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February 2012 Music Calendar

February 2012 Music Calendar

Calendar updated daily!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

  • ($15) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
  • ($20-$35) Chrisette Michele: A Tribute to The Legends w/ Robert Glasper @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($45-$58) Skrillex @ Pascha NYC

Thursday, February 2, 2012

  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($7) Break Science and Monolith Code Album Release Party @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8) Larkin Grimm, Cuddle Magic, Tall Tall Trees @ The Rock Shop
  • ($15-$18) Emancipator @ Highline Ballroom

Friday, February 3, 2012

  • (Free) The Statesmen (Jonah Smith, Josh Dion, Scott Metzger, Ben Rubin) @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2 (Midnight)
  • (Free?? – $10) Eclectic Method @ Cameo Music and Art Gallery (The Loving Cup)
  • ($10-$12) Soul Rebel Brass Band @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10-$12) CEG Presents: Kung Fu with Sophistafunk @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($35) Brooklyn Music Shop Presents: Joan Osborne, The Holmes Brothers, with Special Guest Catherine Russell @ Grand Prospect Hall
  • ($35) Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana Duo @ Smoke
  • ($45-$58) Skrillex @ Roseland Ballroom
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Saturday, February 4, 2012

  • (Free) American Babies @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2
  • ($5) Leroy Justice @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($35) Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana Duo @ Smoke
  • ($45-$58) Skrillex @ Terminal 5

Sunday, February 5, 2012

  • Oddly enough, I found nothing for this date!

Monday, February 6, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($22) Howie Day w/ Matt White – RESIDENCY @ City Winery
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($45-$65) Steve Earle & Allison Moorer w / The Dust Busters – Residency @ City Winery
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science
  • ($150-$2500) JAY Z with Special Guests: Benefit for United Way of New York City and The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation @ Carnegie Hall

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

  • ($20) YES! Trio featuring Ali Jackson | Aaron Goldberg | Omer Avital @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($25) Bone Thugs-N-Harmony w/ Krayzie & Wish @ Gramercy Theater
  • ($150-$2500) JAY Z with Special Guests: Benefit for United Way of New York City and The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation @ Carnegie Hall

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
    • We’re giving away 10 pre-release copies of Nutritious’s 2012 Exclusive Mix
  • ($20) YES! Trio featuring Ali Jackson | Aaron Goldberg | Omer Avital @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($22) Howie Day – RESIDENCY w/ Julia Sinclair @ City Winery
  • ($25-$30) Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe pres The Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers” with Anders Osborne @ Webster Hall
  • ($30) Ed Palermo Big Band featuring Legendary Frank Zappa Band Member Mike Keneally @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($37.50) George Clinton & The Parliament-Funkadelic All-Stars @ B.B. Kings
  • ($40) Anthrax @ Best Buy Theater

Thursday, February 9, 2012

  • (Free) BrooklyNites Jazz featuring Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra @ The Brooklyn Museum
  • ($5-$10) Uncomun: Loud Apartment CD Release with Bernie Worrell and Maya Azucena @ DROM
  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8-$10) Freaks Night Out feat. Erik Deutsch, Joe Russo (Furthur, The Duo), Scott Metzger (Wolf!), Hagar Ben-Ari (Dap Kings) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10) Mark Guiliana’s “Beat Music” w/ Aaron Comess (w/Teddy Kumpel & Richard Hammond) @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2
  • ($12-$15) Papadosio @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($15-$80) A Tribute to the Music of Motown with Ray Chew @ Carnegie Hall
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30-$42) Bob Mould @ City Winery
  • ($50-$65) Primus: A Benefit for Baby Matthew / Be The Match Foundation @ Gramercy Theater
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Friday, February 10, 2012

  • (No Price Yet) Guns N’ Roses @ Roseland Ballroom
  • ($10) Turkuaz @ The Studio at Webster Hall
  • ($15-$20) Blowoff: Featuring the DJ Sounds of Bob Mould & Richard Morel @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($20) Tab Benoit @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($20-$23) Tea Leaf Green @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30) Buster Williams @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall

