ortgeist.com

Reviewing The New Pornographers

2005-10-15T13:24:00.000-04:00

The New Pornographers played back-to-back (sold out I believe) shows at Webster Hall. The shows were under the banner of the "Bowery presents" since they were initially slated to play at the Bowery Ballroom instead. As I understand it, ticket sales caused the change of venue. Webster Hall is built to hold more people but the sound system (even after years of being home to concerts) is so wretched that I was a bit deflated when I finally remembered it wasn't going to be at the Bowery. The bands each had to contend with it at some point or another in their acts. Neko quipped that she was nearly killed by it when her earpiece popped audibly even for those of us in the audience.

The crowd was something else I wasn't expecting. This was my first time seeing the Pornographers (nice that it was in their entirity unlike the Prospect Park concert earlier this year) and I was shocked at the number of high schoolers there. Not sure why I was but it's been ages since I've been surrounded by people nearly (gasp, realization sets in) 15 years my junior. Teenagers + power pop = a lot of jumping up and down in place. I think Einstein first calculated that. You could feel the floor moving along with them.

I was also shocked at the amount of pot wafting through the air. Now, I'm not so clueless despite the above graf to not expect it at a show but we're talking jamband levels here. Maybe Phish played a show here a year or two back and fans forgot to move along. I dunno. Course, it could've been Bejar who was offstage, nearly naked and eating pizza most of the show.

The entire evening was a family affair essentially. Immaculate Machine is Pornographers' keyboardist Kathryn Calder's other band. Destroyer is to Bejar as Trent Reznor is to Nine Inch Nails. He was joined on stage in the Destroyer set by Pornographers' drummer Kurt Dahle and I think Frog Eyes' guitarist Casey Mercer but I'm not 100% sure.

Immaculate Machine has equal portions baby-faced pop charm and arena rock lunacy. The former is owed to the look and harmonies of guitarist Brooke Gallupe (who looked like he belonged in the audience rather than onstage, he's so young) and Calder. The latter is all on drummer Luke Kozlowski's mighty shoulders.

I'm still not 100% sure what to make of Destroyer's live show. The way Bejar presents himself on stage is every bit as formulaic as the music isn't. I had some difficulty with processing that. Musically it's interesting as Bejar starts to bridge his more experimental impulses with his increasing interest in traditional structures. I have no doubt he's smarter and more talented than say, Wayne Coyne of Flaming Lips who I think can be said to be in a similar place but I'm not sure how well Bejar will transition. You can see him noticably chaff at times when he veres too traditional. Coyne on the other hand can let it non-chalantly slide off his back. Really interesting stuff going on here.

The Pornographers themselves took the stage and ruled with a iron fist inside a velvet glove through their set and multiple encores. The set list was all you could ask for (barring the omission of the oft-requested Centre For Holy Wars and Jackie): it hit most of the high points of Mass Romantic including Letter From An Occupant, Slow Descent Into Alcoholism, and Execution Day which allowed Neko Case, A.C. Newman, and Bejar each the chance to shine respecitvely. I'm a little shocked they didn't play Mary Martin Show but I gather that's not everyone's cup of tea even though I adore it. They smartly eschewed much of the less stellar second album, The Electric Version essentially confining themselves to Case's standout number on the album, All for Swinging You Around and one or two others that make the album worth having but not listening to often. The bulk of the songs from the new album, Twin Cinema were played (no shock there since the tour is in support of it) but once again, they hit the smart highlights. I'm thinking here of songs like The Bleeding Heart Show, These Are the Fables, Three or Four, and Stacked Crooked (where Newman gets to prove himself every bit Bejar's experimental equal).

One of the reasons why the third album, Twin Cinemas is so good and can nearly rival the debut effort -- which is probably one of the smartest pop/rock albums since Pet Sounds -- is that the numbers are all orchestrated and produced with an extreme attention to detail. The production value is polished without being distracting. It also makes use of their dynamic harmonies which at the end of the day have as much strength as they do in no small part thanks to the voice and attitude of Neko Case. Case, while successful as a solo act, can easily and willingly sublimate herself into the overall effort of say, The Pornographers, or The Sadies or whomever she performs with at any given time.

