Fela

I've lived in New York for almost four and a half years and since then had never seen a Broadway show. Now that my significant other happens to be theatrically knowledged, that wont be the case any longer. The first show we went to was Fela. Sitting in the $27 student section (that's right I still have my ID, why not?), we had a pretty up close and personal experience. I almost got kicked in the head like 7 times.

Groundation

I always look forward to that annual appearance of Groundation on the East Cost. One our favorite reggae bands, my roommate Andy and I have seen them a good handful of times. Rich grooves, powerful lyrics and a refusal to sell out make them top on my list.

Check out some videos from last year when we saw them at Sullivan Hall as well.

Fiona & Punch

If you don't know already, I am obsessed with Fiona Apple. I mean, come on, her voice friggin melts you. It kills me she only has 3 albums.

I also happen to be a huge fan of the Punch Brothers. They are so versatile and complex, and blow my mind every time I see them (see plethora of clips on my YouTube channel).***

I saw Nickel Creek (Chris Thile's previous band) play with Fiona back in '07, and it made perfect sense, even as unique as the arrangements were (Fiona just sang and NC did backups and instrumentals). Now, three years later, Fiona has emerged from her painstakingly long slumber to produce but 1 lonely single, backed up by, that's right, the Punch Brothers. JIMP.

Click here for the article and song

***I would like to mention that a 2nd of my Punch Brothers YouTube videos has just reached 10,000 views. It is their Radiohead cover of Faust Arp. It occurred during the first ever P-Bingo night.

Unlikely Favorite

This past week I had my first YouTube video post reach 10,000 views.

If I've ever gotten into a conversation with you about live music, I probably mentioned the Punch Brothers and their semi-regular "P-Bingo night" which has occurred a handful of times at the Living Room in the LES in NYC. I've gone to all but one (I think), and I usually try to sneak a couple videos in each time (technically they don't allow it, but I think both PB and the LR would agree it's done nothing but promote them both, and for free). Anyway, out of the dozens of videos I've posted, the first to reach 10,000 views was...their Bach cover?!?! I mean, don't get me wrong, it's amazing...

Feel free to subscribe to my channel, you'll get an e-mail any time I post a video (most of them are shows).

P-Bingo!

The Punch Brothers have a semi-regular appearance at the Living Room in the LES at which they perform what they refer to as P-Bingo night. This particular one (#6) was special because it featured Sean and Sara Watkins of the former Nickel Creek.

Some regular fellow fans created the P-Bingo game, in which songs or covers are placed into squares and marked off accordingly during the show. This is the card of the first ever winner.

P-Bingo videos from this and other shows can be found on my YouTube channel.

Mixxtape in Manhattan

E-Hilz's new band, the Mixxtape: I finally got to see them at the Bowery Poetry Club.

Checkout my YouTube channel for some Mixxtape vids from various shows.

How to use a megaphone

Scott Weiland with Stone Temple Pilots at Musikfest 2008 in Bethlehem, PA.

Mae Mae

Cafe Mae Mae is a nice hidden treasure in the Holland tunnel region of lower Manhattan. The defining landmark is the tie-dyed llama sitting outside on an otherwise barren streetscape. Inside you'll find a warm wine bar with Wednesday night tunes, including Andy and the Song Camp.