Saturday, February 11, 2012

  • (Free) NY Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
  • ($10) THOR Takes Over Hiro Ballroom @ Hiro Ballroom (All Ages)
  • ($10) lespecial @ Sullivan Hall (Late Night Set)
  • ($12) Tea Leaf Green @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15-$20) John Kadlecik Band (from Furthur, DSO) @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30) Buster Williams @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($35) Rebirth Brass Band: Pre-Mardi Gras Celebration with 2012 Grammy Nominees @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall

Sunday, February 12, 2012

  • (No Price Yet) Guns N’ Roses @ Terminal 5
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30) Ralph Stanley @ B.B. Kings
  • ($40-$100) An Intimate Valentine’s Concert with Jim Brickman @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall

Monday, February 13, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($10) An Evening with: Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2 (9pm)
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($33-$95) Tibet House Benefit Concert @ Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
    • Feat. Laurie Anderson, Antony, James Blake, Tim Fain, Philip Glass, Stephin Merritt, Rahzel, Lou Reed, Dechen Shak-Dagsay
  • ($35) Les Paul Mondays feat. Special Guests Earl Slick (Guitarist with David Bowie) and Lee Rocker (Bassist from Stray Cats) with The Les Paul Trio @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($40-$60) Richard Thompson – Special All-Request Shows @ City Winery
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($75-$85) Cedric The Entertainer @ The Beacon Theater

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
  • (No price yet) Guns N’ Roses @ Webster Hall
  • ($15-$17) Legendary Meters Drummer: Zigaboo Modeliste’s NY Foundation of Funk Revue ft. Andy Hess, Brian Mitchell, Jonathan Batiste & Jamie McLean @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($40-$60) Richard Thompson – Special All-Request Shows @ City Winery
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Thursday, February 16, 2012

  • ($73) John Hammond & John Mayall @ The Allen Room at Lincoln Center
  • (Free) Taylor Carson @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Less Than Jake @ The Brooklyn Bowl (Early Show)
  • ($35-$40) Auktyon featuring John Medeski & Marc Ribot @ le Poisson Rouge
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($40-$60) Richard Thompson – Special All-Request Shows @ City Winery

Friday, February 17, 2012

  • ($8) Higher Nebulae @ Sullivan Hall (early show)
  • ($10) Gent Treadly @ Sullivan Hall (part of another band on the bill)
  • ($10-$13) Tall, Tall Trees @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($15) A toga-party with America’s #1 Party Band!: Otis Day & the Knights @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($18-$22) Saul Williams @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($55-$130) Aretha Franklin @ Radio City Music Hall

Saturday, February 18, 2012

  • (Free) Hot Peas ‘N Butter @ Carnegie Hall (45 Minute Children’s Performance)
  • ($8-$10) Skatalites @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10) CEG Presents: MUN’s CD Release Party featuring MUN plus Pigeons Playing Ping Pong @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($13) The Souljazz Orchestra plus Zongo Junction @ The Studio at Webster Hall
  • ($22-$32) Emilie Autumn @ Gramercy Theater
  • ($30) Mingus Big Band @ Jazz Standard
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($38-$42) Davy Jones of The Monkees @ B.B Kings
  • ($50-$65) Mardi Gras Ball with Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers plus Bonerama w/ special guest Marco Benevento, DJ Cochon de Lait and special guests Outer Borough Brass Band @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($50-$100) Peter Frampton: Back by Popular Demand! The Frampton Comes Alive 35 Tour @ The Beacon Theater
  • ($55-$130) Aretha Franklin @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Sunday, February 19, 2012

  • ($18-$23) Big Gigantic @ Webster Hall
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($50-$65) Mardi Gras Ball with Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers and Bonerama @ Hiro Ballroom

Monday, February 20, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($15-$18) Jenny Scheinman’s Mischief & Mayhem w/ Nels Cline, Jim Black, and Todd Sickafoose @ le Poission Rouge
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($32-$38) Marcia Ball and BeauSoleil @ City Winery
  • ($30) Les Paul Mondays: The Jon Herington Band (lead guitarist of Steely Dan) and the Les Paul Trio @ Iridium Jazz Club

