[updated April 9]
It's Tartan Week in NYC, which means time to celebrate all things Scottish.
Festivities got under way this weekend at Ellis Island, and there will be Scottish themed events taking place all week, culminating with the Tartan Day Parade on Saturday, April 9 and the Scottish Run in Central Park on Sunday, April 10.
Here are a few items of interest...
Belhaven Scottish Ale at St. Andrew's
All week long, St. Andrew's, NYC's premier Scottish pub and restaurant, will be serving Belhaven pints for $5 : Your choice of Belhaven Ale, Belhaven Lager, Twisted Thistle and Wee Heavy, all Belhaven products. St. Andrew's is also offer 25% discount on all Scottish fare, including Scotch pie n' beans, Scotch eggs, Haggis, Toffee Pudding and Cranachan.
April 3-10
at:
140 W. 46th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY
(212) 840-8413
StAndrewsNYC.com
----------------------------------
Saturday, April 9
13th Annual New York Tartan Day Parade 2pm
up Sixth Ave.
from W. 45nd to W. 58th St.
New York, NY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, April 9
The National New York Tartan Day Committee (NYTDC) presents...
Tartan Day Post-Parade Party at Stout
Sponsored by Belhaven, Brooklyn Brewery & International Beverage Group
This ticketed event will feature the music of
Prydein
Whisky Kiss
Raintower
Tickets $37 includes beer and beverages
Post Parade Party Tickets on sale online at:
Tartanweek.com (do not call Stout for Tickets)
4:30pm
at:
Stout
133 W. 33rd St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY
(212) 629-6191
StoutNYC.com
-------------------------------------------------
Saturday, April 9
Tartan Day Pre & Post Parade Destination
Tartan Day pre and post parade celebrations
at New York's premier Scottish Bar and Restaurant
(Just off the parade route)
14 Highland Lassies will be performing
at:
St. Andrew's
140 W. 46th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY
(212) 840-8413
StAndrewsNYC.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Saturday, April 9
Tartan Day Pre & Post Parade Destination
(Just off the parade route)
at:
at:
The Long Room
120 W. 44th St.
(between 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY
212 997-3933
TheLongRoomNYC.com
-------------------------------------------------
Saturday, April 10
Scotland Run (10K)
at:
Central Park
Start on West Drive at 62nd St.
Run North up West Drive & loop around to East Drive. Head South on East Drive to complete the loop. Finish at West Drive and 67th St.
NYRR.org
----------------------------
Here are some more Scottish bars in NYC...
at:
Highlands
150 W. 10th St.
(between Waverly Pl. & Greenwich Ave.)
Greenwich Village
New York, NY
(212) 229-2670
Highlands-nyc.com
-----------------------------------
Mary Queen of Scots
115 Allen St. (Delancey St.)
Lower East Side
New York, NY
212-460-0915
MaryQueenofScotsNYC.com
-----------------------------------
Caledonia
1609 Second Ave.
(between 83rd & 84th St.)
upper east side
New York, NY
(212) 879-0402
------------------------------
Grisly Pear
107 MacDougal St.
(between Minetta Lane & Bleecker St.)
Greenwich Village
New York, NY
212-529-3933
facebook.com/people/Grisly-Pear-Bar/1400234532
------------------------
Shoolbred's
197 Second Ave. (between 12th & 13th St.)
East Village
New York, NY
(212) 529-0340
shoolbreds.com
------------------------
previously...
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Dressed to Kilt
A Scottish Evening of Fashion and Fun
2011 Theme: Country Chic
Attire: Something Scottish or something country
Purchase tickets on-line: dressedtokilt.com
Reception - 7:30pm
Fashion Show - 9pm
at:
Hammerstein Ballroom
311 W. 34th St. (between 8th & 9th Ave.)
New York, NY
DressedtoKilt.com
------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 6
Whisky Live New York 2011
An evening of great whisky, fine food
entertainment by Whisky Kiss
Show open 5.30pm for VIP ticket holders
and 6.30pm for Standard ticket holders.
