Around New York ... March 25 - April 1

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

March 25 -- The Vandelles / Electric Eel Shock / Hard Nips /Hot Cha Cha at Cake Shop
March 25 -- L'Arc-En-Ciel at Madison Square Garden
March 25 -- Paper Robots at Mercury Lounge
March 26 -- James Moody Scholarship Benefit Concert at Blue Note
March 26 -- Teeth and Tongue / Paula Carino / Jett Brando at Pianos
March 27 -- Toots and the Maytals / Fear Nuttin' Band at Brooklyn Bowl
March 27 -- Pink Room David Lynch Burlesque at Parkside Lounge
March 27 - 28 -- Joan Osborne at City Winery
March 28 -- Simone Felice at Mercury Lounge
March 28 -- Hank & Cupcakes (pictured) at Santos Party House
March 28 -- Shaken & Stirred Burlesque at The Delancey
March 28 -- The Joy Formidable / A Place To Bury Strangers / Violens at Terminal 5
March 28 -- First Aid Kit at Webster Hall
March 28 -- A Million Years (pictured) / Napoleon / Chasing Bear at The Studio at Webster Hall
March 29 -- The Pierces / Spirit Family Reunion at Bowery Ballroom
March 29 -- What Cheer? Brigade / Apocalypse Five / Dime at Public Assembly
March 29 -- The Highway / Reckless Sons at Spike Hill
March 29 -- Corruption at Tammany Hall
March 29 -- Delta Spirit / Waters at Webster Hall
March 30 -- Burlesque Affaire at Affaire
March 30 -- The Shivers / Sons of an Illustrious Father / Uncles at Littlefield
March 30 - 31 -- Of Montreal at Webster Hall
March 31 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. / Ms. Mr. at Brooklyn Bowl
March 31 -- Wolf + Lamp / Soul Clap at Music Hall of Williamsburg
March 31 -- Wild Deer / Emery Jane at The Rockshop
April 1 -- Johnny Flynn / Peggy Sue at Glasslands Gallery
April 1 - 5 -- Citizen Cope at City Winery

Is New York Still The Cultural Capital Of America?

A question has been posed. New York has long been considered the cultural capital of America. Is it still? If not, where? This question has led to pondering on my part.

My first thought was, it's a place that is often taken for granted by those who live there. Visitors come from far and wide to experience the cities cultural delights. But, ask a New Yorker about certain things...certain places and you're likely to get a rant on too many tourists frequenting the location or, I can see that anytime. You become jaded by having so much at your fingertips. I've been known to be guilty of this myself. But, as much as I'm cranky, or complaining or just simply taking the city and it's offerings for granted, I spend just as much time, camera in hand in some dark venue capturing and enjoying all that she has to offer.

We have an unbelievable amount of cultural happenings at our disposal. There's something for everybody on any given night, in every price range, pretty much around the clock. This is something that is often not thought about until you're away from New York for a hot minute. You realize that you can't just hop on the subway and go from the theatre or the ballet to a late show at a club followed by an even later DJ set. You might not normally do any of those things but the minute you're away, you suddenly find yourself wanting to do, see and experience EVERYTHING! You notice when you only have a half a dozen or less options on a given night whereas in New York, it's a matter of what you want to do or see most on any given night. At some point, the inevitable happens; the words, if I was at home... comes out of your mouth.

But, it's not just the sheer volume of happenings in New York that makes it a special place; it's the quality. Now, don't get your knickers in a bunch. I'm not saying no other place has quality culture. I just think the amount of quality that's so easily available made New York the 'cultural capital of America,' a title I think it still holds.

2012 Great Arts Blogger Challenge

WBGO Kicks Off Kids Jazz Concert Series March 31

New Jersey public radio station WBGO announced that it's award-winning free Kids Jazz Concert Series is returning this Spring! The four free interactive programs geared towards young people feature harpist Brandee Younger, saxophonist Donald Harrison, drummer Will Calhoun and saxophonist Claire Daly. If you have children, it's the perfect opportunity for them to listen to, learn and in some cases discover jazz.

The series will be held at New Jersey venues on four Saturdays at 12:30PM. Check out the schedule below.

These interactive, hour-long programs give young people opportunities to learn about the distinct qualities of jazz, and why it is a reflection of our community, nation, and world. Top jazz and blues artists produce programs tailor-made for young people, leaving time for further exploration of the music through Q&A sessions with the artists. In addition to the music, the event includes door prizes, a gift for each child and a fun-filled afternoon with other young jazz lovers.

“The Kids Jazz Series is one of several WBGO youth initiatives that build upon the legacy of jazz and help set the stage for the next generation of jazz audiences and artists,” said Cephas Bowles, WBGO President and CEO. “We’re extremely pleased and proud to have been cited by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with its MySource Community Impact Award for Engagement in 2009 for this series as well as for our live broadcasts of student jazz ensembles, which also take place in April.”