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

  • ($15) Less Than Jake @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20-$30) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: UPLIFT! With Special Guest Christian McBride & Russell Malone @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($25) Tigran Hamasyan & Jason Lindner/Mark Guiliana Duo @ Highline Ballroom

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
  • (Free) Cabinet @ Rodeo Bar
  • ($20-$30) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: UPLIFT! With Special Guest Christian McBride & Russell Malone @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($50-$60) Flogging Molly, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears and The Devil Makes Three @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ Roseland Ballroom

Thursday, February 23, 2012

  • (Free?) Gent Treadly @ East Side Billiards
  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20) Phife Dawg (of Tribe Called Quest) and Friends @ B.B. Kings
  • ($25-$40) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: UPLIFT! With Special Guest Dr. Lonnie Smith @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($25-$45) In-Tune Music Festival: Philip Glass performing Kaddish (7pm)
    • One of the greatest works to emerge from the Beat Generation was Allen Ginsberg’s Kaddish, a sprawling, propulsive poem about the poet’s estrangement from Judaism. The 2012 Tune-In Music Festival will begin with a world premiere, commissioned by the Park Avenue Armory from jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, to be performed by the composer and an eight-piece ensemble accompanying a reading of Kaddish by Ginsberg collaborator Hal Willner and artist Ralph Steadman, who will create the visual design and staging to accompany the piece. (Runs 75 minutes with no intermission)
  • ($30-$35) Sinead O’Connor @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($55-$250) HIAS Regina Spektor Benefit Concert @ Rose Theater at Lincoln Center

Friday, February 24, 2012

  • ($12) Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2 (10pm)
  • ($12-$15) Twiddle / FiKus with Psychedelphia and The Fundimensionals @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($15) Wyllys ft. Jennifer Hartswick w/ Special Guests @ The Blue Note (Late Night Series)
  • ($15) An Evening With The Cast and Crew of: The Adventures of Pete and Pete @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($25-$45) Tune-In Music Festival: Philip Glass and Patti Smith: The Poet Speaks @ Park Avenue Armory (7pm)
    • Longtime Glass collaborator Patti Smith and her band join Glass for the second concert, “The Poet Speaks,” performing music and readings celebrating their favorite poets, including Ginsberg and William Blake, which will be the first New York performance for the pair. (Runs approx. 90 Minutes with no intermission)
  • ($30) Hit Squad – Reunion Show: Redman, Epmd, Das Efx, Keith Murray @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($30-$35) Sinead O’Connor @ Highline Ballroom

Saturday, February 25, 2012

  • ($10) Dopapod / Turbine with The Mantras , MiZ , XVSK @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($15) Kung Fu @ The Blue Note (Late Night Series)
  • ($20) Eric Lindell with special guest Otis Taylor @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($22-$26) Buckwheat Zydeco @ B.B. Kings (Grammy Winning King Of New Orleans Zydeco)
  • ($25) Railroad Earth and Cornmeal @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($30-$37) Galactic, Soul Rebel Brass Band & Steel Pulse @ Terminal 5
  • ($30-$50) Tune-In Music Festival: The Philip Glass Ensemble performs his Music in 12 Parts @ Park Avenue Armory (5pm)
    • For the third concert, The Philip Glass Ensemble will offer a rare performance of the entire Music in Twelve Parts, Glass’s epic minimalist composition which he considers his “breakthrough” work. (Runs a total of 5 hours including two short intermissions and one hour long dinner break)
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ Roseland Ballroom

Sunday, February 26, 2012

  • ($15) Chris Rob: Game Rebellion @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($15-$35) Tune-In Music Festival: Philip Glass performs Afternoon Concert @ Park Avenue Armory (2pm)
    • The final day of the Festival will begin with compilation of unique artists that Philip Glass has assembled and represent the forward momentum of contemporary music. (Runs a total of 2 hours 15 minutes with one Intermission)
  • ($15-$35) Tune-In Music Festival: Philip Glass’s Another Look at Harmony – Part IV @ Park Avenue Armory (7pm)
    • The Festival concludes with Glass’s Another Look at Harmony, a choral work Glass started in 1975 for organ and 100 voices, performed by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, the Collegiate Chorale, and organist Michael Riesman, music director and keyboardist of The Philip Glass Ensemble. (Runs 62 minutes with no intermission)
  • ($25-$40) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: A Night at Jillys ft Dee Dee Bridgewater & Freddy Cole @ The Blue Note
  • ($27.50) Marc Ribot’s ” Really The Blues” @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($50-$75) An Unpredictable Evening With Todd Rundgren@ City Winery

