Spotlight Artist: Street Survivors

On Sunday, September 12, nine bands will perform at JDRF-Jam to raise funds to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. RSVP via facebook
noon - 9pm at:
Mr. Beery’s
4019 Hempstead Turnpike
Bethpage, NY
(516) 579-7049
MrBeerys.com

One of the nine bands will be the well known Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, Street Survivors. Willie Stranger, singer & guitarist for the band, provided the information for this piece.
Spotlight Artists: Street Survivors

Willie Stranger - Guitars and Vocals
Larry Topaz - Bass Guitar
Marty Dick - Drums and Vocals
Anthony Pierro - Guitars
Todd The Guitar Man - Guitars and Vocals
Steve Demieri - Keys

How long have you been performing?
Since the '70's. We started this band around in 2001

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
Willie And Todd played in a band called Road Kill that has opened shows for many national bands over the years, including 38 Special, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, Blackfoot, Georgia Satellites, Night Ranger, Leslie West, Good Rats & Zebra.
Anthony was with Uncle Fester, Larry was with Fat Daddy and Marty played with Vessel.

Musical influences:
Too many to name. The 70's Rule!!

Favorite venues to play:
Festivals and theaters

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
The JDRF benefit at Mr. Beery's this Sunday. That's what this is about.

Linkage:
Band website: LynyrdSkynyrdLegends.com
facebook: streetsurvivors
Youtube: WillieStranger
Myspace: thelongislandstreetsurvivors


Where can we buy your music?
- Rebel Soul single "Bull By The Horns" was released on Deadline/Cleopatra Records. You can buy at Wal-mart and the album song lists. Also available on I-Tunes or any online store.
- The L.I. Street Survivors contribution (Heard It On The X) on "An All-Star Tribute to ZZ Top" also on Cleopatra Records.
Both of these compilations with greats like Pat Travers, 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd...too many to remember. All classic greats and us. Very cool!!

You are performing in the JDRF Jam, a benefit for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. How did you get involved in this event?
This is especially close to my heart, having diabetes myself. I feel horrible thinking of children spending their lives sticking themselves everyday. Lots of great bands. We just wanted to be there! Hope you can join us.In addition to running a tribute band, you have performed with actual members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Can you describe how that came about, and share some tidbits from that experience?
We are a salute to Ronnie VanZant's Lynyrd Skynyrd. There is no other. "We're not impersonators, we don't try to play a part or live someone else's life. We just pay tribute to the band, and to the men who touched so many lives and whose lives have sadly been taken from us."
(We've played) The Patchogue Theatre L.I. and The Sherman Theater PA, The Spin Magazine Private Party, Snitch NY City, The Shak in Rumford, Maine, Crazy Donkey & Stephens Talkhouse, Long Island. And everywhere in-between.
We appeared on HBO’s “Family Bonds” season 1 finale on HBO. We played on the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid Sea and Air Museum NYC for Artimus Pyle’s after-party for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s induction To The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony, not to mention fairs and festivals all over the northeast. There is no greater accomplishment than playing Skynyrd with Artimus Pyle, the late great Jo Jo Billingsley and Leslie Hawkins, three members that survived the terrible plane crash. Such an honor, it is still hard to believe.

MurphGuide.com is mostly focused on NYC. Do you ever perform in the city? If so, where?
We packed out Club Snitch for Velvet Revolver when they owned the club. We played on board the aircraft carrier Intrepid, and B.B. King's, not to forget during Fashion Week we played a private party for Spin Magazine!

Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
The first theater show with Artimus, Jojo and Leslie we started the show with Artimus riding on stage on a Harley the theater people were freaked out but it had little fuel in it and we got the fire marshall's OK. He was a big Skynyrd fan. So we are starting the show and Artimus is filling the stage with exhaust fumes. Then he parked it right behind me. I nearly burned my leg on the tail pipe. But doing that packed theater with those legends was the most unforgettable night of my life.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
Stay in school!!! Go to college, even if you go for music get a degree.

Can you recommend any other local act we should feature on MurphGuide?
Schroeder's Ghost. One of our singers, Pam Dixon, fronts this great band.

Street Survivors are scheduled to perform at 7pm at Sunday's JDRF benefit concert. Below is a clip of The Street Survivors performing with Lynyrd Skynyrd member Artimus Pyle and Honkette Jo Ho Billingsley:

Spotlight Artist: Hooker

On Sunday, September 12, nine area bands will donate their time & talent to JDRF Jam, a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Our next Spotlight Artist, Hooker, will be one of them. Lead guitarist Tom Moffat answered our questions for this article.


Spotlight Artist: Hooker
Tom Moffatt - Lead Guitar
Chris Lister - Lead Vox
Rob Jackson - Bass
Scott Joseph - Drums
Mike Marzigliano - Rythm Guitar

How long have you been performing?
Together, about a year and a half.

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
We have all been in other bands, but mostly just jamming with friends.

Favorite venues to play:
The bigger the better

Musical influences:
Pearl Jam, Mettallica, southern rock.