at:
Pier Sixty
Chelsea Piers
23rd Street on the Hudson River
New York, NY
-----------------------------------------------------
Wednesday April 6th - A tribute to Scottish Music
British Garden at Hanover Square 12.30pm
The Assemble and Leap Dancers of The Scottish Board of National Dancers
Sixteen dancers with Four world, national and international champ
Raintown : Whisky Kiss
-----------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 7
Scotch Dinner Pairing at St. Andrew's
Featuring The Macphail's Collection presented by Chris Riesbeck
and Inverhouse presented by Iain Baxter
$95 per person
Seating is limited. Contact Karoline: 212 840-8413
7pm
St. Andrew's
140 W. 46th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY
(212) 840-8413
StAndrewsNYC.com
----------------------------------------------------
Thursday April 7
A celebration of Robert Burns in Words & Music
British Garden at Hanover Square : 12.30pmShawlands Academy - Glasgow
Members of Global Partners Junior Scotland 2010-11 program
Little Fire, 2010 Scottish Arts Council winner
Mike Ogletree, Whisky Kiss
----------------------------------------------------
Thursday April 7
The American Scottish Foundation
Celebrate Scotland on Stone Street
Lower Manhattan's oldest cobbled street adjoining the Hanover Square Park
Visit - Vintry : Financier : Becketts : Ullysses : Harrys of Hanover
and many more
----------------------------------------------------
Thursday April 7
Music from Scotland: Becketts on Stone Street
Little Fire
Raintown
Mike Ogletree
Whisky Kiss
7.30pm onwards:
at:
Bar and Grill
81 Pearl St. (Stone St.)
New York, NY
(212) 269-1001
BeckettsNYC.com
----------------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 7
Stone Street Tartan Day at Ulysses
authentic Scottish cuisine
Scottish bagpipers on Stone Street
scotch, whiskey & beer specials all day
at:
Ulysses'
95 Pearl St./58 Stone St.
(Hanover Square)
New York, NY
(212) 482-0400
Ulyssesfolkhouse.com
-----------------------------------------
Friday, April 8
Pre-Parade Party with Prydein
8pm
at:
St. Andrew's
140 W. 46th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY
(212) 840-8413
StAndrewsNYC.com
--------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 8
NY Caledonia Club
National Tartan Day Pre-Parade Ceilidh
Featuring
Madra Confach Ceilidh Band
The Islanders Scottish Gaelic Singers
New York Scottish Pipes and Drums
The inimitable Fergie and Susan
John Grimaldi, The Kilted Juggler
and special guest - Mike Ogletree
(formerly of the Scottish bands: Simple Minds and Fiction Factory)
$30 for NYCC Members, $35 for Non-members.
7pm
at:
Abigail Adams Auditorium
417 E. 61st St. (between 1st Ave. & York Ave.)
New York, NY
NYCaledonian.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Tartan Week 2011 in NYC
Friday, April 08, 2011
Spotlight Artists: The Young Things
Our next spotlight artists are the NYC rock band The Young Things. I first found out about this band because they are participating in Cathyland's Rock 4 Japan benefit concert next week. Guitarist Josh answers our questions below.
Lineup
There are four members of the youngthings:
Josh - guitar
Mikey -guitar and vocals
Neil - bass
Jonny - drums
We all sing a little bit too. but TYT is much bigger than the four of us. We've got an amazing manager (Brandon) and group of guys around us.
How did your band's name come about?
Ahhhh the name. You know I don't actually remember. I think we wanted something kinda vague but also kinda catchy. It's nothing nearly as cool as 'The Velvet Underground' or 'Television', but we do think it's pretty fucking awesome.
How long have you been performing?
We've all been friends for years. Some of us played together as kids, some later in life. Officially, The Young Things played their first shows about a year ago. We've had loads of ups and downs on stage (yes, alcohol is usually involved for both), but right now I think we're cooking with the perfect temperature.
Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
God, too many to count. I've got 3 or 4 skeletons in the closet, Neil's got a few. Jon also.
Musical influences:
I can only speak for myself, but you gotta go down the list:
Velvet Underground, The Clash, The Libertines, The Strokes, The Beatles, The Stones, etc etc. I'll even toss Guns n' Roses on that list. Why not? Slash definitely had an impact on my guitar solos.
Favorite venues to play:
We're NYC boys through and through, so we gotta say Bowery Electric on Bowery, Pianos on Ludlow, Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.
Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
We got a huge spring summer lined up. Details are still in the works, but we're gonna be leaving the country for a few, recording some new tracks, playing all over NYC, and basically just having a fucking party. Specifically, we hope everyone can make it out to our Japanese benefit at Brooklyn Bowl on April 12, also our show at Bowery Electric on May 19th.
You are performing at the Rock 4 Japan Benefit concert. How did did you become involved?
I honestly don't know. My manager came to us and asked if we wanted to play. We were obviously happy to do it. It's gonna be a great night for a great cause. They're matching donations at the door, so whatever you give, consider it doubled! that's pretty amazing.
Tuesday, April 12
Cathyland & PackratPlanet present..
Rock 4 Japan A benefit concert
Live rock show featuring:
Cheap Trick or Treat's tribute to Live at Budokan
Acey Slade & the Dark Party
The Orion Experience
High Teen Boogie
The Youngthings
Guest DJs Dario Speedwagon, Michael T & Amber Martin
Raffle prizes include:
an Ibanez electric guitar, a 5-piece set of Sound Percussion drums, Cheap Trick Budokan DVD/CD sets and Rick Nielsen-designed Ipod and Ipad cases
RSVP via facebook
$10 suggested donation
All proceeds go toward Japan earthquake/tsunami relief efforts
doors 6pm.
Show 8pm - midnight
at:
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Ave. (between N 11th & N 12th St.)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
(718) 963-3369
BrooklynBowl.com
Linkage:
website: theyoungthings.net
facebook: facebook.com/theyoungthings
Youtube: youtube.com/theyoungthings
Twitter: @theyoungthings
Myspace: theyoungthings
Where can we buy your music?
You can download our entire EP for FREE on our website, theyoungthings.net. We don't want your money… not yet at least.
Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
Oh man we've got anecdotes. My favorite would have to be the first time we went to play in LA. We went out there with our engineer and basically tore the town down. One night in particular, we ended up going to a house party thrown by the cast of CSI, then ended up in some shithole bar in Hollywood. We're sitting at the bar having some cocktails, and I look to my left: a Hasidic rabbi dancing with a prostitute. I look to my right: a mother with a couple of young kids. Needless to say that we all hung for quite a while. Lovely people. I love LA.
Any advice to someone just starting out?
Drink and smoke a lot of cigarettes. Go out as a band as much as possible. If you're playing shows once every 2 or 3 weeks, spend the other nights meeting other bands and other people. It's awesome, everyone is super friendly, and you never know who you're gonna meet. Early on, we started the night handing out flyers in front of Bowery Ballroom. The night ended at an insane industry after party at 4 am. You never know where it takes you.
Can you recommend any other act(s) we should feature on MurphGuide?
we got a million friends in a million bands, so i don't wanna piss anyone off by forgetting a mention. it's like forgetting to thank your mom at the Grammys.
What are your plans for the future?
We've got big big plans coming up in the spring. But we don't wanna tip our hand.
In addition to the Rock 4 Japan benefit, you can see The Young Things on May 19 at Bowery Electric...
Thursday, May 19
The Young Things
at:
The Bowery Electric
327 Bowery (between 2nd & 3rd St.)
New York, NY
(212) 228-0228
TheBoweryElectric.com
Below you can learn more about the band in:
The Young Things 10-minute Documentary:
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Spotlight Artist: Aunt Ange
Our next spotlight artist is the Aunt Ange, They are one of the bands performing at GFW2011, the benefit concert for The Global Fund for Women. Thanks again to Stephen Bailey for the introduction. The band's co-founder and co-songwriter Jack Kearney answers our questions below.
Lineup
Patrick O'Brien - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Accordion, Violin, Percussion
Jack Kearney - Guitar, Ukelele, Sitar, Accordion, Piano
Adam Kushner - Guitar, Keys, Percussion, Background Vocals
Dean Hartofilis - Bass
Alex Major / Attis Clopton - Drums
How did your band's name come about?
The name originates from Jack's Aunt. Aunt Angela let us record our first record at her house in New Canaan, CT. She packed up and moved out for ten days to let us record our first EP Fliptop Circus. Since, we have returned to Aunt Ange's house to track bass and drums for our third and latest album Olga Walks Away.