Monday, February 27, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($10) Erik Deutsch Demonio Teclado CD Release Party @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($27.50) Marc Ribot’s ” Really The Blues” @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($50-$75) An Unpredictable Evening With Todd Rundgren@ City Winery

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($15) Bowlive III @ The Brooklyn Bowl: Special Guests: John Scofield & Luther Dickinson
  • ($30-$40) Leo Kottke @ City Winery
  • ($35-$40) Robert Glasper Experiment:With Special Guests Yasiin Bey, Chrisette Michele, Lalah Hathaway & More @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($50-$150) Van Halen with Kool & The Gang @ Madison Square Garden
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ Roseland Ballroom

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
  • ($15) Bowlive III @ The Brooklyn Bowl: Special Guests: John Scofield & Luther Dickinson
  • ($30-$40) Leo Kottke @ City Winery

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March Music Calendar

March 2011 Potential Show Run Down

Calendar updated daily!

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

  • (Free) The Jamie McLean Band @ 315 Bowery
    • John Varvatos Presents: JMB’s 2011 EP Release Party! Free Show! Open Bar!
  • ($10) Red Baraat @ Barbes
  • ($15) Bowlive 2: Soulive w/ Corey Glover & Bernie Worrell @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($33-$95) Tibet House Benefit Concert @ Carnegie Hall
    • Feat: Philip Glass, Tenzin Choegyal, The Flaming Lips, Angelique Kidjo, Taj Mahal, James McCartney, The Roots, Patti Smith, Jesse Smith and Michael Campbell, Michael Stipe
  • ($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall

Friday, March 4th, 2011

  • ($7-$10) Official Conspirator After-Show feat. The Manhattan Project @ The Delancey
  • ($15) Bowlive 2: Soulive w/ Robert Randolph & Corey Glover @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($25) Rebelution and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad @ Irving Plaza
  • ($25) Conspirator @ Gramercy Theatre (Mis Ter Bugsley)
  • ($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($40-$45) Dr. John and the Lower 911, Marco Benevento, High and Mighty Brass Band @ Sullivan Hall

Saturday, March 5th, 2011

  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
  • ($15) Bowlive 2: Soulive w/ Robert Randolph @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($40) 5th Annual Nolafunk Mardi Gras Ball: featuring Dr. John & The Lower 911 , Soul Rebels Brass Band and Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds @ Le Poisson Rouge
  • ($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($41-$331) Bon Jovi @ Madison Square Garden

Sunday, March 6tht, 2011

  • ($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($30) Fred Hersch & Joshua Redman Duo @ Jazz Standard

Monday, March 7th, 2011

  • ($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

Friday, March 11th, 2011

  • (FREE) Tall Tall Trees @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($15) Bowlive 2: Soulive w/ Karl Denson, Van Hunt @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Budos Band @ The Bell House
  • ($18) Tab Benoit & Kung Fu @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($22) Los Amigos Invisibles @ HighLine Ballroom
  • ($25) Devon Allman’s Honeytribe @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($30-$40) Al Dimeola World Sinofina @ The Blue Note
  • ($30-$43) Dropkick Murpheys @ Roseland Ballroom
  • ($35) Pete Yorn with very special guest Ben Kweller @ Terminal 5
  • ($46-$54) Piano Power: Brad Mehldau & Friends w/ Joshua Redman @ Zankle Hall
  • ($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh & Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
  • ($15) Bowlive 2: Soulive w/ Matisyahu
  • ($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
    • ($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Band Show w/ Reckoning @ Sullivan Hall
    • ($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series w/ The Yonrico Scott Band featuring Oteil and Kofi Burbridge @ Iridium Jazz Club

