There's a whole lot of fun stuff going on in Williamsburg this weekend, and so far, the L is only planning on making a little bit of your life a living hell, and the sun will be out in full force. Here's how to make the most of everything that's going on, which includes the car-free Williamsburg Walks and our own mini SXSW, Northside Festival. more ›

Click through for all of our Northside Festival coverage. more ›

The New Pornographers, the effervescent Canadian pop gang led by red headed-songwriter AC Newman and red headed-chanteuse Neko Case, strolled into town last weekend for headlining shows at Terminal 5 and Bell House. They played a generous 24 song set before a packed crowd at the former Saturday night, barely pausing as they jumped from song to song, each stuffed with dementedly catchy hooks upon hooks. It was as sugary as a Snapple, but Newman is a tricky songwriter, always finding ways to subvert expectations and throw in the surrealist lyrics imaginable. The band played the bulk of new album Together, along with raging highlights from their whole discography, including "The Electric Version," "The Laws Have Changed," "Myriad Harbour," and five songs from their masterpiece, Twin Cinema. The night ended with a rendition of "Testament To Youth In Verse," with an extended audience singalong of "no's" led by the ever compelling Dan Bejar. If you enjoy pop music in any of its wild forms, you'd be remiss in missing The New Pornographers next time they're in town: their jelly donuts are filled with substance. more ›

The Northside Festival will be taking over Williamsburg and Greenpoint for a second year in a row starting next Thursday. The four day event is hosted by the L Magazine, with plenty of different outlets putting on showcases... including us! This year we teamed up with Jack "Skippy" McFadden (are you on Team Skippy?), and will be hosting our show at Coco66 (66 Greenpoint Ave) next Thursday. Here's our lineup: more ›

Also this week: more ›

Also this week: more ›

When everyone from Brooklyn Vegan to the NY Post is talking about a band, you know it might be time to perk up those ears and give a listen. Motel Motel have been lauded by just about everyone out there, and with good reason. Their live shows will break through even the most disaffected and jaded music listeners with a brand of Americana that has been known to induce smiles, and maybe even a tapping foot. This Saturday they'll play at our Northside Festival show prior to heading out on tour. more ›

Mike Conklin is one of the L Magazine folks who, this week, will be bringing you the first Northside Festival (think of it as the East Coast answer to SXSW). He's coordinated four days of music in Williamsburg, all of which you can see for just $45 (badges here), though limited tickets are also available (here's a link for tickets to our show with Brooklyn Based). Earlier this week he told us what it's been like to tackle the Northside endeavor, as well as flying water bugs. more ›

Click through to see what happened this week in rock. more ›

We have some more details about our upcoming Northside Festival show on Saturday, June 13th, which will be co-presented by Brooklyn Based! The show will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at Public Assembly in Williamsburg. In the back room you'll get sets from Mia Riddle (5:30 p.m.), Geoff Ereth (4 p.m.) and jacksonknife (2:30 p.m.)—brought to you by Brooklyn Based. In the front room we've booked Aaron Behrens (of Ghostland Observatory) & the Dirty Banquet (6:15 p.m.), Motel Motel (4:45 p.m.) and Henry Wolfe (3:15 p.m.). Individual tickets will be sold, but you can also get a badge to the entire 4-day festival for just $45 (full schedule here). With your ticket or badge, you'll also reap some benefits at our afterparty at The Gutter! If you're at our show be sure to get a stamp and you'll drink for real cheap all night (specifics to come). There will also be deejays, the Cupcake Stop Truck, and of course, bowling. more ›

As SXSW's music fest kicks off today, The L Magazine has announced the first annual Northside Festival. Taking place from June 11th through the 14th, think of it as our very own version of the Austin fest. All shows will take place in the venue-saturated area of Williamsburg and Greenpoint and is being touted as "a four-day celebration of the independent music and art scene that thrives here...with live music being held at nearly every venue in the area (including some that haven't even opened yet), and art events at some of the most relevant galleries in the neighborhood." Unlike CMJ, this will all be in two neighboring 'hoods, making nearly every event within walking distance from the other. more ›