Be sure to check out our photo gallery of the show. I'm especially partial to some of these pics.

Update...and as it turns out so was the band's websmistress. She's added several pics to the band's official website. Thanks again, Lena

Terror Threat Puts New York on High Alert - New York Times

2005-10-07T11:29:00.000-04:00

Terror Threat Puts New York on High Alert - New York Times: "Security in and around New York City's subways was sharply increased yesterday after city officials said they were notified by federal authorities in Washington of a terrorist threat that for the first time specifically named the city's transit system."

My station is under lockdown as I type this. No one's getting in.

...and apparently guys in Hazmat suits in Penn St.

...and 179th is or was under lockdown at some point today.

GGRD CHAMPIONSHIP - QUEENS VS. MANHATTAN: OCTOBER 21

2005-10-01T17:27:00.000-04:00

GGRD CHAMPIONSHIP - QUEENS VS. MANHATTAN: OCTOBER 21: "It's here! This season finale is your LAST CHANCE to
see the girls in action until the next season starts
and you don't want to miss out on the fun!

The impudent inmates of the Manhattan Mayhem will
battle the as yet undefeated Queens of Pain. Only one
team of rough and resolute roller girls will prevail,
proving - for this season - who the real daredevil
divas are, and you'll be cheering your guts out until
the very last jam.
"

Police Action in Hell's Kitchen

2005-06-28T17:46:00.000-04:00

Police Action in Hell's Kitchen
Originally uploaded by dancharvey.

Massive police action on 39th and 8th. Swat, riot shields, sledgehammers, mounted unites, EMS, choppers, etc. More when we know what's going on.

Update: News crews finally arrived on the scene. WABC seems to be the first up with it on the web. Allegedly the police are after a single, armed rape suspect.

(Very Belatedly) Reviewing The New York Burlesque Festival

2005-06-26T12:48:00.001-04:00

The inimitable Scotty The Blue Bunny opened the 3rd annual burlesque festival in style at Southpaw. I love it when he verbally assails drunk Long Islanders. Who wouldn't?

The first wave of the show saw some familiar faces to the NYC scene including Big Apple Burlesque, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Fritzi Collins (in a wonderful trapped on a deserted island routine), but it was The Love Show that really turned on the crowd. Rhonda Gdasi's rousing rendition of Tom Petty's Honey Bee was pitch perfect for her partners' lascivious motions.

The out-of-towners claimed the stage next with some wonderful acts by Reverend Spooky LeStrange of New Orleans in a Wonder Woman riff that is perhaps only surpassed by the awe-inspiring Zog. Miss Anna Kronist of London's Burly Q Cabaret wowed the audience with her truly magnificent renditions of classics by Aretha Franklin and Blondie. The performers in the Spielpalast Cabaret of Vermont brought their A game to NYC in a wild, epic send-up of World War II era facism featuring broom dances, lions (or at least a ripped man in a lion costume), and more. It was enough to make Scotty blush which is saying a lot.

Southpaw was the perfect venue for the night's bands, The Fire Ups and Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers. David Bucci, lead guitar of the former, was insanely impressive and ably joined by the playful riffs of Cami Boyd on bass and the fast-paced backbeat provided by Shayne Ivy on drums. Katy Petty had all the cocksue swagger of three young Mick Jaggers. Together they're a pretty amazing rock noise quartet.

Whatever was left of the house from The Fire Ups performance was torn down and burnt to the ground by the time The Urban Pioneers left the stage. They really are just about the perfect act for an event like this: equal dashes of bluesy smolder and retro rock cool. Leo Binetti (bass) and Victor Deyglio (an amazing young Jerry Garcia lookalike on guitars) not only complement each other well but really let Lex shine. Veronica Graff must melt several harmonicas in a gig.