Sunday, March 13th, 2011

  • ($7) Afro Funky Party w/ Zongo Junction, Top Shotta & DJ Offbeat @ Cameo Gallery
  • ($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($30-$40) Al Dimeola World Sinofina @ The Blue Note (2 shows)
  • ($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery

Monday, March 14th, 2011

  • ($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Steve Martin performing with The Steep Canyon Rangers: An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
  • ($5) That 1 Guy @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
  • ($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

  • ($10) Gent Treadly @ The Sugar Bar
  • ($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery (2 shows)
  • ($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

  • (Free) The Farewell Drifters @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($5) Dead Kenny G’s @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Chris Morrisey Quartet w/ Mark Guiliana @ The Jazz Gallery
  • ($18-$22) JJ Grey(MOFRO) solo acoustic with Shannon McNally @ City Winery
  • ($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($50-$93) Celtic Women @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Friday, March 18th, 2011

  • (Free) Nutritious @ The Cove
  • ($5) The Heavy Pets (GOLDYS BIRTHDAY PARTY) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($5) Buzz Universe & Afro Skull @ The Bowery Poetry Club
  • ($30) Duduka Da Fonseca Quintet featuring Anat Cohen @ Jazz Standard
  • ($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
    • ($12) A Post Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Scott Metzger / Will Bernard / Ron Johnson / Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

  • (Free) Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
  • ($10) Anders Osborne w/ Leroy Justice @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($30-$40) Pat Martino Organ Quartet @ Birdland
  • ($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($40) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
  • ($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall

Sunday, March 20th, 2011

  • ($20) Murder By Death @ Rocks Off Cruise
  • ($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($60-$200) Diana Ross – Greatest Hits Tour @ St. George Theater, S.I.
  • ($75-$125) Benefit for Cornell Dupree w/ Cornell Dupree, Joe Cocker and Dr. John @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
  • ($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden

Monday, March 21st, 2011

  • ($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($10-$17) 101.9 Wrxp 3rd Anniversary Show Feat. Guster @ Irving Plaza
  • ($25) Mingus Dynasty @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Rick Derringer @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($50) Keyshia Cole @ B.B. Kings
  • ($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
  • ($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($18-$22) Noah and The Whale @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($25-$40) Paula Cole – DIVINALE: A Month of Wine, Women and Song @ City Winery
  • ($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

  • ($10/$12) Heyoka, The Malah, Octopus Nebulae, Tucci @ Public Assembly (Mis Ter Bugsley)
  • ($15) Surprise Me Mr. Davis @ The Bell House
  • ($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20-$25) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency w/ special guests Henry Butler , Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) and John Morgan Kimock @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

  • ($10) The Macpodz and Sister Sparrow And The Dirty Birds @ Studio at Webster Hall
  • ($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
  • ($40-$52) Cold War Kids @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Friday, March 25th, 2011

  • ($??) Mahavishnu Project plays Jeff Beck (Wired, Blow By Blow, There & Back) @ Iridium Jazz Club
    • DVD Release Event for “Jeff Beck: Live at Iridium” [free DVD giveaways]
  • ($12) A Post Furthur & Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Nigel Hall , Scott Metzger , Will Bernard , Ron Johnson , Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($18-$20) The Wood Brothers with Carsie Blanton @ City Winery (2 shows)
  • ($20) Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
  • ($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series Col. Bruce Hampton and Pharoah Gummitt Featuring Duane Trucks @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($30) Steve Smith, Jon Herington and Col. Bruce Hampton @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($32.50) Victor Wooten and Stanley Clarke @ BB Kings
  • ($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
  • ($40-$47) Queens of the Stone Age @ Terminal 5
  • ($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($50-$60) Don McLean with Special Guest Dar Williams @ Town Hall
  • ($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
  • ($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Show with Reflections @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($15-$20) Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
  • ($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
  • ($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($45-$65) Afro-Cuban All Stars @ The Concert Hall
  • ($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
  • ($100-$175) Rod Stewart / Stevie Nicks – Heart and Soul Tour @ Madison Square Garden

