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Pool Parties to Continue, Another Summer Park Show Announced
As many of you know, the infamous JellyNYC summer Pool Parties were yet again in danger of not happening. Last summer the mostly free concert series were in danger of being discontinued after the venue they had been taking place for 3 years, McCarren Park Pool, was going to be under going construction to become a functioning pool again. Just in the nick of time, the concerts were moved to Williamsburg’s East River Park, which proved to be a wonderful… More »
Hot Chip Playing Free Myspace Show
In addition to their shows at Music Hall of Williamsburg (February 6) and Terminal 5 (April 22 & 23), if you prefer standing on line to buying tickets, you can see Hot Chip on Friday, February 5 at the Highline Ballroom for a free Myspace show. According to the Highline website, “Please get there early and stay in line.” The doors open at 7 pm. I’d suggest getting in line by 3 pm. Bring a warm coat! Oh, and P.S.,… More »
Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger Approved
Ticketing superpower Ticketmaster and mammoth concert promoter Live Nation have been trying to get a merger approved by the Department of Justice for about a year, and it looks like it finally went through, albeit with some concessions. Many artists, senators, and concerned citizens have been trying to block the merger because it will undoubtedly mean more money for the giant corporation and that money will be coming from us! What’s to stop them from charging even more exorbitant “processing”… More »
Franz Nicolay Leaves The Hold Steady
Franz Nicolay, the keyboardist for quintessential New York band The Hold Steady is leaving the group, he announced on his website (thanks Pitchfork). He has been with the band for five years, since their breakout hit record Separation Sunday. Nicolay will be plenty busy though. He often takes part in The Bushwick Book Club’s book-inspired music events at Goodbye Blue Monday in Brooklyn (including their next event on February 2) and last year, he released the solo album Major General,… More »
Haiti Benefits with Patti Smith, Swell Season, Cold War Kids and Many More
City Winery, Brooklyn Bowl, and The Bell House are holding benefit concerts for disaster relief in Haiti. Here is the information:
At The Bell House on January 27 at 6 pm: 100% of the proceeds will be split between Save The Children and Partners In Health. Appearing: Jimmy Fallon, New York State Senator Diane Savino, Cold War Kids, Ted Leo, The Wrens, Sondre Lerche, Todd Barry, Pat Kiernan of NY1, Eugene Mirman, AC Newman of The New Pornographers with Rhett Miller… More »
RIP Jay Reatard
Talented garage punk rocker Jay Reatard aka Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. was found dead in his sleep in his Memphis home last night. Jay was a true talent and will be missed.
Image: Fiona Diffley
His label, Matador Records writes, “We are devastated by the death of Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., aka Jay Reatard. Jay was as full of life as anyone we’ve ever met, and responsible for so many memorable moments as a person and artist. We’re honored to have known… More »
Attend Live Concert Tapings for TV
There are two opportunities for you to attend a live concert taping for a TV show. One you have to pay for, and one is a casting call. Here are the details:
1) If you purchase the W Hotel’s exclusive Rock Star Package, you will have access to the taping of the show Soundstage, which originally ran from 1974 to 1985. It was reintroduced last year, and is filming several performances at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Scheduled performances are:
Cheap Trick – January… More »
Patti Smith, Vampire Weekend, Ozzy Osbourne Appearing at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is stepping up its game in the music department. They will be hosting three exciting musical guests over the next couple months: Patti Smith, Vampire Weekend, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Patti Smith will be at the B&N in Union Square on January 19 at 7 pm. “Journalist Katherine Lanpher interviews musician and author Patti Smith, who will read from her new memoir about her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, Just Kids: From Brooklyn to the Chelsea Hotel, a Life… More »
New York Guitar Festival
In addition to the upcoming Winter Jazzfest, New York is also hosting the Guitar Festival starting this weekend and continuing through February (January 8-February 4). You can see the full schedule here, but below are some highlights, including shows from the awesome series Silent Films/Live Guitars. If you’re trying to pick one event, I recommend one of the shows where James Blackshaw is playing. His music is beautiful and he is amazingly talented.
January 14: Silent Films/Live Guitars: Charlie Chaplin’s The… More »
New Year’s Eve Concerts–That’s Tonight!
If you’re still fumbling around for NYE plans tonight, there are plenty of shows without advance tickets. And if you’ve got tickets to something already–good for you for planning ahead! Here’s a complete list of concerts tonight in NYC. At the top are ones that were not in my previous list and do not require advance tickets. If you’re going to a show tonight, let me know which one in the comments!
Team Robespierre and Violent Soho are at Bruar Falls
Surfer… More »
RIP Vic Chesnutt
Talented musician Vic Chesnutt of Athens, GA passed away yesterday (December 25, 2009). From the New York Times:
He had been in a coma after taking an overdose of muscle relaxants earlier this week, said the family spokesman, Jem Cohen.
