If there's one week that folks might be at a loss for things to do in the city, this is the week. You might think not a creature was stirring, but how many times do we have to tell you? This is New York. The kids are definitely not nestled all snug in their beds. What to your wondering eyes should appear this week? Take a look....
You may be done with Christmas, but Yo La Tengo (at right) is just getting started with Hanukkah, and they'll be there all week, folks. At Maxwell's, of course, doing their annual eight-night run of holiday shows. Each evening features an opening band as well as an opening comedian, with the proceeds going to a different charity, so you'll get your money's worth even if you have to go the scalped route.
On Wednesday, there is a rather strange bill at Warsaw. Mike Patton, most famously of Faith No More but also of the wildly experimental Mr. Bungle (among other bands), joins forces and weird voices with human beatbox Rahzel of the Roots. Wilco's gentle drummer Glen Kotche opens. Meanwhile, on Avenue B, see what Amy Rigby has been up to since her excellent "Diary of a Mod Housewife" album. She plays a free show at the Lakeside Lounge tonight.
Feel like some old-timey music? The Hackensaw Boys bring their fierce, stompy bluegrass, four banjos, and no drummers to Irving Plaza on Thursday night. Say hi to Pee-Paw for Gothamist. It's been over two years since Champale, the rare indie-rock band that features trumpet and saxophone, played a show. They headline the Mercury Lounge tonight, with Gothamist fave the Comas (recently signed to Vagrant Records, hooray!) contributing an acoustic set.
On Friday, the Juan Maclean (at left), a DFA act that's more dance than punk, plays at Avalon for the Motherfucker party. And original punk pioneer Patti Smith warms up for her New Year's gig at Bowery Ballroom. Vegan fave Doveman, self-described purveyor of "lamp rock" and "insomnia pop," is at Tonic.
And then it's New Year's on Saturday! Check back in a couple of days for our all-important picks, so you don't have to spend it at some overpriced open bar. In the meantime, how about some free mp3s?
Yo La Tengo, "From a Motel 6"
Hackensaw Boys, "Lonesome Train"
The Comas, "Invisible Drugs"
Doveman, "Cities" (live)