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

  • ($8-$10) Dangermuffin @ The Rock Shop
  • ($25) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($40) Harlem Gospel Choir @ BB Kings
  • ($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall

Monday, March 28th, 2011

  • ($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($25) New Sounds Live: So Percussion and Bobby Previte with John Medeski, Zeena Parkins, DJ Olive & Jen Shyu @ Merkin Concert Hall
  • ($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
  • ($50-$117) Jeff Beck and Rock N Roll Party w/ Imelda May & Her Band @ Radio City Music Hall

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
  • ($5) BoomBox @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($12-$65) Medeski Martin & Dunn, John Zorn & MASADA Marathon @ David H. Koch Theater
    • Featuring: Marc Ribot, Uri Caine, Dave Douglas, John Medeski, Secret Chiefs 3, Greg Cohen, Joey Baron, Cyro Baptista, Kenny Wollesen, Jamie Saft, Erik Friedlander, Mark Feldman, Sylvie Courvoisier, Trevor Dunn, and many others
  • ($20) Billy Martin w/ Dj Oliver and Ikue @ The Stone
  • ($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
  • ($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
  • ($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

  • ($20) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency with special guests Marco Benevento , Marc Friedman (The Slip) , Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Breakscience) @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($25) Reggie Watts @Music Hall of Williamsburg
  • ($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
  • ($35-$60) Aaron Neville @ BB Kings Blues Club
  • ($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
  • ($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

  • ($20) Mimosa @ Irving Plaza (Mis Ter Bugsley)
  • ($27.50) Tim Reynolds @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
  • ($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
  • ($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery

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The Gorgeous Beacon Theater

The Gorgeous Beacon Theater

What if someone called you and told you that you could see Elton John for $9?  Would your jaw drop? Would you ask “Where’s the catch?”  Or would you just say “GET ME A TICKET!” and ask questions later?  I did all of the above.  That is what happens when you are told that tickets were on sale to see Elton John and Leon Russell at the Beacon Theater and they were on Stubhub.com for $9. UNREAL!!

John & Russell's The Union

John & Russell's The Union

Elton John and Leon Russell, both monster names in the music industry, have come together on a collaborative CD called The Union which just came out on October 19, 2010.  So, as if it couldn’t get more unreal, I spend most of the day of the performance sitting at my work desk thinking I was going to see ONLY these two perform songs from their new album and perhaps catch some oldies from each. Time for the second shock!!  This time a note telling me that the duet performance of these two had been held the day before.  My heart sinks for a minute as I thought we had purchased bunk tickets.  But no…it’s better then we could have dreamed.

The poster I bought!

The poster I bought!

Tonight I would be privileged enough to be see the T-Bone Burnett presents The Waiting For “Supeman” Edition of The Speaking Clock Revue. Joining T-Bone Burnett on stage tonight would be Elton John, Leon Russell, John Mellencamp, Jeff Bridges, Karen Elson, and My Morning Jacket’s Jim James.  We also had Elvis Costello, Gregg Allman, Ralph Stanely, The Secret Sisters, The Punch Brothers and more. I could feel an epic night of music coming.

The Revue title had me a little confused for a moment but it was all made clear over the course of the performance. Davis Guggenheim’s documentary Waiting for “Superman” is a film that follows several students though the American public educational system and analyzes the failures within the system.  T-Bone Burnett was so moved by his viewing of the movie and its message touched him so deeply that he put together this REVUE in order to raise awareness to the issues and to the film.  The proceeds of the night went to The Participant Foundation in support of including music and arts education in public school systems.

T-Bone Burnett

T-Bone Burnett

T-Bone Burnett is a musical master.  A giant in many industries, T-Bone Burnett is a musician and songwriter but most famous as a record and soundtrack producer.  The performers on stage tonight have all been touched by him musically in some way or another.  Burnett has produced artists such as BoDeans, Los Lobos, Counting Crows, Tony Bennett, The Wallflowers, k.d. lang, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant.  He has won awards for Soundtracks like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Cold Mountain and Crazy Heart.  An amazing musical figure.