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
The JDRF benefit this Sunday and Sept.18th at The Village Pub in Lindenhurst.
Linkage:
cdbaby: hookerband
facebook: HOOKER
youtube: HookerBand
myspace: soundsofhooker

Where can we buy your music?
The album "Attic of the Annex" is available at CDBaby.com

Do you ever perform in NYC?
We LOVE to play the city, but do not really have a following there. We are currently looking for a great rock venue in the city where we can play all night.
Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
The first time we performed live it was very scary for all of us. It was a battle of the bands, and all that could have gone wrong did that day. We were all so nervous, but we got on stage and kicked ass. We were so good that the band going on after us didn't even want to play, they said it was like Led Zeppelin opening up for The Monkees. To make a long story short, we went home winners of the first round.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
Keep at it, there will always be a dick in the band.

You are performing in the JDRF Jam, a benefit for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. How did you get involved in this event?
Michael T. Masciale contacted me about it and I knew without a doubt it was something I wanted to be a part of and to help the cause.

Hooker is scheduled to perform at 3pm on Sunday at the JDRF Jam at Mr. Beery's. Below is a video of their song "Summerdays":

Spotlight Artists: Ten in the Afternoon

Thanks to facebook, I recently became re-acquainted with a classmate from (many) years ago, Michael Masciale. He is producing a benefit concert this Sunday to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The JDRF Jam will feature nine bands performing this Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Mr. Beery's in Bethpage, NY.

Sunday, September 12
JDRF Jam - Rockin' for a Cure
Live music by nine bands:
Full House, Ten In The Afternoon, The Urge, Hooker, Celestial, Project Vibe, Sweaty Betty, Long Island Street Survivors and Thelonious Duck
Other activities include: Free hotdogs and hamburgers, drink specials all day, 50/50 and other raffles
Donation: $10 at the door, $8 in advance
Proceeds from the door & raffles go to JDRF to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes
RSVP via facebook
noon - 9pm
at:
Mr. Beery’s
4019 Hempstead Turnpike
Bethpage, NY
(516) 579-7049
MrBeerys.com


This is a perfect chance to feature our next Spotlight Artist, Ten in the Afternoon. They are one of the nine bands performing at the JDRF Jam. Bassist Matt Griffin answered our questions for this piece:

Spotlight Artist: Ten in the Afternoon
Ten in the Afternoon
Leo D’Antoni, guitar/vocals
Gabe D’Antoni, lead guitar/vocals
Matt Griffin, bass/vocals
Alex Belmonte, drums

How long have you been performing?
Since we were teenagers!

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.)
The brothers Gabe and Leo D’Antoni have been playing together since they were kids in Rosedale, Queens. They played in Alex Belmonte’s basement when they were fifteen years old. The pictures of this are featured in the Ten in the Afternoon video “One Horse Feeling” on
YouTube. Matt Griffin is also from a musical family, and had his own band since he was a kid too. He joined Ten in the Afternoon twenty-two years ago.

Favorite venues to play:
Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage NY is the “CBGB” of Long Island.
Kenny’s Castaways, is our ‘home base’ in the city.
There are many others but these two places have been good to us.

What are some of your musical influences?
The brothers recently went to Nashville and came home with a ‘country’ edge to their latest songs. They are huge Beatle fans. Alex, too. Matt is a big reggae fan.

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
Ten in the Afternoon has a large catalog of original music and new songs almost every week!

Linkage:
Official website: leoda.us
We have many videos on YouTube, Gabe has solo stuff there too.
Ten in the Afternoon on Myspace
Blog: Tenintheafternoon.blogspot.com

Where can we buy your music?
Online or at our gigs.

Do you ever perform in the city? If so, where?
Yes, we love playing ‘the city’. Usually we’re at Kenny’s Castaways in the Village on Bleecker. We still remember the legendary Pat Kenny.

Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
We once chartered a motor coach bus and gave away free beer for the ride to a gig at Kenny’s. That was one night we’ll never forget. The bus was destroyed! People getting dragged by police horses etc, but it was a GREAT show.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
Just do it! But don’t OVER do it. Less is more.

Can you recommend any other local act we should feature on MurphGuide?
Yes, our former keyboardist’s son’s band. They are all 16 years old and they are great. They just played a high-profile benefit show at South Street Seaport. The band is called ‘Steakum Tuesday’ and the kid’s name is David Ferro, a future star.

You are performing in the JDRF Jam, a benefit for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. How did you get involved in this event?
Mike Masciale of the JDRF is an old friend of the band.

Thanks, Matthew! Ten in the Afternoon will be performing at one in the afternoon at The JDRF Jam this Sunday. Below is a video for their song "One Horse Feeling"

First Irish - Festival of Irish Theatre in New York

New York’s third annual First Irish Theatre Festival celebrates the best of Irish theatre.
Created by Origin Theatre Company, the festival presents performances from playwrights new and old at 15 venues throughout the city, from September 7 through October 4.

George Heslin, the founder and artistic director of Origin, was put together a great line-up this year.