March 31, 12:30pm
Brandee Younger
Jazz: The Art of Creation
Montclair Art Museum
3 South Mountain Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042

April 14, 12:30pm
Donald Harrison
Big Easy to Big Apple
Cicely Tyson School Performing Arts Center
35 Winans Street
East Orange, NJ 07017

Co-Sponsored by The High School Music Department of The Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts

April 21, 12:30pm
Will Calhoun
Jazz in the Digital Age
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Victoria Theater
One Center Street
Newark, NJ 07102

April 28, 12:30 pm
Claire Daly
How Important Is the Melody?
Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102

All concerts are handicapped accessible. Adults must be accompanied by a child.

Song of the Day: Cowgill - "Plans"

We have for you in today's Song of the Day, "Plans," by Boston's Cowgill. I'm really digging this one and as a result, it has already repeated a few times on my media player of choice. The song is from their Side One of Planted album which is scheduled for release on May 17. Cowgill formed in June of 2011 and based on this song, we'll be hearing a lot from them. Scroll down to the bottom of the post and grab it from our MP3 Grab.

“Plans” showcases the band’s impressive range, opening with a gorgeous piano line closely followed by a rocking string section groove, slowly building to seriously thumping drums in the outro. Lead singer Paul Cowgill’s vocals are sublime, blending indie and folk influences with a touch of pop sensibility.

COWGILL is Paul Cowgill (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Mike Truskowski (Piano, Backup Vocals, Trombone), Dan Weissman (Mandolin, Backup Vocals, Trumpet), Leeann Hackett (Violin), Ryan Rivers (Bass Guitar) and a temporarily rotating cast on drums.)

MP3 Grab: "Plans"

Madi Diaz on BreakThru Radio

The folks over at BreakThru Radio had Madi Diaz, who released her Plastic Moon album earlier this year, in their studios recently. You can check out a clip of her performing "Love You Now" and an interview segment in the BTR studio. The complete radio broadcast and playlist can be heard and downloaded HERE.

Reminder: New York, Diaz will be in town for a couple of shows. She'll be supporting Rachael Yamagata at Highline Ballroom on April 2 (doors at 6PM / $25) and April 4, over in Brooklyn at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (doors at 8PM / $25 / 18+).

Brandi Carlile To Release New Album In June

Brandi Carlile will be releasing her fourth album, Bear Creek, on June 5. The first single from the upcoming album will be "That Wasn't Me" which will hit radio airways in early April. Carlile will also be hitting the road. New York, at the moment there are no dates in our lovely city yet. But, she has a number of dates with Dave Matthews Band, one of which take her to Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, NJ on June 26. Check her website for more tour dates.

"That Wasn't Me," the first single from Bear Creek, will go to radio in early April. The soulful piano-based track showcases the warmth and subtle power of Carlile's vocals. It is the cornerstone of an earthy collection that embraces all of her musical influences - folk, pop, country, rock, gospel and blues. From the spirited "Hard Way Home" and chilling country blues of "Raise Hell" to the poignant "Rise Again" and ethereal "Just Kids," Carlile manages to be at once plainspoken and poetic. The rich imagery of "Keep Your Heart Young" evokes childhood dreams with such unerring accuracy it is apt to elicit renewed vows to never grow up while "Save Part Of Yourself" and "100" wistfully underscore the lifetime impact of a lost love.

Named for the studio where most of the album was recorded - Bear Creek Studios, which is housed in a converted early 20th century barn near Carlile's hometown of Seattle - it features her longtime band mates: Tim and Phil Hanseroth ("The Twins," who co-wrote many of the songs with Carlile and play guitar and bass respectively), drummer/percussionist Allison Miller and cellist Josh Neumann plus Dave Palmer on keyboards and Jeb Bows on violin and mandolin. Drummer Matt Chamberlain guests on several tracks.

Track Listing

• Hard Way Home
• Raise Hell
• Save Part Of Yourself
• That Wasn't Me
• Keep Your Heart Young
• 100
• A Promise To Keep
• I'll Still Be There
• What Did I Ever Come Here For
• Heart's Content
• Rise Again
• In The Morrow
• Just Kids

Garbage Unveils Debut Single From Upcoming Album

Garbage has released the first single from their upcoming album, Not Your Kind Of People which is scheduled for release on May 15th via their own Stunvolume label. This is their first new album in 7 years. "Blood For Poppies" can be downloaded for FREE, on their website or using the handy widget at the bottom of the post for a limited time so grab it quick folks.

On Record Store Day, April 21, the band will release the single on a limited edition white vinyl 7-inch that will feature the track plus and exclusive remix by drummer Butch Vig.

They will be on the road this spring to support the albums. Yes, they'll be in New York, but their Webster Hall show on 5/22 is already sold out! But you could take a little road trip to Atlantic City where they will be at the House of Blues on 5/25 (follow @Garbage on Twitter for ticket sale info).