How long have you been performing?
Aunt Ange has been performing for 8 years, but the only members that have remained constant are the two song writers Patrick O'Brien and Jack Kearney.
Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
Before Aunt Ange, Patrick O'Brien, Jack Kearney, and Adam Kushner played in a rock band called Clinton Road with Exit Verona's front man Michael DiFilippi. Pat and Jack sat in with Exit Verona a few years later and provided a the rhythm sections. Alex Major plays in the band
Ellis Ashbrook, a psychedelic progressive rock band based in Brooklyn.
Musical influences:
Tom Waits, Radiohead, Danny Elfman, Neil Young, The Beatles, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Pink Floyd
Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
We'd definitely like to plug the release of Olga Walks Away, our latest album, which is available exclusively at bandcamp.com as a digital download. Physical and iTunes release to come. Also, we just released three videos of us playing live at our rehearsal space in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The videos are available as a free download on our website (the audio tracks are also available for free with a fourth bonus track).
Linkage:
Website: AuntAnge.com
facebook: aunt.ange
Youtube: auntange1
Twitter: @auntange
Myspace: aunt.ange
Reverb Nation: auntange
Where can we buy your music?
You can buy our most recent album Olga Walks Away exclusively at auntange.bandcamp.com. Our last album Apathia can be purchased at the iTunes Store.
Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
The last time we got to play CBGB's, our drummer at the time, Mark Ettingoff, called about an hour before the show and said he didn't think he was going to make it. We were forced to to go on with out him. We started our first song Raining Ashes in an unusually tame style. As the second verse started, we heard the crash of the cymbal and there was Mark. He jumped right in without missing a beat. The crowd was none the wiser, but his introduction set them off. As we
kick in to the second song Cracks, people got out of hand and a fight broke out. The cops cleared everybody out and we finished our set to a closed venue. After hearing this story, you might think we were a metal band...nope gyspy folk rock.
Favorite venues to play:
Arlene's Grocery, Piano's Mainstage, Maxwell's
Aunt Ange at Arlene's GroceryAny advice to someone just starting out?
The only advice that we'd have for people starting out is that you have to know in your heart that you want music to be your life. If that's decided, with hunger, motivation, and hard work you can make anything in this life happen. Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself, it's the only way to learn. Don't be flaky. Most of all, realize that the future of the music industry is what we as artist make it. Be Creative.
You are performing at the annual Global Fund for Women Benefit Show. How did did you become involved?
We found out about the annual Global Fund for Women Benefit Show from Adam's co-worker and friend Nelson Pla. Nelson has sat in with Aunt Ange at rehearsal sessions. Once we were aware of the show and the great work done at the Global Fund for Women, we were all about it. It great to be a small part of something this special.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Clueless Events presents...
Global Fund for Women 2011
A Concert to Benefit Global Fund for Women
hosted by Stephen Baileyfeaturing performances by:
Nick Wager, Aunt Ange, Clueless Allstars, Ice Wagon Flu
RSVP via facebook
$8 donation
Proceeds from the show will benefit Global Fund for Women, an international network committed to a world of equality and social justice. They advocate for and defend women’s rights by making grants to support women’s groups around the world.
7:30pm
at:Maxwell's
1039 Washington St. (11th St.)
Hoboken, NJ
(201)653-1703
MaxwellsNJ.com
What are your plans for the future?
We are looking to do a CD release show in a couple of cities in the Northeast in the near future. A private show/DVD plans are in the works. Otherwise, we hope to be on the road for the new album sometime soon.
Can you recommend any other acts we should feature on MurphGuide?
Ellis Ashbrook, Exit Verona, Survival Suit
Below is a video of Aunt Ange performing "To the Sun and Die":
GFW2011: A Concert to Benefit Global Fund for Women
The third annual benefit concert for the Global Fund for Women will be held Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Maxwell's in Hoboken.Thursday, April 7
Clueless Events presents...
Global Fund for Women 2011
A Concert to Benefit Global Fund for Women
hosted by Stephen Bailey
featuring performances by:
Nick Wager
Aunt Ange
Clueless Allstars (with very special surprise guests!)