Below is a video by Derek Simon about the festival:

September in NYC - Annual Events

Welcome to September!
September is the "end of summer" month, the "back-to-school" month, the football season kickoff month and also happens to be my favorite month. September in New York is a wonderful time. There are lots of annual events that take place in September, and thus, a perfect time to start a new feature on MurphGuide, listing the best of annual events.

When an event takes place that is so much fun people say, "we should do this every year", an annual event is born. The anticipation building up to the event helps people gear up for a good time. Here are some annual events taking place in the month of September:

Swedish singer September

Charities often hold annual fundraisers, and some very worthy causes are hosting their annual fundraisers this month.
The friends and family of Tim McWilliams will host their 6th annual Toasting Timbo on Friday, September 24 at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers to raise funds and awareness for traumatic brain injuries. This years event will be a "Casino Night" withBlackjack, Texas Hold'em, Craps & Roulette.

Adam’s Angels will hold their 5th Annual Salute to Firefighters event on Thursday, September 24 at Saloon. Named in honor of firefight Adam Rand, Adam's Angels raises funds for various firefighter charities. This year's event will raise funds for the John Bellew Memorial Fund and FDNY VFW.
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Music lovers have plenty of choices with a jazz festival, a rock & roll contest featuring up and coming bands, and The September Concert:
The 4th Annual Williamsburg Jazz Festival will take place September 10 - 17. This year's headliners include Seamus Blake, Ralph Alessi, Jason Lindner, Gretchen Parlato, Jesse Selengut and NOIR, Rick Parker Collective, Maurice Brown, and Sabir Mateen. Venues hosting shows include Galapagos, Rose Restaurant, Laila Lounge, My Moon, Surf Bar, Spike Hill and Tonic.
The annual M.E.A.N.Y. Fest (Musicians & Emerging Artists New York) takes place Sept. 16 - Oct. 2. Shows will be held at Crash Mansion, The Delancy, Public Assembly, Fontana's, Bowery Poetry Club and Ace of Clubs.

The September Concert is a celebration of peace and humanity through music. Now in its 9th year, it features musicians of every age and genre making music anywhere people gather: parks, schools, churches, office plazas, cafés, restaurants, galleries, and libraries. Concerts are produced by those who believe in the power of music to bring people together, to reaffirm our hope for peace, and to celebrate life and our universal humanity. This year it expands to three days, September 10th–12th.

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Ethnic pride will be on display as the Germans, Italians, West Indians and the Irish are among the many of NY's ethnic communities that will be holding festivals around town.
The 53rd annual German-American Steuben Parade takes place on Saturday, September 25. This year's grand marshal is “Dr. Ruth” Westheimer. The parade ends with an Oktoberfest in the “Summer Stage” area of Central Park.
Dominicans, Haitians and Jamaicans join forces for the 43rd Annual West Indian Carnival Festival in Brooklyn September 2 - 6. It will include a benefit concert for Haiti, a Stay in School concert, a steel band competition, a Dimanche Gras ( Big Sunday) party, and culminating with the Labor Day Carnivale.
The 84th Annual Feast of San Gennaro, will be held September 16-26 on Mulberry St. and the surrounding streets of historic Little Italy.
The Irish will be holding Irish Festivals in Brooklyn, the Jersey Shore in Peekskill, NY.
The 29th Annual Great Irish Fair in Coney Island will take place on September 18th and September 19 at MCU Park. The Jersey Shore Irish Fair takes place in Sea Girt, NJ on Saturday, September 18. The 2nd Annual Hudson Valley Irish Festival is on Saturday, September 25 in Peekskill, NY.
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DUMBO Arts Festival takes over Brooklyn's waterfront with visual arts, music, and literature September 24-26, and includes 150+ studios, 35+ galleries and 40+ arts organizations.

Lovers of Irish culture can enjoy theater (1st Irish) and film (A Wee Craic) in September. New York’s 3rd annual First Irish Theatre Festival, presented by The Origin Theatre Company, is a celebration of the best of Irish theatre, brought to you by Origin Theatre Company. The Craic Fest, held annually in March, presents their 11th annual Shorts Night (a.k.a. A Wee Craic), featuring one night of short films followed by live music at an after-party on Friday, September 17.
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Of course, not all annual events are celebratory, as New Yorkers and citizens all over the world will commemorate the 9th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The official commemoration will of course be held on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Zuccotti Park, adjacent to the World Trade Center site. National911Memorial.org

