Saturday night marked the end of the annual CMJ festival, that time of year when people wearing laminated rectangles crowd the city's sidewalks and the words "Diarrhea Planet" are spoken with utmost sincerity. SPIN's showcase at an old, converted firehouse in Chinatown that featured A-Trak, the Rapture and Crystal Castles left us deaf, sweaty, and really needing to pee.
Photos: Crystal Castles, The Rapture, A-Trak At SPIN's CMJ Showcase
2007 Exit Interview: Thomas Onorato
We checked in with some folks recently for a little end of '07 "exit interview" before we enter a new year. Thomas Onorato was the subject of a tell-all titled Confessions From the Velvet Rope last year -- but what has the self-proclaimed "door bitch" been doing in 2007?
Todd Patrick, Concert Promoter
Since settling in New York in 2001, promoter Todd Patrick – known through his website as Todd P – has established himself as a major force in the avant-garde rock scene. In the fastidious spirit of a modern day Bill Graham – though without the passion for profits – Patrick has distinguished himself with his commitment to producing shows at atypical, under-the-radar locations like lofts, rooftops and funky, “illegal” clubs. Often eschewing such vagaries as...
Gothamist's Week in Rock, Volume 44
Jens Lekman is one of our favorite songwriters, so any opportunity to see the funnyman crooner play is a treat, no matter the circumstances. The set at Webster Hall was generally excellent. Bordering on Magical, in fact, a perfect mix of his old and new -- mixing in Swedish deadpan quips and stories the whole time through. The only knock we had came from the venue, which we usually enjoy. The sound was fine, the site lines were good, the bands came out on time, but on this night, they started opening up the night club a little bit earlier. Around 30 minutes into his set, the thumping dance beats could be felt through the floor loud and strong enough that you could actually make out the song at times. It was distracting, to say the least, especially during the quieter songs. It even forced a puzzled Jens to ask what was going on during his encore, before attempting to play along to the beat. Webster Hall has taken giant strides over the last few years to become a perfectly good rock venue, but an extra layer of soundproofing would go a long way to remove the cheesy dance club stigma for the concert attendees. (pic via Ryan Dombal's flickr)
Gothamist's Week in Rock, Volume 10
Conor and friends will be back at Town Hall for a 7 night run at the end of May. Tickets are not on sale yet. Check some more opinions of the shows here and here. (Pic above via tammylo's flickr)
Pencil This In
MUSIC: We've been enjoying us some Ford & Fitzroy, and are eager to hear what they've got in store sonically (as there is only one track available online right now). But the ex-Asobi Seksu bassist and his talented bandmates have got us hooked off just that one tune. Give a listen at their MySpace. And check them out tonight with V2's Roman Candle.
Pencil This In
THEATER: Survey: Do women actually, um, enjoy Playgirl magazine? It’s a timeless question, and one that - according to former editor Ronnie Koenig - even haunted the boss herself. Her multimedia play Dirty Girl, now in previews, is about her “quest to find a woman who actually likes the beefcakes in the magazine.” The cast has been blogging and a book deal is in the works. (Brace yourself for The Devil Wears Nothing.) - John Del Signore
Pencil This In
THEATER: A mysterious production is in previews at the DR2 theatre near Union Square. Dubbed “Esoterica”, it is described as a multi-media exploration of matters “philosophical, metaphysical and arcane” by actor, magician and mentalist Eric Walton. On his website, www.ericwalton.com, this description piqued our interest further: “Walton is sort of what you'd guess the devil would be like if he had his own nightclub act." It could be we’re just curious about what a “mentalist” does for ninety minutes or we’re already falling under his spell. But something tells us you’ll love it, that it’s much better than “Cats” and that you’re going to see it again and again. - John Del Signore
The Rapture @ Apple
Later, the boys will be having a record release party at Mr. Black (Broadway @ Bleeker). Open bar from 10 to 11, party goes til 4am, as any good party should. RSVP at therapture (a) urb.com
The VMA's Were Back in New York
Last night (or rather, yesterday at 4 in the afternoon) we headed over to the tiny spot that was given to us on the (way end of the) red carpet for MTV's Video Music Awards.The awards were back in NYC this year, and brought a whole lotta Hollywood with them.
Upcoming
CONTEST ALERT: Win tickets to see Michael Penn @ Joe's Pub this Saturday night! Gothamist loves Joe's Pub, it's intimate and has an old charm to it, plus there is seating. We enjoy seating. And we hear this Michael Penn isn't so bad either. CLICK HERE TO ENTER! Winners will be notified by tonight or tomorrow morning.
General Admission Double Bill: Stellastarr* @ Irving/The Rapture @ Crash Mansion
Welcome back 2003! Two of New York's favorite bands from a few years ago have officially returned. Stellastarr* have a brilliant new album out that they're currently supporting, while The Rapture have finally just poked their heads back out to test some new material at a small club show. We were very excited to see both of these bands finally back at it.
This Week's Music Picks
We don't know where to begin with show recommendations this week. Emily Haines is in town with her band Metric for shows at Bowery Ballroom and Southpaw. Today Pitchfork declared the new Broken Social Scene album, on which she appears, "best new music." Broken Social Scene's new label-mates, The Most Serene Republic, are opening both shows. Then there's the Decemberists. Back in town once again, they're also playing two shows - Webster Hall tonight (Tuesday) and Wednesday. Nada Surf, Beck, U2, Keane, Robbers on High Street, King of France, Paul McCartney, Social Distortion, Zap Mama, David Gray, East Village Opera Company, Sufjan Stevens, Sons & Daughters, The Raveonettes, Radio 4, The Working Title, and even Jethro Tull are ALL playing two shows each in or around town this week. At least you've got options.
Kenny Kramer, Entrepreneur / Wacky Next-Door Neighbor

Kenny Kramer, Entrepreneur / Wacky Next-Door Neighbor












