two other members of the defunct anti-folk band: Brent Cole and Toby Goodshank, who both also play in one of the opening bands, Berth Control. Kimya Dawson, who now spends most of her time on the other coast, was not in the house, but Regina Spektor was and she also sang a song as you can see in the pictures (it was two nights before she headlined a benefit for Daniel Cho at MHOW).

Olice Juice Music points out:

"3/4 of the way through the Dufus show [Saturday] night the fire alarm at Cakeshop got tripped (rumor has it due to some suspect smoke inhalating). Everyone had to evacuate the building while the fire department came and reset the alarm. But this could not stop the show! The band took it to the streets and proceeded to perform it's appropriately entitled song Fireman. Luckily, it was just a brief intermission for this, truly epic, nearly 3 hour last Dufus performance."

Continue reading "Dufus played his final show inside & on the street w/ help from Regina Spektor, Moldy Peaches & more (pics & video) "

I thought, but didn't write, that there might be special guests at Dufus's final show. Adam Green confirms that there will be at least one.

words by Rachel Kowal, photos by Matúš Bence

"devendra is sessy" -Carenish

"Devendra Banhart.. *sigh* you make me smile (: Marry me?" - RaverBabies

"Adam Green is dressed as a pirate so this already rules" -Hello Smashley

When Adam Green (formerly of Moldy Peaches) launched into Edward Elgar's graduation classic, "Pomp and Circumstance," mere seconds after walking on stage, I cringed. His set could go one of two ways: funny-bad, or just plain terrible.

I'm not sure how Adam Green managed to get on the bill last night (8/19). Sure, he was quite a sight to behold in his black pirate hat and complimentary red jacket and Devendra did speak positively of him later in the show (and even called him a 'genius'), but thanks to Green's failed jokes, mediocre talent, copious allusions to drugs, and eye-rolling stage antics, his performance fell flat. To be fair, it was hard to tell if Green knew his act was a total farce or not, but if it was all a joke, he didn't have the charisma or cleverness to pull it off. A bizarre opening band is somewhat fitting for a show headlined by Devendra Banhart, but I expect the eccentricities to be underlined with talent.

In a failed attempt to incite the audience and fulfill his rock 'n roll fantasy, Green kept walking out to the barrier between the stage and the audience and reaching out to people in the front, but with the exception of a handful of fans, the majority of the people in the audience couldn't even muster a response between songs. Instead of pushing forward, they left large pockets of space scattered throughout the floor, which Green found out the hard way when he tried (and failed) to crowd surf, leaving his band mates on stage to cringe in embarrassment as they continued to play.

During the one song that Green attempted to play solo, he managed to forget the lyrics ("I didn't have my passport, so they turned me into snow"), interrupt himself ("What is that echo? Do you hear that?"), and accidentally repeat a verse. By the time he feebly ripped through his white V-neck undershirt as he sang the line "she grabbed me," audible groans mixed with cheers. When he leaped into the pit for another round of (failed) crowd surfing, it wasn't long before the venue's bouncer intervened and tossed him back on stage. Finally, after nearly 50 minutes of shenanigans, Adam Green trounced off stage in his pirate captain garb, but not before briefly stopping mid song to sing a few lines from the chorus of "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day.

Suffice it to say that I was relieved (and a bit confused) when a relatively clean-cut man in a button-up shirt and fitted blazer walked on stage. Had Devendra Banhart really traded in his signature look - the messy long hair and mountain man beard? I admit I wasn't convinced it was him until he started singing, and I heard the characteristic warble in his voice. I couldn't help but smile when I realized what he had chosen for his first song - "Long Haired Child."

All of my lingering frustrations about the opening band quickly faded away. The contrast between the two artists was astounding. Green and Banhart may both be showmen, but with the latter, it doesn't feel like a cheap gimmick. Devendra and The Grogs played well off each other. Though the majority of the songs were Banhart's (with the exception of some covers), members from The Grogs often lent their vocal talents to the mix. The interplay between Banhart and Grogs drummer Greg Rogrove was especially compelling early in the set with "Shabop Shalom." Rogrove began the song with a smooth, spoken word introduction turning to Banhart who walked over to sing directly to him in response.