Ice Wagon Flu
RSVP via facebook
$8 donation
Proceeds from the show will benefit Global Fund for Women, an international network committed to a world of equality and social justice. They advocate for and defend women’s rights by making grants to support women’s groups around the world.
Video:
Public Serviced Announcement for GFW2011 by The Lost Girls
Maxwell's: photo by Laura DeSanits-Olssonat:
Maxwell's
1039 Washington St. (11th St.)
Hoboken, NJ
(201)653-1703
MaxwellsNJ.com
The show's host, Hoboken based writer Stephen Bailey, is a long-time friend and contributor to MurphGuide.com. He took the time to answer our questions below...
You are hosting the 3rd annual GFW benefit concert. How did you become involved?
I've known organizer and musician Nelson Pla since we were teenagers. I had helped to promote the first benefit in 2009 and attended as a fan of the bands and the cause. I just really wanted to be more involved, so I asked Nelson if I could host the next one. I guess I didn't say or do anything too embarrassing since he's letting me do it again this year.
What are the goals of the Global Fund for Women?
They're a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 that promotes the economic security, health, safety, education and leadership of women and girls worldwide. They do this by raising money for grants through an international network of donors.
What can we expect at the show? Will you be performing in addition to hosting?
Ah, I think me yapping away on stage will be performance enough. It's been a while since I've picked up a guitar in public. But the night will not be short of fantastic music. My nephew Nick Wager is opening the show, so this year is even more special to me and my family. Then we have a very cool gypsy/garage/psychedelic rock band from Brooklyn called Aunt Ange. Of course, no GFW Benefit would be complete with out the clueLess Allstars. A band of local heroes and special guests headed up by Nelson Pla on drums and his brother Joe Pla on guitar. Closing the night will be the always fun Icewagon Flu with their bouncing Irish flavor. Anyone who has seen them knows what I mean.
What is new and exciting in the Hoboken music scene?
I love watching this great bar called Northern Soul on the southwest part of town developing into a major player in the live, original music scene. We held the 2010 Hoboken Music Awards there (which I hosted) and the place was busting at the seams. I think the positive energy coming out of that place has sparked other places to rethink their moratorium on original music. I've definitely been seeing more of it and that just makes me very happy.
Do you have any other projects in the works?
I've been working very closely with the Hoboken Arts Center project. Back in 2006 the city approved the building of a multifaceted performance, theater, gallery and educational space. The designs are breathtaking and it's gonna be an amazing cornerstone of the Hudson County arts scene. Right now it's in the usual long period of planning and development, but if all goes to plan, it should open in 2014. I'm very excited about that. See hobokenartscenter.org
Do you still perform?
No. Like I said, it's been a very long time. But the other night I had to take out one of my guitars to bring to my nephew to use as a backup for the GFW2011 show. I tell ya, I plucked a couple of notes and started to get that itch. So, ya never know. I could be out there annoying ears everywhere again real soon.
How did your old band Ya-Ne-Zniyoo get its name? How long were you together? Any chance of a reunion show?
We wanted a name in another language. Me, being a smart ass, thought it would be funny to have it in another alphabet. My bass player at the time Ed Zimmer was studying Russian, but all he could say was "I don't know." Since using the Cyrillic lettering proved difficult to say the least, Ya-Ne-Zniyoo was our lame attempt at a phonetic spelling. And then it stuck for 17 years and through many lineup changes. I had retired from performing after the band's last show at Maxwell's in 2006, but there is always a possibility of bringing together guys like Ed or Nelson who was our original drummer or my longest songwriting partner, Eric Schmitz. We were together for over 12 of those 17 years.
Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
Hmmm. That's a tough one. If you've ever seen Spinal Tap, you know that anyone in a band for any amount of time has a plethora of stories to tell. I think one of my favorites actually dates back to one of the very first Ya-Ne-Zniyoo shows in 1989. We were playing a dive called Downtown Beirut II (yes, there were 2 of them). For a stage, they used a rickety old drum riser and my overly enthusiastic stage antics resulted in my foot going through the stage and me getting stuck. We finished the song and my reputation as a clumsy ragdoll on stage was born. I've never seriously hurt myself, but I've done my share of bruising and bleeding in the name of rock n roll.
Any advice to someone just starting out?