Garbage unveiled "Blood For Poppies," on www.garbage.com as a free download. "We decided to give the track to our fans first," said the members of Garbage. "We've always had the most amazingly loyal fans, and we wanted to show them just how much they mean to us by setting it free to them first." "Blood For Poppies" is the first single from the bands highly anticipated album Not Your Kind Of People, which is due out on May 15th on the bands very own STUNVOLUME record label. On April 21st for Record Store Day, Garbage will release "Blood For Poppies" on a limited edition, white vinyl 7-inch that will feature the track and an exclusive remix by drummer Butch Vig.

Garbage front-woman Shirley Manson said, "'Blood For Poppies' is meant to feel sort of like an abstract dream. The inspiration came from a story I had read in The Los Angeles Times about the opium trade and also from watching the documentary Restrepo. It's not literal in any sense whatsoever but it's a song about disorientation and delusion and the human struggle to stay sane in the face of insanity."

Around New York ... March 18 - March 24

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

March 19 -- Ladysmith Black Mambazo at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
March 19 -- Rich Robinson / Amy LaVere at The Bowery Ballroom
March 19 -- Capsula / Briana & The Boys / Zoe Sundra at Cake Shop
March 19 -- Ra Ra Riot at The Rock Shop
March 19 - 20 -- Gomez at Brooklyn Bowl
March 20 -- Norman Vladimir at Stage 2 Rockwood Music Hall
March 20 -- NY School of Burlesque Showcase at Parkside Lounge
March 21 -- Ayo (pictured) at Highline Ballroom
March 21 -- Radical Something / Kinetics & One Love / Big Red at The Studio at Webster Hall
March 21 -- Black Forest / The High Irons / The Interest / Alex Mallett at Union Hall
March 22 -- Open Ocean / Boveda / Tyburn Saints / Browns at Glasslands Gallery
March 22 -- Danielia Cotton at Stage 2 Rockwood Music Hall
March 22 -- Band of Skulls / We Are Augustines at Webster Hall
March 23 -- Wasabassco Burlesque at Affaire
March 23 -- Wet Willie at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
March 23 -- The Bernie Worrell Orchestra at Brooklyn Bowl
March 23 -- Rhett Miller / Salim Nourallah at City Winery
March 23 -- Julia Weldon (pictured) at The Living Room
March 23 -- Dr. Dog / Purling Hiss at Terminal 5
March 23 -- Your 33 Black Angels / The Above / Gringo Star / Organs at Union Pool
March 24 -- JuiceBox at Blue Note
March 24 -- Kill The Alarm / Jessica Long at Mercury Lounge
March 24 -- Nat Baldwin / Glass Ghost / Sam Mickens at Union Pool

Flashback: The Wild Deer at Mercury Lounge

The Wild Deer: October 7, 2011 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Back in October I was down at Mercury Lounge to see a band (Robbers On High Street) and happened upon New York based The Wild Deer. I wasn't familiar with them but they had a sort of blues rock, punk laced rock 'n' roll thing going on and since I like rock 'n' roll, I watched, listened and took photos. Their frontman had me thinking if Mick Jagger and Scott Weiland produced a love child after having an orgy with Iggy Pop, it would be him. At any rate, they were fun. And, for your viewing pleasure, here's a little photographic flashback of their set.

More Photos HERE

Skipping Girl Vinegar Launch Monkey Into Space

Today we have for you a video from Australian band Skipping Girl Vinegar. The band recently released this fun and beautiful clip of their single "Chase The Sun." The song is off their album Keep Calm, Carry the Monkey. The video features Baker The Monkey who was attached to a low budget "spaceship" and a weather balloon with an on-board camera. Baker reached 110,000 feet before crashing back to earth. Watch the video at the bottom of the post, it'll give you a smile.

On the morning of Sat 27th Nov 2011, attached to a giant weather balloon, Baker and the onboard camera soared to 110,000 feet (5 times higher than Mt Everest) capturing the rolling image that is now part of this new film clip.

Reaching speeds of over 200kmh and experiencing temperatures as low as -50 degrees Baker carried an Mp3 player beaming out the new single and messages to the Universe from the people of Earth.

Monkey in Space was directed & dreamed up by Mark Lang & Chris Lansell, along with a team of cowboy artists and scientists including Leigh Ryan, Cobie Orger, Jody Muston, Michael Sacks, Emerald Buller, Grant Willis, Annika Fleur, Neil Thomas, Sare Lang, Amanthi Lynch, Chris Helm, Kelly Lane & The Project Horus Launch crew: Terry Baume, Matthew Cook, Graham Holman, Mark Jessop, Alan Kovacs, Joshua Morgan, Scott Testi, Carol Van Der Meer and Grant Willis.

Special guests contributing to Baker's mission included Dr Karl, Lawrence Leung & Lindsay 'The Dr' McDougall from Triple J.