The 2nd Annual World Trade Center Run to Remember will be a celebration of the lives of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001. It will be held on Sunday, September 5 on Governors Island and includes a 5K Run, 3K Family Fun Run/Walk, Children's Fun Run & Family Entertainment. Runners will also commemorate the heroic run of firefighter Stephen Siller in the annual Tunnel to Towers Run on September 26.
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Food lovers can discover the culinary diversity that Queens offers during Queens Restaurant Week, Sept. 20 - 30.
Celebrating the best of NYC's street vendors, the 6th Annual Vendy Awards will be held Sept. 25 on Governors Island.
And our friends at Ulysses' host their annual Oyster Fest on Stone Street in lower Manhattan on Saturday, Sept. 25.
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Beer lovers will enjoy September, for several reasons:
Don't be fooled by the name, since Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Several NY bars will be holding Oktoberfest celebrations (details coming soon). And if you want to go to the real thing in Germany, check out our friends at Dynamic Outdoors, who will be bringing a bunch of New Yorkers over to Munich for the big Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 30 - Oct. 4.
The 3rd annual NYC Craft Beer Week kicks off September 24 and runs through October 3 with ten days of craft beer oriented tastings, walking tours, beer crawls and more. Highlights include: Brewed in Brooklyn, Astoria Suds, Fermented NY - Craft Beer Crawl, Ale Street News Disc Golf Outing & Beer Fest, Get Merry on the Ferry Beerstravaganza!, Bike Brooklyn Beer Blitz, Alcoholics Unanimous!, Food Cart Tour, GreatBrewers.com Gramercy Galavant. See NYCBeerWeek.com for the full schedule.
The 15th annual Greenwich Village Fall Bar Tour will be on Saturday, September 25. Presented by Lindy Promotions, you can register at Amity Hall, and then visit your choice of participating venues providing drink specials.
New this year, but sure to become an annual event, is Get Real NY, a celebration of the best cask beer and local food available. The inaugural event will be held September 24 & 25 at The Altman Building.
And when September comes to a close, what better way to kick off the month of October that Brewtopia, The 8th Annual Great World Beer Festival: two days of craft beer sampling Oct. 1 & 2 at Center 548.

Earth, Wind & Fire's 1979 hit "September"

If you know of other annual events taking place this month, please leave a note in the comments section below.
Now go out and have an awesome September! Here is a song to get you going:

Beach Party NYC - Saturday, August 28

This is for everybody that is NOT away at the beach already.

Want go to a beach party without leaving Manhattan? If you can't make it to the beach, we will bring the beach to you at Beach Party NYC.
Join us at our city beach party at Hudson Beach Cafe in Riverside Park, overlooking the Hudson.

We are teaming up with our friend Andy Troy of TastingNYC.com and our friends at Big City Volleyball for a party with food, drinks, music beach volleyball and a magnificent view of the sunset.

Saturday, August 28, 2010
MurphGuide.com & TastingNYC.com present....
Beach Party NYC

A summer in the city party with food, drinks, music

Summer cookout menu: burgers, dogs, sandwiches, etc.
A bar stocked with beer and other summer drinks


Free casual beach volleyball hosted by Big City Volleyball
(they will provide the nets and the balls)
PLUS a magnificent view of the sunset
free admission
4 - 10pm
at:
Hudson Beach Café
Riverside Park (at W. 105th St.)
New York, NY
(917) 370-3448
PDOHurleys.com

Directions:
Enter Riverside Park at W. 103rd St. & Riverside Drive
Descend stairs at 103rd St. then take the foot path to the promenade level.
You will see Hudson Beach Cafe, which has two levels.
Go one more flight of stairs to the lower level, where our party will be.

Driving: Park near Riverside Drive between 100th & 105th St.
There are also parking garages in the area if you cannot find free street parking
Enter the Park at Riverside Drive & W. 103rd St. or

Subway: #1 train to 103rd St.
Walk 2 blocks west to Riverside Park entrance at W. 103rd St.

co-hosted by TastingNYC.com

Spotlight Artist: Black 47

Our next Spotlight Artists: Black 47.
They have been called "The house band for New York City", and have played countless gigs in countless venues across the five boroughs and beyond, appearing on MTV, Letterman and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. When they are not touring, Black 47 sets up their home base at The Klub 45 Room at Connolly's on W. 45th St. in Times Square.

They will be performing this Saturday, August 28 at their annual Pirate Cruise, as part of the Rocks Off Concert Cruise series.

Saturday, August 28, 2010
Rocks Off Concert Cruise:
Black 47 Pirate Cruise
Tickets: Advance: $25 / Day of Show: $30
Boards: 6:30pm / Departs: 7:00pm
Aboard The Half Moon
Skyport Marina
E. 23rd St. & FDR Dr.
on the East River
New York, NY
RocksOff.com

Black 47:

Photo by Mark Blandori

The band's co-founder and front man Larry Kirwan has been a reader and supporter of MurphGuide.com for many years, and was kind enough to answer our questions for this feature.

Band Lineup:
Larry Kirwan (guitar/vocals)
Geoffrey Blythe (saxes)
Joseph (Bearclaw) Burcaw (bass/vocals)
Thomas Hamlin (drums)
Joseph Mulvanerty (uilleann pipes/flutes/vocals)
Fred Parcells (trombone/whistles/vocals)

How long have you been performing in NYC?
20 years.

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
Between these six guys, do you have time to read a book? Everyone from Dexy's Midnight Runners to Cyndi Lauper to the Johnny Reck Showband.