The (sold out) Saturday Night Spectacular at The Hiro Ballroom was hosted by the incomparable Murray Hill. Not sure what brought it on but Murray had several jokes directed at Judith Light who to this day I'm not sure was in attendance or not. Celebs such as Fergie The Duchess of York, Parker Posey, and Joe Franklin were however.

After a cheerleading show-opener by festival co-organizers The World Famous Pontani Sisters the night saw a bit of California Dreamin' as acts from Los Angeles took over including Miss Jennifer-Lynn in a genuinely moving war protest and tribute to our fallen soldiers, Amber Ray in what had to be one of the best costumes of the festival, and the beguiling Eliza Bane in a classic showgirl number.

New York claimed the stage in a brief sequence of routines by Miss Saturn and her family of hula hoops, le grand damme Bonnie Dunn, the record breaking sword swallowing talents of Natasha Veruschka, and the sexual chocolate of Bunny Love. Then it was quickly back to acts from elsewhere like La Gata Negra from Rhode Island slammed the audience into submission with their wrestling antics, Roky Roulette of San Fran launched the crowd into orbit in an amazing one of a kind strip-pogo-tease, Baltimore's Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey erupted from a volcanic display to great comedic effect.

The evening continued with a series of acts from dancers performing in a classical vein: Miss Indigo Blue of Seattle shaking more sequins than the eye could follow, Dames Aflame of Hotlanta heating up a classroom set, London's own Miss Lily White making every red blooded American male and lesbian wish they were her hobbyhorse, Fan favorite and crowd pleasing pixie, Torcy Taboo of Atlanta was enchanting with her parisol dance.

The night came to a close with acts by the infamous Jo Boobs and a return from the Pontani Sisters. As always, Jo was scintillating and the Pontanis were adorable. Is there any doubt these performers are the heart and soul of New York Burlesque?

Thanks again to co-organizer Jen Gapay of Thirstygirl Productions for the good times had by all. Jen puts a shitload of work into everything she does and this is no exception. Buy the gal a drink the next time you see her at one of her shows.

Galleries are up for Friday's Festivities and Saturday Spectacular. Check 'em out.

The New Pornographers Celebrate Brooklyn

2005-06-24T15:25:00.000-04:00

Here's what the event organizers have to say about the best free concert of the season coming up at 7:30 pm this Saturday:

"A host of indie rockers descends on the Bandshell for an early Canada Day fete, led by Vancouver supergroup the NEW PORNOGRAPHERS. Fresh off the release of its extraordinary third album Set Yourself on Fire, Montreal's STARS is one of the Great White North's hottest bands. THE SADIES come from Toronto with a distinctive sound that incorporates everything from traditional country to surf music to garage rock."

More info can be found on the celebrate brooklyn site. We have photo galleries of Neko Case (of The New Pornographers) and The Sadies performing at Bowery Ballroom and Southpaw. We also have a review of the Bowery concert.

23rd Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade

2005-06-24T15:24:00.000-04:00

23rd Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade

The nation's largest art parade is bigger than ever and we expect record crowds this weekend, so come and join the fun.

This year's king and queen are David Johansen and Karmen Guy!!!

Registration Begins at 10 AM
Parade begins at 2 PM, Rain or Shine!

To paraphrase the immortal Tom Waits, Put on your red fins, baby. We're going out tomorrow. This is going to be amazing. How much cooler is Buster than Moby?

Check out our photo gallery from last year's festivities.

Update: Uploaded some pics of floats, classic cars, and bits with wheels as well as marchers, scenes from the boardwalk, and more from yesterday's unofficial kick-off of summer.

Shelters Need to Find Homes for Cats and Kittens

2005-05-26T19:33:00.000-04:00

"Cat season" is upon us once again and NY1 ran a feature today about city shelters need to find homes quickly for the new influx of cats and kittens. City shelters are trying to become "no-kill" in five years time but until then they'll need to make "tough decisions" about space... if you're in the market for a new pet why not try the shelter system first?

