Photos by Ryan Muir

While millions were home watching the town hall debate betwen Barack Obama and John McCain, I was at Town Hall the venue missing it watching a variety of entertainers help raise money for 826NYC, an organization that helps educate children (Oct 7, 2008). The night went like this: Ira Glass came out and told a story. Then Thao Nguyen played two songs by herself. Zach from Rogue Wave was supposed to be with her, but he had to cancel. The Daily Show's John Oliver was the host and he was my favorite performer of the evening which was an extra bonus because he performed comedy between almost every other act.

Department of Eagles then played three songs - two of them as the core duo of Daniel and Fred and one just as Daniel. It was, as they pointed out, only their second show ever. Their first was the night before at the Bell House and was much longer, and I guess they weren't counting Conan where they only played two less songs than they did at Town Hall. Their album is out now (as they also pointed out).

Then 826NYC board president (and driver license-less) Sara Vowell pretended to be Sarah Palin unintelligently explaining what 826NYC is as 826NYC founder Dave Eggers told us what it was in an intelligent fashion. TV on the Radio's members did not perform music. Kyp Malone came out next and read a funny little story written by a kid at 826NYC and then (not counting John Oliver again) Paul Simon played four songs - three classics including "Mrs. Robinson", and one brand new song that he recently wrote and never played before. The new song felt the most special, but the old songs were definitely very great to hear from the legend in the somewhat intimate atmohsphere that is Town Hall. Paul was accompanied by one guy on guitar who also sang backup and played other instruments. You would think Paul would have played last, but I guess he wanted to get home early. After Paul came a surprise two song set by Angelique Kidjo who got the whole crowd to sing along with her and her guitar player.

And last but not least (well, maybe least), a whole group of people including TV on the Radio's Tunde Adibempe (showing off his acting side) and Parker Posey read a story about NY that was also a sorta-funny chapter from a book that was available for sale in the lobby. More pictures from the night below...

Continue reading "Revenge of The Bookeaters (Paul Simon, Department of Eagles, Thao Nguyen, Kyp Malone, etc) @ Town Hall - pics"

The above collage illustrates a sample of the entertainers scheduled to perform at Town Hall in NYC tonight (10/7) as part of the 826NYC benefit called Revenge of the Bookeaters. Tickets are still on sale, PLUS I have a pair of tickets to giveaway to someone who can't afford the price. If you want them, e-mail BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: bookeaters). Include your first and last name. One winner will be picked at random and contacted ASAP.

826NYC is hosting another "Revenge of the BookEaters" benefit show at Town Hall in NYC on October 7th. The headliner is none other than Paul Simon. Also on the bill: Ira Glass ("a story by"), Johnathan Franzen ("a play by"), Eric Bogosian ("read by"), a duet with Thao Nguyen & Zach Rogue, jokes by John Oliver, AND music by Department of Eagles. Expect each musical performer to play only a few songs, but for an overall special night. Maybe Paul Simon and Dan from DoE (and Grizzly Bear) will perform together (again). Department of Eagles play their first-ever (full) show only one day earlier at the Bell House.

Tickets for Revenge of the Bookeaters are ON SALE AT NOON.