What's your favorite venues to play?
Any place with a crowd.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Aug 28 Rocks Off Pirate Cruise, NYC
Sept 3 Blackthorn Resort, E. Durham, NY
Sept 4 Bennington Irish Festival, VT
Sept 5 Blackthorn Resort, E. Durham, NY
Sept 11 South Buffalo Irish Fest, NY
Sept 17 Ocean Mist E. Matunuck, RI
Sept 18 Blue Ocean Music Club, Salisbury, MA
Sept 19 Echo Lake, Leverett, MA (Larry Kirwan solo)
Sept 25 Jersey City Irish Festival, Exchange Pl, NJ
Oct 2 Long Beach Irish Day, NY
Oct 8 Brownie's 23 East, Ardmore, PA


Musical influences:
Legion... from Sean O'Riada to Jeezy with stops in between for Miles Davis, Eddie Cochran, Astor Piazzolla and The Clash.

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
Our sheer honesty and stunning good looks. And I suppose the latest B47 CD, Bankers and Gangsters.

Linkage:
Band Website: Black47.com
Facebook: Black47
Youtube: Black47NYC
Myspace: Black47Band
Reverb Nation: Reverbnation.com/black47
Sonic bids (electronic press kit): Black 47
Wikipedia: Black_47

Where can we buy your music?
Most record stores - or the ones that are still standing. Most major online site, or you can visit: Black47.com, CDbaby, or TheConnextion

Tell us a story about performing live in NYC.
Played to a huge crowd in Central Park one July 4th with the temperature over 100 degrees. Tubes in both my Fender amps died from the heat - was reduced to playing through a $40 practice amp. The series was canceled after that year because the authorities said "Black 47 was too rowdy - and too LOUD!" Go figure.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
Yeah, get a real job! And if you're still crazy enough to get into this world then make sure you have skin like steel and that you learn a practical skill first that will net you $200 a day. Otherwise, save yourself the inevitable heartbreaks, alcoholism and other hassles.

Don't take anyone's advice (including mine) - you'll have to learn how to make instant decisions that will affect a lot of people, so you MUST learn to hone and trust your own instincts.

Learn every aspect of the business - no one will do it as well as yourself. Can you imagine a hotel manager who hasn't had experience of washing dishes or mopping the floors of the lobby? And remember - this rock life is a 24 hour job. Of course, there's a slim chance you may end up in champagne and limos but even then it's better to drink beer and walk.

Can you recommend any other acts we should feature on MurphGuide?
Seanchai & The Unity Squad, Celtic Cross, Shilelagh Law, The Ruffians, Screaming Orphans, The Gobshites, Lily Sparks, The Canny Brothers...

Here is a video from their early days: "40 Shades of Blue". (Notice the original Paddy Reilly's location).

Village Pourhouse on Restaurant Row

There goes the neighborhood!
Or is it "here comes the neighborhood?"

Congratulations to our friends at The Village Pourhouse on the opening of their newest location on Manhattan's famous Restaurant Row. Taking over the site of the former Joshua Tree West, the newest V.P. joins its older siblings, Village Pourhouse Uptown on the upper (upper) west side, and the original Village Pourhouse in the East Village. (There are also plans for a Village Pourhouse in Greenwich Village and Hoboken, too.

They are hosting a friends and family grand opening party tonight, featuring karaoke and The Naked Cowboy, and then invite everybody to their official grand opening this Friday:
Friday, August 27
Grand Opening of The Village Pourhouse on Restaurant Row
Complimentary open bar from 6-7pm
RSVP required: AlexF@yourpartyplanning.com

Here is a sneak peek photo of the upstairs at Village Pourhouse Restaurant Row:
The Village Pourhouse has the atmosphere of a neighborhood sports bar, with a boat load of HD TVs for watching your favorite team. They also boast a great beer selection with over 100 beers. The new Village Pourhouse will have private party rooms which can be equipped for Rock Band, Wii, private viewings, and music.

The Village Pourhouse
366 W. 46th St.
(between 8th & 9th Ave.)
New York, NY
212-979-BEER
VillagePourhouse.com


Links:
Village Pourhouse (Restaurant Row)
Become a fan on facebook
Follow on twitter: @pourhouse46th
Village Pourhouse (Downtown)
Village Pourhouse (Uptown)

MurphGuide Summer Party Cruise - Aug. 19

Our 13th annual MurphGuide Summer Party Cruise is this Thursday, Aug. 19. This is the event where we try to get the MurphGuide readers out for a night on the waters. We have been doing it since we started MurphGuide back in 1997.

Who's going on the MurphGuide Cruise?
Hipsters, scenesters, rockers, adventurers, yuppies, frat boys.
Urbanites, suburbanites, Hamptonites & tourists (All NYC lovers).
Birthday boys, people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and up (my dad has gone).
All ages (over 21) are welcome. (sorry kids)
Socialistas, fashionistas, recessionistas, the literati and the obliterati.
Party animals, social butterflies, hot dawgs & cool cats.
Cougars, cubs, hotties & dirty old men.
Movers & shakers, wake & bakers, yelpers, nerds and wall flowers.
Republicans, Democrats, and the apolitical.
Wannabees, ustabees and just plain B’s.
The bottom line: a bunch of fun people from all walks of life
coming together for a fun time out on the water.