Newsday.com: Pilot dreamed of crash, mother said

2005-05-22T20:21:00.000-04:00

Newsday has a follow-up story on the fatal plane crash in Coney Island. None of the four young students aboard the plane survived. No one along the beach was hurt.

Coney Island... Develop, Don't Destroy

2005-05-04T21:46:00.000-04:00

The Daily News has two articles on development plans for Coney Island. "Advance to Boardwalk!" describes "a cross between Las Vegas and Disneyland" while "Deals may maul Coney faves" begins to outline how Thor Equities is shuddering some shops already. Fuck what City Councilman Domenic Recchia thinks, I wanna know what Dick Zigun has to say about these plans...

Richard Snow said it best when he said that Coney Island has always been a home to "the odd, the bizarre, the far-flung." In the past, at the turn of the last century, that surreality expressed itself as a luminous, magical thing. Today, it's a vibrant, post-modern Vaudevillian romp. Las Vegas and Disneyland (as great as they may be) aren't quite the same thing.

Tim Hawkinson // Jean-Michel Basquiat

2005-04-23T18:42:00.000-04:00

Through May 29th (so run now!) The Whitney has a retrospective of work by sculptor Tim Hawkinson

"The Whitney presents two decades of work by one of America’s most singular and inventive sculptors in Tim Hawkinson, the artist’s first major museum survey, opening at the Whitney Museum of American Art February 11, 2005. The show, organized by the Whitney and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art—where it will be seen after its New York presentation—offers a fascinating cross-section of Hawkinson’s body of work, including meticulously detailed drawings, minute constructions, inflated latex casts, and uncanny mechanical contraptions."

Through June 5th, The Brooklyn Museum has an exhibition of works by Jean-Michel Basquiat

"This exhibition presents more than ninety works by the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988), whose spectacular career contributed to the revival of American painting in the 1980s. Organized by the Brooklyn Museum and co-curated by Fred Hoffman, Kellie Jones, Marc Mayer, and Franklin Sirmans, Basquiat will include approximately seventy paintings and twenty works on paper, some of which have never before been on view in the United States. The most comprehensive retrospective in over a decade, Basquiat celebrates the artist’s extraordinary use of color and drawing, his integration of text and complex iconography, and his development of themes related to the African Diaspora."

To say that either artist is "inventive" or "spectacular" is the height of understatement. Hawkinson's work often functions simulatenously on an intimate and monumental level in ways I've never seen another sculptor achieve. Basquiat was the last great painter of the 20th century. Go. Go now.

Style Wars

2005-04-02T18:53:00.000-05:00

Tony Silver & Henry Chalfant documentary film on "New York's Kings of Graffiti and b-boys" Style Wars has resurfaced some 20 years after it's creation as a DVD and web site. If you haven't already visited the site (which is itself a wonderful design) you should treat yourself to it now. Style Wars: Revisited has a lot of great new content for those familiar with the original.

Gotham Girls Roller Derby Season Opener -- Tonight

2005-04-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

Join us as we launch our inaugural season THIS FRIDAY at Skate Key in the Bronx! The Brooklyn Bombshells' victory at the November Exhibition Bout was hotly contested by spectators and skaters alike - this time both teams will hit the track, skirts and elbows flying, in what is sure to be a battle that lasts until the Championship Bout in October!

Friday also marks the derby debut for our newly initiated skaters - ARIEL ASSAULT, DONNA MATRIX, ANNIE MAUL, LEGGS LUTHOR, CC BULLETS, ROLLETTA LYNN, EMMA BADAPPLE, CARMEN MONOXIDE and SHARYN PAIN join their new teams for three 15-minute periods of high-speed derby action. We'll have enough bad-girl attitude to fuel catfights aplenty, plus LIVE MUSIC by The Visitors and Cuddle Machines, hot new GGRD merch, and our brand-new, fancy scoreboard! Doors open at 8PM and the bout starts at 9PM - plus hang out after the bout for the OPEN SKATE AFTERPARTY! (Rentals will be available from the Key.)