In a two-decade career, Mr. Chesnutt sang darkly comic and often disarmingly candid songs about death, vulnerability, and life’s simple joys. A car accident when he was 18 left him a quadriplegic, but he has said that the accident focused him as… More »
New Year’s Eve in New York City–Musically
Of course there are dozens of options for New Year’s Eve 2010. Here’s a musical guide:
Patti Smith is at Bowery Ballroom (sold out).
Chuck Berry is at B.B. Kings at 8 pm and 11 pm.Tickets are $98.
Mariah Carey is at Madison Square Garden. Tickets starts at $20.10 and go way up from there.
Passion Pit DJ set plus “Special Guest Live Performance” at Piano’s. Tickets are $60 with a 3-hour open bar (10pm -1 am) and champagne toast.
Obits and Eli “Paperboy” Reed… More »
Beatlemania
The Beatles seems to be as popular as ever, even in our fair city. This weekend Brooklyn Bowl will host the 2nd Annual the Beatles Complete on Ukulele Festival. Roger Greenwalt will play the entire Beatles catalog on ukulele over the course of 13 hours, with “60 guest singers, 80 guest musicians, and 16 Yoko Impersonators…” Vanessa Carlton and Adam Green are both scheduled to appear. It’s happening on Sunday, December 6 from 11 am to midnight. Admission is $10,… More »
Lord of the Rings Live
Image: Amazon
Howard Shore’s original score will be performed live to the blockbuster movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9 at Radio City Music Hall. Tickets ($150) are on presale now (password = HETOWERS) now through Saturday, December 19 at 9 am when they go on regular sale…. More »
Who Shot Rock at Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum has a music-related exhibit opening tomorrow (Friday). It’s called Who Shot Rock: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present, and features photographs by dozens of photographers of dozens of different musicians, including Tina Turner, Rolling Stones, U2, and many more. It’s at the museum from now until January 19, 2010.
Tonight there is a members preview with a performance by Blondie. Membership is $55. Details here…. More »
Your Guide to the Halloween Concerts in NYC
Image: Newscom
From this year’s Thompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, October 26, 2009.
Still figuring out what to do for Halloween? Aside from lots of dog-costume parades, there are a ton of concerts, of course. Listed below are the shows happening on Halloween (Saturday, October 31), including some that were just announced. My picks are in orange.
Flavorpill Halloween: Gods and Heroes. With The Very Best, Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew, DJ Stretch Armstrong, Subswara at a “secret location” (I’m pretty sure… More »
CMJ Update: More Recommended Shows
In addition to these CMJ shows that I recommended last week, and these in-store performances, here are a few more CMJ shows worth checking out if you’ve got the time:
Wednesday, October 21
This is not part of CMJ, but Talib Kweli will be talking to HOt97 DJ Peter Rosenberg at 92YTribeca. Tickets here.
Mean Red Shangai’d Fool’s Gold Showcase: Vega (Live), Donnis (Live), Treasure Fingers, The Suzan (Live), Kingdom, Trackademicks (Live), Sammy Bananas, Hosted by A-Trak + Nick Catchdubs at 88 Palace… More »
CMJ Update: The Very Best Cancels
Unfortunately, The Very Best, a collaboration between Malawi’s Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit, and also one of my favorite performers at Pitchfork Music Festival this summer, has had to cancel their CMJ appearances due to “travel circumstances.” They were scheduled to play at their label’s (Green Owl) showcase tonight (Wednesday) at (le) Poisson Rouge. However, other performers Theophilus London, Violens, Grandchildren, Ninjasonik and Nat Geo Music, will still perform. A few other artists had to cancel due to travel issues, among… More »
CMJ Shows and Parties
CMJ, the awesome New York City festival a la Austin’s South by Southwest, is coming up next week, from Tuesday, October 20 to Saturday, October 24! Hundreds of bands are playing at hundreds of venues around the city. You can buy a badge that should get you in to most shows, or you can buy individual tickets to shows, or for some shows you can buy tickets at the door. I’ve posted lots of tickets for CMJ shows when they… More »
Bob Dylan Playing 3 NYC Shows
Image: Newscom
The one and only Bob Dylan is playing three New York shows. He will be on tour in October and November and will stop at United Palace on November 17, 18, and 19. Tickets are on presale now (password is smithers. Thx brooklynvegan) and go on regular sale on Friday. All tour dates are below.
Bob Dylan – 2009 Tour Dates
October 7 Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum
October 8 Eugene, OR McArthur Court Arena
October 10 – 11 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
October 13… More »