Here are the details:
Thursday, August 19, 2010
13th Annual MurphGuide Summer Party Cruise
$60 in advance, $70 at the dock
Price includes open bar, hot & cold buffet,
DJ & cruise in NY harbor aboard The Temptress
Dance to the tunes of DLJ
boarding: 6:30pm, departs: 7pm
return: 10pm
aboard:
The Temptress World Yacht Marina
Pier 81 (12th Ave. & W. 41st St.)
New York, NY
Tickets can be purchased on-line at:
MurphGuide.com/cruise
Call Murph: 917 627-0858 for more info.

Our friend Stephen Bailey has provided a write-up & photos from four previous cruises:
2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Will you please join us?

Friday the 13th - Yet Another Reason to Party

Some say Friday the 13th is bad luck.
Others just see it as an excuse to party.
Guess which side we favor?

Some Meetup Groups, including The New York City Social Group and the Fun in the Big Apple group are getting together for a "Freaky Friday" party:

Friday, August 13
Freaky Friday the 13th Meetup Party
Everyone gets a fun Icebreaker Tag.
Drink specials: $6 Wine, Sangria & Beer.
Complimentary Chocolate.
Large projection wall will show some famous Horror Movies.
Live music performance by pop classical singer & song writer Elizabeth Tryon, singing songs from the hit play 'Phantom of the Opera'.
Face Painting by NYC makeup artist Jade Elhaddad for only $5.
Listen & dance to party favorites on the venue's state of the art sound system sound system.
Black & White dress attire is preferred for this event, but not required.
Everyone who wears Black & White will get a free raffle ticket for a special prize.

free admission
6-10pm
at:
La Pomme
37 W. 26th St.
New York, NY
LaPommeNYC.com
------------------------
But wait, there's more...
What better place to celebrate the 13th than at Bar 13?
Friday, August 13
Friday the 13th Party at Thirteen
Celebrate the spookiest of days in style.
For this momentous occasion, Bar 13 will bring in top local talent Steven LeTigre [ Esthetik ] with supporting DJs Gio, Los & Mattias Jofre.
21+ w/ID, Doors open at 10pm
$5 or RSVP to letsspoof@gmail.com for free admission.
at:
Thirteen
35 E.13th St.
(bet. Broadway & University Pl.)
New York, NY
(212) 979-6677
Bar13.com

Help a New Yorker: Fundraiser In Honor of Climber Selma Hafizbegovic

Thursday, August 12
Fundraiser In Honor of Climber Selma Hafizbegovic
New Yorker (by way of Yugoslavia) Selma Hafizbegovic was paralyzed in a climbing accident in the Rockies on June 17th. Her friends have organized a fundraiser to offset medical expenses not covered by insurance (see details here)
Tickets are $20 and include drink specials, food, music, silent auctions, drawings, and more
This is a community effort where NYC professionals and companies donate their services and products for the auction and drawings.
Tax deductible donations can also be made to NTAF New York Spinal Cord Injury Fund

This event is in the upstairs private party room
6 - 10pm
at:
The Central Bar
109 E. 9th St.
(between 3rd & 4th Ave.)
New York, NY
(212) 529-5333
CentralBarNYC.com

If you cannot attend, and would still like to donate,
you can make checks payable to:
NTAF New York Spinal Cord Injury Fund
(Note in memo section: In Honor of Selma Hafizbegovic)

and mail to:
NTAF
150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-120
Radnor, PA 19087
For secure credit card donations: Call 800-642-8399

If you need additional details about the accident, you can read the sheriff's account:
bouldercounty.org

Spotlight Artist: The High Kings

Today's Spotlight Artists are The High Kings. Having already completed a hugely successful Irish tour, they are playing some US shows in advance of the US release of their new album, "Memory Lane", which debuted at No. 5 in the Irish charts and quickly achieved platinum status. The album features classics such as Fields of Athenry, Star of the County Down and Leaving of Liverpool. It will be released in the US early next year.


The High Kings
Finbarr Clancy - Guitar.
Brian Dunphy - Guitar, Bodhran, Stomp box and Shakers.
Martin Furey - Banjo, bouzouki, Low Whistles/Whistles and Shakers.
Darren Holden - Piano, Accordion and mandolin.

The High Kings visit NYC for one show only:
Thursday, August 19
The High Kings:
Martin Furey, Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy and Darren Holden
$20 admission
doors open at 7pm
show time 8pm
at:
Connolly's Klub 45
Third Floor
121 W. 45th St.
(between 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY
(212) 597-5126
ConnollysPubandRestaurant.com

Ticket Giveaway:
We are giving away two tickets to this show to one lucky MurphGuide reader. Enter to win at: MurphGuide.com/promo/highkings.htm

Thanks to our friend Anita Daly of Daly Communication for providing the tickets, and for introducing us to Finbarr Clancy of The High Kings, who was kind enough to answer our questions:

How long have you been performing together?
Since September 2007.