T-Bone Burnett presents The Waiting For “Supeman” Edition of The Speaking Clock Revue

The Big Names:

T-Bone Burnett
Elvis Costello
Gregg Allman
John Mellencamp
Elton John
Leon Russell
Jeff Bridges
Ralph Stanely
The Secret Sisters
The Punch Brothers
Karen Elson

Special Guest Appearance:

Jim James

From The Union studio sessions:

Jay Bellerose – Drums
Jackson Smith – Guitar
Dennis Crouch – Bass
Russ Paul – Pedal Steel Guitar
Marc Ribot – Guitar, Electric Mandolin
Mike Compton – Mandolin

John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp

We walked into The Beacon, walked up to the top level and sat down. We were many rows away but could see the stage clearly and for $9 there was no complaining. As we walked in, I immediately recognized the voice of John Mellencamp.  Coming in at the end of the first song, I believe called “The West End,”  he continued on to tell us a story about his dying grandmother.

John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp

She called him Buddy and one night, she asked him to pray with her.  As they prayed she cried: “Lord, Buddy and I are ready to go.”John said, but Grandma, I’m not ready to die.  Her response: “Life is short, even in its longest days.”  And with that, Mellencamp goes into his popular tune “Longest Days”.  The song’s lyrics, that at this moment speaks to me so deeply.  Beautiful lyrics and Mellencamp, alone with his guitar and his voice sang it beautifully into our ears.

Seems like once upon a time ago / I was where I was supposed to be / My vision was true and my heart was too / There was no end to what I could dream ~ John Mellencamp

Elvis Costello - MC for the night

Elvis Costello - MC for the night

He walked off the stage and it took me only a second to realize that Elvis Costello, in that signature hat, had walked out to replace him and greet the audience. Elvis Costello would be our MC for the night.  He immediately welcomed to the stage The Secret Sisters.

The Secret Sisters

The Secret Sisters

These two raven haired ladies with their bright red lips bust out into the purest version of Johnny Cash’s “Big River” that I had ever heard.  Their voices were golden. Angelic.  I was awe struck within the first few notes and as I hear my girlfriend to my right take in a gasping breath, I knew the notes were hitting her ears the same way as they were hitting mine.  Simply magnificent voices.

There is something that must be said about a singing duo of blood relatives.  Similar to the Avett Brothers, they have hauntingly beautiful and pure tones, their voices melting together unlike any other group I can recall. Jackson Smith, the son of rockers Patti Smith and Fred (Sonic) Smith, wailed around on his guitar.

The Secret Sisters + Punch Brothers + some

The Secret Sisters + Punch Brothers + some

Secret Sisters & Punch Brothers

Secret Sisters & Punch Brothers

It was at this point that I attempted to make out who the 15+ piece band was backing the singers this night.  After a little research the band was comprised of house & studio musicians that had worked with T-Bone on various musical productions.  During “Big River“, The Punch Brothers provided the beautiful string background, melting seamlessly with the Sisters voices.  With the grungy, deep drums in the background, it was an innocent part of the performance that has stuck with me such every day since I heard them sing.  I can’t praise them enough.  As the song ends, one of the sisters proclaims: “I hope Johnny Cash isn’t rolling over in his grave.”

The Secret Sisters + Punch Brothers + some

And then we were delivered a soaring rendition of Bill Monroe’s “The One I Love Is Gone.’’  Their voices digging deeper into my soul, sounding much like the sirens from O Brother, Where Art Thou. Reminiscent of purity that only Alison Kruass has ever been able to reach. This video isnt from the show but I wanna pug them again cause they are beautiful.

Elvis Costello joins the stage again.  This time he tells us a very interesting story about our host for the evening.  He says: “30 years, T-Bone Burnett started his career as the assistant to Jeff Bridges. Then 10 years ago, T-Bone Burnett was asked to play Jeff Bridges’s assistant in The Big Lebowski.  Then just three years ago, he once again reprises his role as Jeff Bridges’s assistant in Crazy Heart for which T-Bone Burnett also produced the soundtrack. Please welcome to the stage Jeff Bridges.”