Don't let all this technology fool you. It may be easier to create your music and it may be easier to get yourself on to major retail sites like iTunes or Amazon, but the old marketing tricks are still the best. That may sound stupid, but it's the truth. Whether it's online or on stage, don't just hope and pray that someone finds you. Play out as much as you can. Have a decent website. Get on as many social sites as possible. Most importantly, engage your audience. Don't make it a one-way only communication. Oh, and always tip your bartenders! They will often be your greatest allies when trying to rebook at a venue.
Links:
Global Fund for Women
Donate to Global Fund for Women
Clueless Events
Stephen Bailey
Nelson Pla
Maxwell's
Below is a public service announcement for the GFW by Stephen Bailey:
Spotlight Artist: Nelson Pla
Our next spotlight artist is a drummer/percussionist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and creator of the 3rd annual Global Fund for Women Concert coming up on Thursday, April 7 at Maxwell's in Hoboken. Thanks to an introduction by our friend Stephen Bailey, Nelson Pla answers our questions below. Although Nelson has been a part of many bands, he will be performing in the benefit concert with his band known as clueLess All-stars.
Spotlight Artist: Nelson Pla & clueLess All-stars
photo by Debbie HagerWe're from neighboring towns, I've know him since high school.
Band Lineup:
clueLess was originally a side project I started with my brother Joe as a 2 piece, a la White Stripes. While we don't perform much these days, we do a benefit show once a year for the Global Fund for Women at Maxwell's: we get a few musicians friends together and cover random variety Pop Rock from the last 40 years or so.
Here is the line-up for this year's clueLess benefit show band:
Alexandria Tava: vocals
Chris "Gibby" Gibson: guitar/vox
James "Lava" Boehmer: bass
Joe Pla: guitar/vox
Nelson Pla: drums/vox
What is the origin of your band's name?
While rehearsing/jamming with my brother and another friend, we jokingly referred to fellow musicians who have a naive perception of the industry as clueless, but who isn't? As I said in the first question it was a band we started as a side project.
How long have you been performing?
We released an EP in 2005, toured most of that year into 2006 then other endeavors took our attention but every now and then we do appearances under that name.
Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
As a musician I've played drums, keys, guitar and/or vocals for various bands/artists over the years. As a song writer I've released music under the band name Lazarus Effect, my most recent project is called Pompeii Pop, which I will include a 2 song sampler in a book of haiku, essays and artwork called: Lazarus' Ego. I've recorded and toured with Lazarus Effect, Mad Happy, Automatic Slim and The Badge. The first band I was in was a Pretenders tribute band called Precious (named after one their songs). The second band I was in was with Stephen Bailey's Ya-NeZniyoo.
Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
Benefit show for the Global Fund for Women this Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ - it'll be a great night for a good cause! :)
Thursday, April 7Clueless Events presents...
Global Fund for Women 2011
A Concert to Benefit Global Fund for Women
hosted by Stephen Bailey
Performances by:
Nick Wager
Aunt Ange
Clueless Allstars (with very special surprise guests!)
Ice Wagon Flu
RSVP via facebook
$8 donation
Proceeds from the show will benefit Global Fund for Women, an international network committed to a world of equality and social justice. They advocate for and defend women’s rights by making grants to support women’s groups around the world.
7:30pm
at:
Maxwell's
1039 Washington St. (11th St.)
Hoboken, NJ
(201)653-1703
MaxwellsNJ.com
The GFW Benefit Show is now in its third year. How did it all start?
A few years back as I started touring less and realized I missed performing, so I figure I might as well give myself a good b-day present by playing a show. I did not want to make it a "me" fest so I figured I'll do a benefit. Then I asked myself what do I support/who should I help? A friend helped me research all sorts of humanitarian organizations and my favorite is the Global Fund for Women, their main offices are in San Francisco but they have one here in New York. I met with the folks there, they thought is was a great idea and they support us every year in our endeavor to support them. Along the way others have helped in making this a great event for a good cause, one of them is Stephen Bailey and very talented photographer Laura Dessantis-Olsson.
What can we expect at this week's show? You are billed as the Clueless Allstars with surprise guests. Who are the surprise guests?