How many times have you performed in NYC?
We've performed in New York once before when we opened up for Celtic woman in Radio city music hall about a year and a half ago.

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
My early years musically were spent with my dad Bobby Clancy attending Saturday night ballad session nights in local country pubs around my home town of Carrick-on-suir, County Tipperary, Ireland. Then I decided to try something different, so along with my cousin Colm "Collie" Power and friend David "Doc" Doherty, we formed the Rock group "Chicken Soup" with me on bass, Doc on drums and Collie on electric guitar. We wrote a lot of original material and also did covers. We sent about three demo tapes to record companies but, alas, never got signed so we called it a day.

Favorite venues to play:
In the States, Radio City so far, but I'd love to play Carnegie Hall. In Ireland, the new Grand Canal Theatre, but I'd love to play the O2.

Musical influences:
Clancy Brothers, The Fureys, The Beatles, Neil Young, Dylan to name but a few.

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
The High Kings new album"Memory Lane". It's awesome!

Linkage:
TheHighKings.com
The High Kings (wikipedia)
Finbar Clancy (myspace)
DarrenHolden.com
Brian Dunphy (myspace)
Martin Furey (myspace)
The High Kings (Facebook)
The High Kings on Twitter: @TheHighKings
There's also lots of great music on Youtube.
Free download of "Step it Out Mary"

Where can we buy your music?
Our first album "The High Kings" is available in all good music stores, our second album "Memory Lane" is only available in the States on-line thru itunes but is being launched there February 2011.

Tell us a story about performing live in NYC.
One of my proudest moments as a musician is seeing The High Kings advertised in huge letters at Radio City Music Hall. Also seeing us advertised on the jumbotron in Times Square.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
Have a plan B.

Can you recommend any other acts we should feature on MurphGuide?
Danu. Their website is danu.net

Thank you Finbarr!
And since MurphGuide is a big fan of Irish pubs, we will leave you with a video of "The Irish Pub" by The High Kings:

The Saw Doctors Kick Off U.S. Tour

Irish rock band The Saw Doctors returns to the US for another summer tour, with 6 dates, kicking off tonight in NYC:

The Saw Doctors - USA Tour - August 2010
Saturday August 7
New York City
Highline Ballroom
431 W. 16th St.
New York, NY
212 414 5994
Highlineballroom.com
-------------------------
Sunday August 8
Dublin, OH
Irish Festival
Coffman Park
5600 Post Road, Exit 17A
614 410 4545
dublinirishfestival.org
------------------------
Tuesday August 10
Sellersville, PA
Sellersville Theater
1894 24 Temple Avenue
Sellersville, PA
Box Office: 215 257 5808
st94.com
-------------------------
Thursday August 12
Washington, DC
9:30 Club
815 V Street
Washington, DC
202 265 0930
930.com
ticketfly.com/purchase/event/11961
-------------------------
Friday August 13
Hyannis, MA
Cape Cod Melody Tent
21 West Main St.
Hyannis MA
508 775 5630
melodytent.org
-------------------------
Saturday August 14
Orkney Springs, VA
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
Rte 263
Orkney Springs VA
Box Office: 800 459 3396
musicfest.org
-------------------------
Sunday August 15
Lancaster, PA
Longs Park Amphitheater (free concert)
1441 Harrisburg Pike
Lancaster, PA
Info: 717 735 8883
longspark.org

Spotlight Artist: The Funky Fritters

Our series of Spotlight Artists features some of NYC's top musical talents. Next up is Danny Drexler, guitarist for The Funky Fritters. Danny is a long time reader of MurphGuide. I got to know him better this year when MurphGuide was a sponsor for his Mardi Gras Party. You can find his gigs listed on the MurphGuide Events Calendar.

The Funky Fritters Line-up
Danny Drexler — Guitar
Marvin Joshua — Vocals
Maggie Kus — Vocals
Celeste Fleurival — Vocals
Jay Gracin — Guitar
Roy Shimmyo — Bass
Towner Galaher - Drums
Marshall Nichols — Trumpet
Fingers Delray — Keyboards
Brad Madsen — Trombone
Tim Veeder — Sax
How long have you been performing?
I started performing in bands in college. First real good serious band was called West of Here and that was about 16 years ago. We had a regular once a month gig at Crossroads on the Upper East Side. One of my favorite hangs. My present band The Funky Fritters actually started performing in 2003 under the original name Ma Skillet & The Funky Fritters. They went through some major personnel changes and re-emerged in 2005 as The Funky Fritters.