More info on Gotham Girls and Skate Key. I won't be able to make because of the impending move but man, oh man is it a good time. Here's hoping Brooklyn takes the bout and the big check again.

Pic above is from the exhibition bout last November -- read our review and peek the photo gallery.

Reviewing The Wasabassco Cabaret Burlesque

2005-03-24T14:52:00.000-05:00

The Women (and men) of Wasabassco returned to Brooklyn throughout the month of February for a series of Wedmesday night performances at Sputnik. The location is smaller and less geared toward performing than their last outing at Southpaw but after a few kinks here and there the producers and performers were able to make the space their own... largely on the strengths of their ability to improvise around the flaws (bringing out the sound engineer and DJ to strip, "hot mike" jokes, etc.). The diminished scale of the space (and audience) meant that the dancers had to coax interactions a bit from crowd but again that only added to the richness of the experience.

Anita Cookie and Miss Saturn took turns as hostesses adding an extra layer of variety to the overall event. Cookie, of course, was hilarious in both her routines and commentary. This was the first time I saw Miss Saturn act as emcee but she couldn't have asked for a better setting given her persona's Russian theme. She also took full advantage of producer Andy Heidel's birthday to add livlieness to the festivities.

The affair offered me exposure to a number of dancers for the first time: Anais Sin, Creamy Stevens, Delirium Tremens, Lady Ace, Little Brooklyn, Mike, Molly Crabapple, Old Ma Femme, and Samantha in addition to performers I'm more familiar with like Anita Cookie, Jo Boobs, Miss Saturn, and Scarlet Sinclair.

There were a number of standout routines in this month long stint at Sputnik:

Lady Ace as "Femme Fatale" (as pictured above) was some of the most scintilating noir I've seen in some time. Her "Oh, Canada" to the tune of Foreigner's "Cold as Ice" had the crowd on their feet. What made it so unique? It was a reverse burlesque -- she came on stage naked and slowly suited up for the wintry conditions outside of the club.

Aimee Leigh aka Mike and her "hot nuts" *killed* the room. Truly baseball vendoring will never be the same again.

Another crowd pleaser was Old Ma Femme's rousing rendition of "Devil Went Down to Georgia." Even in blustery Brooklyn, in a bar themed to Sov cold war culture Charlie Daniel's classic got everyone energized.

Things got complex when it came to the musicians. I think there may have been some conflict, delay, illness or something that prevented The WIYOS from taking stage one evening. I missed seeing The Roulette Sisters due to my own conflicts. The musicians I did see perform though, Curtis Eller and Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co., were golden.

Eller has a very unique stage presence with movements that are part David Bryne, part Les Claypool, but couched in a persona and behavior that's more shy? delicate? paranoid? It's a lot of fun to watch but very hard to label. His ode to Coney Island of yesteryear is s heartbreaking and touching as some of my favorite Tom Waits' songs.

SIT & Die Co. are only slightly more conventional by comparison but that doesn't diminish their strength as a rockabilly trio defined by skill and humor. Shades of Reverend Horton Heat without being derivative.

As usual you can click on the image above or click here to launch the full flash photo gallery in a seperate window. No worries if you've missed out, the show returns to Sputnik for more starting Friday April 8th, and running throughout the year on 2nd fridays.

Wasabassco Burlesque Review 2

2005-03-24T14:23:00.000-05:00

wasabassco

Featuring the Best Burlesque Dancers from the 5 Boroughs, a Snake Charming Belly Dancer, The Wasabassco-a-gogo Dancers, a Tarot Card Reader, a Mermaid, a Magician, and More.

