[Ed.: Coolfer dropped off an amazing plan on what you should do this Memorial Day weekend, music-wise. And it's so true - staying in the city over holiday weekends can work in your favor. Thanks, Coolfer!]
Why leave NYC over Memorial Day weekend? The clubs and bars thin out a bit, it's easier to get a taxi and you don't have to put up with holiday traffic. Stay in the city, sleep in and see a band or four. Did I miss something good? Mention it in the comments.
Let's go night by night, shall we?
Tonight: Kevn Kinney (Drivin N Cryin) plays the Rocks Off boat cruise (which leaves from 23rd and FDR Drive at 8pm sharp). Andrew W.K. gets crazy in Irving Plaza. Velvet Revolver (the new band of Weiland, Slash, Duff and the boys) plays Roseland; I've read really good things of their shows. [Ed: We'd like to reiterate checking out Arctic Square tonight in Williamsburg as well.]
Thursday might be a night to stay in, get some sleep and save your money. I'm not going to recommend The Fab Faux at the Bowery Ballroom because it's a bad pun. The one show of note is at the Mercury Lounge. Is it indie? Is it punk? It is rock? Whatever the case, the Panthers, the Hold Steady and the Thermals are playing. The Thermals are trying to set a city record of most shows within a three-month stretch. If you miss this one, no prob, there will surely be another.
If you can get up really early, and if you have the musical tastes of a 45-year-old mom from the suburbs, get to Bryant Park by 7am on Friday to see Wilson Phillips perform for Good Morning America. (Lose weight now, ask her how.) Later that night, after a long nap, you can choose between blues legend Taj Mahal at the Blue Note, local rock band Fireworks Go Up! at the Luna Lounge, the Reverend Horton Heat at the Bowery Ballroom (as well as on Saturday), and over at Southpaw the much-talked-about Hollertronix party. The dance crowd will want to check out Ken Ishii at Volume or Turntables on the Hudson as they reopen the the Frying Pan at Pier 63 after moving the party two years ago.
Saturday is a busy evening as well. Hepcat, who have always impressed Coolfer with their great live shows, hit Irving Plaza. Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Masque perform at Joe's Pub. Sin-e hosts the Memorial Day Weekend Garage Punk Blowout! with The Brimstones, The Stalkers, The Weekenders, The Electric Shadows and Yarn Mask. (Points off, Yarn Mask, for not being The Yarn Mask. Where's your garage rock "The" prefix? Isn't that in the Official Garage Rock Rulebook?) The Sin-e website says the first 100 paid get a free Rheingold beer. Is that a promise or a threat? Dancing the night away? David Waxman spins at Crobar.
On Sunday night, you might as well go out because Monday is a holiday. Ske legends the Skatallites play the Knitting Factory. Danger Mouse (of The Grey Album fame) and Jemini hit the Bowery Ballroom with J-Zone and Prince Po. Should be a great hip hop show.
Free and legal downloads:
Hepcat: "Earthquake and Fire"
Fireworks Go Up!: "The Sun Don't Burn Without Her"
Yarn Mask: "Microphone Eyes"
The Brimstones: "Original Sin"
Danger Mouse & Jemini: "The Only One"
