The Public Theater's multi-million dollar renovation is almost complete. On October 4 the unveiling/rededication of the new Manhattan space happens and there will be a free block party and open house on Saturday, October 13, 12pm - 5pm. During that time, Lafayette Street in Manhattan will be closed from Astor Place to E4th St, and will welcome food trucks and live musical performances from a bevy of "popular Joe's Pub artists" and upcoming musical theater performances. Look for an early previews of Giant by Sybille Pearson and Michael John LaChiusa, Here Lies Love by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Fun Home by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, and last year's favorite The Total Bent by Stew and Heidi Rodewald, in addition to musical performances from Jessy Carolina & The Hot Mess, Sasha Allen, banjo player Tony Trischka and M.A.K.U. SoundSystem. More info is here.

While we're at it, Joe's Pub will host its share of interesting events in the coming weeks. Tickets are still available for the previously discussed Jason Collett appearance (here) and all of Henry Rollins' appearances (here). Singles and the attached alike can look forward to Never Sleep Alone (10/5, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, tickets) a mock "sex therapy session" (read the NY Times review). 

Other shows: Anne Hathaway "and friends" will perform songs from Cabaret on October 24 (tickets); Willie Nile, who played the final show at Kenny's Castaways, plays the space on October 26 (tickets); and DeLeon, not to be confused with Sri-Lankan MC DeLon, plays the space on November 16 (tickets).

MSG photos & words by Jacob Blickenstaff, Columbia photos by Jens Schott Knudsen

Pete Seeger @ Columbia in April...

"Clearwater conducts innovative environmental programs, advocacy and celebrations in order to inspire and energize the next generation of environmental leaders.

Clearwater was founded in 1969 by music legend and environmental activist Pete Seeger." [Clearwater]

Pete Seeger's been busy lately, especially for someone who just celebrated his 90th birthday. The event for that occasion took place at Madison Square Garden on May 3rd, and is reviewed in full below, with pictures. A few weeks before that, on Earth Day (April 18th), Pete played a show at Columbia's Teachers College. Photos from that show are below too. Right after that he headed to New Orleans to perform at Jazz Fest. Prior to those, Seeger played the Clearwater benefit with Jeff Tweedy at Beacon High School on March 28th. We also recently noticed his name as the special guest on a show at Joe's Pub.

This summer Pete Seeger is scheduled to play the Newport Folk Festival (August 1st and 2nd), and will perform at his own Clearwater Festival, taking place in Croton-on-the-Hudson, NY this weekend (June 20th and 21st). The Clearwater Fest lineup includes Dr. Dog, A.C. Newman, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Richie Havens, Old Crow Medicine Show, Alejandro Escovedo, Arlo Guthrie and others. Its full schedule is below. Tickets are still sale at the gate.

UPDATE: we can confirm that Pete played his scheduled Saturday morning Clearwater Fest performance "with kids" for those who braved the rain. Pete will perform again at the festival on Sunday afternoon with his grandson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger.

A review of Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday Celebration at MSG, and all above-mentioned photos, with the full Clearwater Festival lineup & schedule, below...

Continue reading "Clearwater Festival this weekend - full schedule ++ Pete Seeger pics (from his 90th birthday & Columbia University)"

Below is a proper review of Thursday night's show to go along with Ryan Muir's pictures....

Continue reading "Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers in NYC - a review "