Aimee Leigh, Albert Cadabra, Anais Sin, Anita Cookie, the reigning Miss Rivington: Darlinda Just Darlinda, Gothic belly dance by Maiiah,, Julie Atlas Muz, Mama Caliento, Mama Lou, Molly Crabapple, Little Brooklyn, Nasty Canasta, and Scott Rayow.
Nautically themed ukulele love songs by Michael Leviton
and big hillbilly sound courtesy of Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

Wasabassco returns to Southpaw. $15 Saturday, 9PM-1AM March 26th

Update: As usual the show was superb. We've uploaded a gallery of pics for those that missed the affair. Check 'em out.

The New York Burlesque Festival!

2005-03-24T14:20:00.000-05:00

The New York Burlesque Festival!

Three days & nights of Glitter and Glamour in Gotham!

Friday, May 20th - The Premiere Party
Celebrate the opening night of the Third Annual New York Burlesque Festival at Southpaw, one of the city's BEST live show venues. Enjoy the premiere party with your host Scotty the Blue Bunny! Film archivists will be screening amazing collections of vintage Burlesque lovelies and show-stopping musical moments from the past. Delight in live entertainment from burlesque performers, retro go go dancers, swanky and rocking bands, sideshow acts and troupe performances!
www.spsounds.com - 125 5th Ave - Brooklyn, NY - 718.230.0236

Saturday, May 21st - The Saturday Spectacular
Don't miss the spotlight event of this year's festival, Saturday, May 21st at the Hiro Ballroom.
We will be hosting an all-star lineup of over 40 of the most accomplished performers in the world. The legendary Murray Hill will emcee this fabulous main event in the
most glamorous nightclub in the city! Don't miss The Saturday Spectacular!
The Hiro Ballroom at The Maritime Hotel - 363 West 16th St. - 212.242.4300

Sunday, May 22nd - Burlesque Showboat & Golden Pastie Awards
Join us for the ever-entertaining Burlesque Brunch and the 2nd Annual Golden Pastie Awards aboard The Queen of Hearts Showboat! Sail around Manhattan on this fabulous paddle boat and delight in a full show, the Golden Pastie Awards and shop the Burlesque Boutique, an entire floor dedicated to sassy and sexy burlesque, inspired baubles and performer delights!
Complimentary finger foods will be served!
Categories for The Golden Pastie Awards will be announced April 14, 2005 and you will be able to nominate performers and vote at www.thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com.
Winners will receive a giant Golden Pastie provided by the nation's premiere pastie maker, www.twirlygirl.net.
Departure dock and more information will be available soon.

Advance tickets & package deals will be available at
www.thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com April 1, 2005.

www.thirstygirlproductions.com
www.thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com

This or That! Final Show at The Belt Theater

2005-03-24T14:17:00.000-05:00

This or That! Final Show at The Belt Theater

After a six month run, the infamous burlesque game show THIS OR THAT! end its extended run in Manhattan at midtown's Belt Theater on March 25th when the venue closes its doors forever. Fortunately, the show will also take a stab at Off-Broadway for two performances only, Fridays April 15th & 22nd.

Renowned sword swallower, magician and improvisation wizard The Great Fredini hosts THIS OR THAT! alongside co-host Julie Atlas Muz, blonde bombshell performer and recent Whitney Biennial artist. This winsome duo, aptly dubbed "Burlesque's 'Pat & Vanna'" by Back Stage, greets contestants at a giant wheel that issues zany challenges. In addition to naughty prizes, challenge winners get to choose one of two curtains, "This" or "That", out of which emerges either a classic burlesque hottie or an act that stinks so bad it's brilliant. Its like Let's Make a Deal, The Gong Show, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show all rolled into one sidesplitting theatrical spectacle with an unforgettable climax!

Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland followup

2005-03-24T14:14:00.000-05:00

Coney Island USA 25th anniversary benefit a huge success!