How long performing in NYC?
About 16 years ago with West of Here. The Fritters have always been NYC based so except for a few shows out of town like Block Island, The Hamptons or Westchester, our shows are generally in downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years):
Before I formed The Funky Fritters I've had many bands that lasted a few gigs to a few years. West of Here, was one of the more successful old bands which did a lot of classic rock and we wrote a lot of our own stuff. We actually got up to about half original material in our shows. Those were some very good times. There we quite a few short lived acts that followed from Jelly Roll, to The Alligators to Last Lonely Eagle. Just prior to Ma Skillet & The Funky Fritters, I put together an acoustic country blues, folk, bluegrass & gospel band called Whiskey River. Besides for guitar we had fiddle, banjo, mandolin and 3 great looking gals who could really sing and harmonize. The band had a lot of potential and probably could have been very successful very quickly. But the bass player kept showing up late and stoned to rehearsals. And then spent half the time in the kitchen with the munchies. It was to the point where I had to hide all the good snacks! There was a real range in the band from very inexperienced and novice players to seasoned folks so that was a problem. It got frustrating to me that people weren't hearing or didn't care about obvious mistakes.

Favorite venues to play:
As I mentioned before I used to love playing Crossroads. There were a lot of friends in the audience as it was my regular hang out even when I wasn't playing.
Musical influences:
Going back to the beginning when I was very little. Maybe I was about 8 or 10 years old and I found a bunch 8 track tapes that my parents had. The coolest thing that I discovered was Creedence Clearwater Revival. I think this was a total fluke that my parents had this because the rest of the tapes were stuff like Ray Coniff & Montivoni. But luckily there was one cool tape from CCR, I think it was the Willie and the poorboys album. My friends and I listened to it over and over again. "Down on the Corner" was our favorite song. And there was another cool gospel tune I liked called "Cotton Fields", which I found out much later was a Lead Belly tune. As you can see my roots are quite different then teeny boppers today.

Other early favorites were the Beatles and Beach Boys. Then the Doors and then my Brother introduced me to The Grateful Dead and turned my world upside down. I love Garcia's playing. Say the Dead about a hundred times. I was into all the classic Rock at the time from Led Zeppelin to the Who and Stones, Pink Floyd and southern rock was big with The Allman Brothers and Marshall Tucker, The Band & Eric Clapton. Also loved softer stuff like Simon and Garfunkel, Van Morrison, Cat Stevens and The Eagles. I just soaked it all in. I came across Bob Marley in high school and even got into New Wave in college.

My college roommate turned me onto BB King and that's when I started getting into the blues & jazz. I was at an outdoor jazz concert at school and was blown away. I didn't discover New Olreans music until a little over 15 years ago, when my sister's boyfriend at the time insisted I join them for a trip down there to the Jazz Fest with his sister and friend. I had recalled that a bunch of coworkers went down about 5 years earlier for the Fest and raved about it. (I'm sorry i didn't make it down there then!) Needles to say I instantly fell in love with New Orleans. Great music, food, culture. I love the French Quarter. The next year I went back again with some of my friends and within a few years I was leading a group of about friends people down there! I must have gone down to the Jazz Fest nine years in a row. My NOLA experiences have shaped the sound and direction of my music with The Funky Fritters.

My recent favorites are Gatemouth Brown, The Funky Meters, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Marcia Ball, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Rebirth Brass Band, Fats Domino, Buckwheat Zydeco, Louis Armstrong, Taj Mahal, The Marsalis family & Muddy Waters.

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
Our recently released CD...Deep Fried Live

and our next show...
Friday, August 6
Put on Your Neon: Dance Party
Live music party by 5 bands:
8pm: LP Stiles
9pm: Laura Cheadle
10pm: The Funky Fritters
11pm: Mamarazzi
12am: Heylady
$10 cover includes an open bar from 9-10pm
with $1 shots for those who dress for the theme
and $4 beer/$5 mixed drink specials all night.
Doors open 8pm
at:
Crash Mansion
199 Bowery
New York, NY
Crashmansion.com


Where can we buy your music?
You can buy Deep Fried Live on Amazon.com, iTunes or Myspace

Linkage:

TheFunkyFritters.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/The-Funky-Fritters/117238851666
Youtube: youtube.com/Thefunkyfritters
Twitter: @funkyfritters
Myspace: myspace.com/thefunkyfritters
Reverb Nation: Reverbnation.com/thefunkyfritters
Apparel for sale: cafepress.com/funkyfritters


Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live in NYC.
At a recent Tea Lounge show in Park slope a fan led the audience in a second line march during our performance of our new original song "March on down on the second line." Our singers Marvin, Maggie and Celeste jumped out into the audience and joined the march with the audience! They circled the whole place about a half a dozen times and made it back on stage just in time to sing the last choruses. I looked over at Travis Sullivan (from Bjorkestra fame) who was sitting in on sax with us for this show, and we both started cracking up! What was happening in the audience was so totally hilarious and unexpected. It was a real change of roles. The audience had become the entertainers and the band had become the spectators. That was the most fun I have ever had on stage. I hope this is a sign of the good times to come.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
This will probably sound cliche but it's all true: practice hard, don't give up on your dream and don't let anyone tell you you can't do something!

Can you recommend any other acts we should feature on MurphGuide?
Ex Caminos, Zen Tricksters, Brian Mitchell, Bill Sims, Jr., Bruce Katz (a 3 time Blues Music Award nominee for "Piano Player of the Year").

Thanks, Danny! We leave you with a video from a 2009 performance at The Bitter End: "Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky". Now who can argue with that?