In addition to facilitating a more raucous sound with the help of a backing band, Devendra also appeased the audience by playing a portion of his set solo. The mood in the room shifted dramatically from the first of his solo songs, "The Body Breaks." Suddenly instead of a whirlwind of lights and effects, just two white, immobile spotlights illuminated Banhart first on guitar and then the organ as he played through a handful of older songs.

Midway through his set, Banhart asked for requests and was met by a largely indecipherable jumble of screams. Banhart did his best to address the requests, but each song he sang was enthusiastically received by the audience. He even managed to break a string sometime near the end of the epic song "Seahorse," which featured lovely backing vocals and something bordering on a jam session. He also played a number of entertaining covers, including an impassioned rendition of the Taylor Dayne hit "Tell It To My Heart."

Though he had certainly played a lengthy set, Banhart returned to the stage to rapturous applause and churned out another three songs. Though I often find myself growing restless by the end of a show, this was not the case last night. When I glanced at my watch at the end of the encore, I was surprised to see that Devendra Banhart and The Grogs had played for nearly two hours. Thankfully, the encore did not include a cameo by Green.

More pictures, a video and Devendra's setlist from the show, below...

Continue reading "Devendra Banhart & the Grogs and Adam Green played Terminal 5 (review, setlist, a video & some pics) "

Devendra Banhart at Webster Hall (more by Vincent Cornelli)

Devendra Banhart and the Grogs will team up with Adam Green at Terminal Five THURSDAY (8/19, tickets) and we have a pair of tickets available for giveaway. Details on how to win are below.

Devendra doesn't have an album on the way, but is involved in the release of the highly anticipated (and recently leaked) new Swans LP My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky. The LP, due on September 27 via Gira's Young God Records, sees Banhart contributing vocals to old label honcho, alongside Bill Rieflin, Grasshopper (Mercury Rev), and Gira's 3 1/2 year old daughter Saoirse. They all lend their helping hand to the release. Stream the new song "Eden Prison" below, and get tickets to their show at Brooklyn Masonic Temple on 10/8. The Bowery Ballroom show scheduled for the next day is now sold out.

Devendra Banhart also contributed to the new Zach Hill solo record, and recently teamed up with Beck for a song to the recently released Life During Wartime, the new movie from the king of awkward hilarity, Todd Solondz (see Happiness, Welcome To The Dollhouse, etc).

The Banhart/Beck song, with lyrics written by Solondz, is streaming, along with the Swans song, Zach Hill album tracklist, all tour dates (including a UK trek with Arcade Fire) and contest details, below...

Continue reading "Devendra Banhart on new Swans, Zach Hill & 'Life During Wartime' soundtrack - touring, in NY Thursday (win tix) "

Sean Lennon & Irina Lazareanu @ Milk Studios

...according to Sean Lennon and model/musician/birthday-girl Irina Lazareanu who brought up their sadness at Pete not being at the party multiple times throughout the night. Sean said that Pete made it as far as JFK, but was met by cops who forced him to turn around and fly home.

Irina Lazareanu, Adam Green & Charlotte Kemp Muhl

The party was hosted by Irina Lazareanu (both Pete and Sean's ex girlfriend) (she was even engaged to Pete). Irina, in addition to chain smoking, performed with Sean, Sean's current girlfriend and bandmate Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Adam Green (and Adam's girlfriend (?) Cory Kennedy who played tambourine on a song). Pete was supposed to be a part of the supergroup too. They said they rehearsed with him in mind (at which point Sean said he could now get metal and they played a Sabbathy tune). They also played an Adam Green song, a Bob Dylan song, the Twist, and some other stuff.

Sean, BP Fallon & Lenny Kaye

BP Fallon opened the show both as DJ and then as frontman of his own band that included Lenny Kaye on guitar and Sean Lennon on drums. Not counting the photo of Leigh Lezark on the wall, that they were supposedly selling for charity, I didn't see any Misshapes there (they were also on the flyer). Paul Simon and Yoko Ono, both rumored as unannounced guests, were nowhere to be found either. Someone told me Bruce Willis was there, but I didn't see him. Oh yeah, and Adam Green had a black eye. More pics and stuff coming later.

UPDATE: Two videos below...

Continue reading "Pete Doherty never made it out of the airport.."

Seems unlikely, but that's what they're claiming.

Continue reading "Pete Doherty is playing NYC tonight??"