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate our 25th Anniversary at the Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland party at the Coral Room. Those people who braved the sub-freezing temperatures and 45 mph winds found the Coral Room packed with 250 like-minded individuals feasting on Rheingold, Finlandia, Totonno's Pizza, Junior's Cheesecake and Phillip's candied apples and enjoying entertainment courtesy of Fisherman's Xylophonic Burlesque Orchestra, the World Famous Pontani Sisters, Chris McDaniel, Dirty Martini and the Great Throwdini. In all Coney Island USA raised more than $25,000 on ticket sales alone; our most successful fundraiser ever!

Goliath Visual Space: Benaddiction

2005-03-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

Goliath Visual Space

On Saturday, April 2, 2005, Goliath Visual Space will host BENADDICTION III, the third annual fundraising benefit to support Goliath's exhibitions and public programs. The benefit evening will include a silent auction and raffle of artworks donated by over 100 artists that will be on view in the gallery and through the Goliath website prior to the benefit evening. All proceeds will benefit Goliath Visual Space.

Goliath Visual Space is a not-for-profit, artist-run organization in Greenpoint, Brooklyn established to provide a fertile and creative environment for artists and to foster knowledge and communication about the arts. Since its establishment in 1999, Goliath has presented the works of 112 emerging and unrepresented artists from 12 countries in over 20 solo and small group exhibitions. In addition to its exhibition schedule, Goliath presents an ongoing series of readings, performances and talks.

The auction includes works by Hamra Abbas, Astrid Bowlby, James Cullinane, Erik Guzman, Folkert de Jong, David Krippendorff, Robert Lemon, James Nelson, Taney Roniger, Rene Trevino.

The raffle includes works by Alice Aycock, Robert Longo, Lee Ranaldo, Andrew Ginzel, Suzanne Anker, Joel Perlman, Erwin Redl, Frank Gillette, Michael Goldberg, Jeanne Silverthorne and over 100 others.

I've known the people behind Goliath since the early 90s when we were all students together at The School of Visual Arts. These fundraising events are crucial to keeping things afloat in Greenpoint. Check 'em out.

Reviewing Neko Case and The Sadies

2005-02-14T18:33:00.000-05:00

As we've mentioned previously, Neko Case and The Sadies have returned to NYC playing to a packed house at The Bowery Ballroom. And what a triumphant return it is. Over the course of the last six months or so Case and The Sadies have really gelled as a band, with The Sadies surfacing more of Case's rocky undercurrents and Case in turn refining The Sadie's down home grooves. The interplay between the musicians was every bit as much fun as the moments when Case speaks to the audience.

The set seemed shorter than the last time they were in town but I'm trying to figure out what was missing and it's harder to do than I thought. Most, if not all, of the tracks from The Tigers Have Spoken made it on to the list. The real standouts this time were Train From Kansas City, Loretta, Rated X. That will come as no surprise to those of you familiar with her work given my comments above. It goes without saying that Blacklisted and Furnace Room Lullaby were genuine crowd-pleasers.

What surprised me was how taken I am now with songs like Favorite and Hex... for whatever reason they never resonated as much with me before. I think that could have something to do with a lack of familiarity (Favorite has only been available on the hard to find Canadian Amp disc and Hex was new to the shoddily edited Tigers). Still, it's something of a shame that Deep Red Bells and Karoline fell by the wayside.

Case's set was likely reduced (if it was at all) to make room for a set by The Sadies of their own material. The Brothers Good, Dallas and Travis, alongside drummer Mike Belitsky and bassist Sean Dean. This was my first time seeing them really take to the stage on their own and man, was it an eye-opener. These guys are blisteringly good. Belitsky is wiched fast on the skins and I'm surprised that Dean and The Goods have any flesh left on their hands keeping pace with him.