We plan to rock the crap out of the above mentioned songs and if I were to say who the surprise guest are it wouldn't be a surprise. I invited all my musician friends to come out to the show and they are welcome to jump up on stage (if there is room) sing/play hand percussion, etc...
See this Global Fund for Women public service announcement regarding the show, created by Stephen Bailey using xtranormal:
What are your future plans?
As long as I have b-days I'll be doing this. In between, I will be recording and releasing the next three clueLess albums. As I mentioned, I have a book coming out this year and then I'll start work on a Pompeii Pop album, release it then (most likely) tour.
Musical influences:
Way too many and varied to list, I am influenced by anything that can move my soul and/or feet. Here is this year's GFW2011 set:
Song 2 – Blur
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
Suffragette City - David Bowie
Alex Chilton - The Replacements
Dancing Days - Led Zeppelin
World Shut Your Mouth – Julian Cope
Sour Girl - Stone Temple Pilots
Wrasse - clueLess
Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks
Girlfriend - Mathew Sweet
Getting Better - The Beatles
Go – clueLess:
--- Encore ---
Surrender - Cheap Trick
Favorite venues to play:
Maxwell's of course. In the NYC area I like Mercury Lounge in Manhattan and there's Union Hall in Brooklyn, a small but really cool room, good people.
Mercury Lounge
217 E Houston St.
New York, NY
(212) 260-4700
MercuryLoungeNYC.com
Union Hall
702 Union St. (between 5th & 6th Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 638-4400
UnionHallNY.com
Linkage:
website: NelsonPla.com
clueLess: cluelessmusic.net
clueLess events: cluelessevents.org
facebook: nelsonpla
Youtube: user/sbcea
Myspace: clueless & sessionsatpla
Live Music: Clueless: myfoxaustin.com
Where can we buy your music?
I know The Best of clueLess: Volume I is available on iTunes, Amazon and/or through us.
You've had multiple roles in your music career: drummer/percussionist, vocalist, songwriter and producer. Which is your favorite?
I have had most fun as a drummer but the most soul satisfying experience (for me) is the creation of a new song. I am fortunate to work in an industry were one can express themselves from the subtle to the sublime.
Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
As a drummer I've experienced the continental drift of the drum kit, meaning if said instrument is not on a carpet the bass drum will slide away with every hit and the snare and floor tom will bounce all over the place without something to absorb the energy of each strike. Of course, no one notices until they don't hear drums anymore because they have drifted too far for me to reach.
Any advice to someone just starting out?With any passion one must be pragmatic as well, if they wish to have any marketable success/longevity. Do what you want to do and do it as best you can, try not to solely pursue what is perceived as commercially viable.
Can you recommend any other act(s) we should feature on MurphGuide?
I recommend featuring Aunt Ange, great band/killer songs, good attitude, good people-they're playing right before us at GFW2011.
Below is a video of clueLess performing "Go" at the first GFW Concert, in 2009:
Monday, April 04, 2011
MurphGuide NCAA Basketball
The NCAA Men's Basketball Championship (aka March Madness) is down to the Final Four...
Monday, April 4
Championship Game
Butler (8) vs. UConn (3)
Check out our special March Madness Page:
murphguide.com/marchmadness
Watch the action at your favorite sports bar.
See the MurphGuide Directory of NYC Sports Bars for some suggested viewing locations:
MurphGuide Directory of NYC Sports Barspreviously...
You are invited to join the MurphGuide NCAA Pool on CBSSports.com
Enter at:
murphguide.mayhem.cbssports.com
password = cheers
It is free to join.
MurphGuide will provide prizes (t.b.a.) to the top finishers.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Spotlight Artist: Hadar Noiberg
Our next spotlight artist is Hadar Noiberg, internationally known Israeli flutist and writer. She has toured the world with various classical ensembles. Currently residing in Brooklyn, Hadar answers our questions below:
Line-up:
Hadar Noiberg- flute and compositions
Edward Perez- double bass
Ziv Ravitz - drums and percussion
Special Guest- Yohai Cohen on Middle Eastern percussion
The trio changed some musicians since we started - the concept exists about two years and this current band exists for about a year and a half.
Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
I grew up playing classical music in Israel and was a part of the Israeli Young Philharmonic Orchestra. In New York, I was very active in the Cuban scene and played with bands like Coco Mama (all female Salsa band) Charanga Soleil (Cuban-Haitian-African band where I'm the musical director). I'm also playing with a new cool band called Yemen Blues with Omer Avital, who's a great musician and a good friend. Lately I've been exploring and researching Middle Eastern music and I'm playing with a Moroccan band, Rachid Halihal and Layali El Andalus.
Musical influences:
Everything. Never had a favorite flutist growing up (even though Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is definitely a flute inspiration for me). I listened and was inspired by anything that touched me- from Dexter Gordon to John Coltrane to Fajardo y sus Estrellas to Bjork to Schubert to Oum Kalthoum and Farid El Atrash... You get the picture.
Favorite venues to play:
Locally I would say Joe's Pub and Cornelia Street Cafe. Even though I'm sure there are amazing room that I haven't yet explored. Internationally, I was lately on tour in North US and really enjoyed Triple Door in Seattle and School of Folk in Chicago.
Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug:
MY CD Release Party at Drom on April 13th at 9.30pm with my fabulous trio and some great guests! Come and bring friends!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Hadar Noiberg CD Release Party
featuring:
Hadar Noiberg - flutes, compositions
Edward Perez - double bass
Ziv Ravitz - drums, percussion
Special Guest: Yohai Cohen on Middle Eastern percussion
$10 admission
9:30pm
at:
at:
Drom85 Avenue A
(between 5th & 6th St.)
212-777-1157
New York, NY
DromNYC.com
Where can we buy your music?
Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
I always feel excited about playing my music on stage. Sharing such an intimate moment with people you might not know is great. It's teaching me to let go and to be able to bring what comes in the moment in the most natural way.
Can you recommend any other artist we should feature on MurphGuide?
Charanga Soleil - A musical ensemble that combines Cuban salsa, Congolese rumba-soukous and Haitian compas.
Kath Buckell - A singer/songwriter from Australia.
You are celebrating your new CD Journey Back Home. How long did it take to record. Tell us a little about it.
Well, the recording process was great. First of all, working with such great musicians as Ziv Ravitz (drums) and Omer Avital (double bass, oud) made the whole thing very easy. We went into the studio to record a demo - it was the first time we played as a trio, except for two rehearsals. We ended up keeping most of that session for the CD, it was just so great! There is magic in keeping the music very fresh before the studio. Then I booked another recording session for the rest of the tunes. Most of the takes are first or second takes.
How did you start the Hadar Noiberg Project, Connections?
Well, that was how it all began - I was playing a funk gig at a bar and was suddenly thinking about how everything I play or do in life is connected back to me and to one another. That lead me to think about making conscious connections in my music and try and create a new sound. That trio had other musicians and a live at Smalls recording. Now I call the project the Hadar Noiberg Trio.
I came to New York at age 21 and very quickly made a name for myself in the different scenes. In the last couple of years I've been on a journey to find my roots and the meaning of my music. I've been playing so much with people with strong roots and culture such as Argentinians, Cubans, Brazilians etc., and felt like I must dig deeper and see what is the meaning of being Israeli. I chose a bold setting on purpose - flute trio is not something you can hear every day and I must say we really rock.
My new CD, Journey Back Home, is also a journey of the flute as a lead instrument. The flute in Western improvised music has always been an instrument that was either used by doublers or was not considered a serious main instrument. In the Eastern and Middle Eastern musical traditions the flute, the Middle Eastern ney or the Indian bansuri are main influential instruments that hold the deep soul of the music. I want to bring that depth and richness into my music which is highly influenced by both West and East, featuring the flute as a strong leading instrument.
What are your plans for the future?
Well, I'm planning a US tour for my band in October and a European tour in November. I plan to record a third CD, perform in venues and festivals of jazz and world music, have my music played on the radio (already happening in several stations in the US) and make amazing music with my favorite people! Also, I'd like to contribute my musical talent to support important goals such as women's rights and gay rights.
I first learned about you when you wrote to list your upcoming show. How did you hear about MurphGuide.com?
I was actually recommended by another website and liked what I saw! Glad we got to know each other.
Below is a clip of Hadar Noiberg performing at Nessiah Festival in Italy:
Posts