Low Skies were the opening act for the event. I'm not sure what sort of following they're building in their native Chicago but I'd be shocked if it was growing by leaps and bounds every show. They're a tight, somewhat experiemental full-bore rock unit. Like most young bands they were their influences on their sleeves -- in this case predominantly Jeff Buckley but also Radiohead to a degree -- but given time they could very well move past such overtness. Still, they were a joy to watch perform. Nice measures of rock swagger and shoe gazer coyness, great pacing, some real subtle moments and the ability to wail when needed.

As usual you can click on the image above or click here to launch the full flash photo gallery in a seperate window.

Coney Island USA's 25 Anniversary Gala

2005-02-14T17:20:00.000-05:00

Received the following in my inbox yesterday:

Coney Island USA is celebrating our 25th Anniversary with a giant cocktail party in Manhattan. We'll have live performances, mermaids swimming in giant tanks and fire. All the good things in life!

March 8, 2005
The Coral Room - 512 W. 29th St in Chelsea
8:00-11:00
$100 per person

We'll be featuring performances by Todd Robbins, Dirty Martini, Fisherman's Xylophonic Orchestra, Chris McDaniel, Julie Atlas Muz, the Great Throwdini, the 2005 Coney Island Circus Sideshow and more!

Gotham Girls Season Announced + Derbytaunt Ball

2005-02-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

Gotham Girls Roller Derby | Events

Pick your team and start making your signs, because the 2005 Roller Derby Season is upon us! Can the beautiful Brooklyn Bombshells hold onto the title won during the inaugural bout last fall? Can the magnificent Manhattan Mayhem put down their opponents and pick up a victory? Join the lovely ladies at one of their eight season bouts in the Boogie Down Bronx to find out!

April 1
April 22
May 20
June 17
July 15
August 19
September 16
October 21

All bouts are held at Skate Key, 220 E. 138th Street in the Bronx. Take the 4/5 one stop out of Manhattan to 138th Street/Grand Concourse.

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW! $12 advance/$15 at the door. VIP and season ticket rates also available!

Get out your dancing shoes, darlings — the Gotham Girls are kicking off the 2005 season with our first annual DerbyTaunt Ball! We'll be celebrating with a coming-out ceremony for our newest initiates, a dance contest, party photographer and more! And be sure you come with a fistful of dollars — the Gotham Girls will be filling up their dance cards to raise funds for the upcoming season. Formalwear is strongly encouraged!

Saturday, March 5 — 9PM
Siberia
356 West 40th Street, between 8th and 9th Aves
$10 at the door

wasabassco wednesdays continued

2005-02-09T18:19:00.000-05:00

Tonight at The Wasabassco Wednesdays Cabaret Burlesque Show

Share the love at Wasabassco Co-producer Andy Heidel’s Birthday Bash and Valentine show.

Show starts 10:30pm with Curtis Eller. $5. Hosted by Miss Saturn! Featuring Anita Cookie, Bellydance by Samantha, Lady Ace, Miss Delirium Tremens, Molly Crabapple, Old Ma Femme, Peekaboo Pointe, and more!

Andy and I are sharing a birthday party it seems. Stop on by and say Hi.

Sputnik
262 Taaffe Place Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-398-6666 info@barsputnik.com

Directions---
By Subway: G train to Classon Ave
By Bus: 38 or 48 busses to De Kalb Ave. and Classon Ave.

Meat!

2005-02-01T02:12:00.000-05:00

Three fabulous quicktimes a friend shot from outside our office window.
One (10.2M), Two (6.4M), and Three (10.4M).

Think of it as Rear Window but with more meat and less Jimmy Stewart. There may be equal parts Raymond Burr though. I didn't really get that close of a look.

Hyperlink NYC

2005-01-31T20:45:00.000-05:00

Regine has an intriguing post on her excellent blog about grafedia a project kicked of by John Geraci. Unlike similar projects like yellow arrow or urban tapestries the point is less about adding an information overlay of annotations or memories to a city and is more freeform -- like grafitti. Ostensibly you could link up to an array of media tapes (video, images, audio) about anything. Add meaning, detract meaning, obfuscate meaning.