Jeff Bridges + Elvis Costello + T-Bone

Jeff Bridges + Elvis Costello + T-Bone

And with that, out walks Jeff Bridges with his guitar.  If I had to pick a weak  link in the performance, this would be it.  I can barely make out what Jeff Bridges says when he is speaking.  Now try to make out what the guy is saying when he is singing.  It was pretty hard to do.    By the second verse of Fallin’ & Flyin’, a song from the Crazy Heart Soundtrack,  Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett had joined the song. At least I could understand the words now hahaha.

“It’s funny how falling feels like flying….only for a little while.” ~

Before his next song, Jeff speaks about the Crazy Heart Soundtrack and working on fixing the schools.  Jeff Bridges exits and Elvis Costello states that “we have a long way to go, a long way to go folks. We don’t know what is going to happen or who is going to turn up.”

Jim James

Jim James

So, speaking like that, he made it sound as if there might be any number of surprise artist floating around backstage.  This wasn’t the case and that kinda urked my nerves. However, I suppose that was Elvis‘s way of introducing Jim James of My Morning Jacket because the young guitarist walked out to the dimly lit stage and joined Elvis in Wonderful (The Way I Feel)Jim James was then left alone with his guitar for a solo rendition of Look At You. This set was one of my favorite of the night.  It was juts simple, poetic, clean and you could hear a pin drop among the audience.


Gregg Allman

Gregg Allman

Elvis Costello back on stage again thanking Jim James and calling him “a shy guy from My Morning Jacket. Then he begins introducing some one “who has performed here more times in this theater then all the other artist combined.  Please welcome Gregg Allman!”   The place ERUPTED.  Honestly, the majority of the people in the venue were Mule Heads. That was made clear as day after he began walking on stage. The yelling, screaming, howling Gregg Allman‘s name…super fans were in the house.

Gregg Allman

Gregg Allman

With a 12 musicians backing him, Gregg Allman sang a lovely version of Eric Clapton‘s Floating Bridge. There was a lovely fiddle solo and the washboard stood out.   The following song was Savoy Brown‘s  Train to Nowhere where the horns I had been seeing in the background finally came alive. Tight but not overpowering.  Nothing like a funk horn section but still noticeable and adding a musical level to the country vibe that I enjoyed.

Gregg, one of the few artists allowed more then two songs per set, continued on into Blind Boy Fuller‘s Pistol Slapper Blues before he stopped to change his guitar.  He says, “I’m gonna do an old song for you” as he went into a beautiful solo guitar rendition of Midnight Rider.

He OWNED that song, Man-o-man!! Another highlight of my night. He sang that song exactly as one might want to hear it sung. Not because of the music, but because of his voice. Gregg ended to a loud applause and states: “We will be back in March” as he exits the stage.

INTERMISSION

Marc Ribot

Marc Ribot

After intermission, T-Bone Burnett himself comes out to the stage to fill the role of MC as he announces Marc Ribot out to perform Don’t Blame Me.  A simply beautiful, wordless tune played through a guitar that sang so lovely. Unsure of who wrote it! Anyone?

As quickly as he exited, T-Bone Burnett was back on stage to announce Elvis Costello‘s set. Elvis proclaims, “This is what we imagine Rock ‘n’ Roll would sound like in the 1920’s” as he goes into A Slow Drag with Josephine with the help of The Secret Sisters and Karen Elson. Lovely! Elvis Costello‘s upcoming album, “National Ransom,” was the source of many of the songs he chose to sing during his set, I just didn’t recognize them as the music hasn’t been released yet haha.

Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello

As The Secret Sisters exit, Costello continues on thanking us for supporting the cause as musical education is so important. Unsure of the next song’s title, it was from a yet to be released album filled with trumpets and strings.  Elvis was on his mandolin and the song had a acoustic jazzy country swagger to it reminding me slightly of Caravan of Thieves.  And finally, Karen Elson, wife of Jack White of the White Stripes, was invited back out to vocally support Elvis during Walking Man Blues.

Elvis Costello, Karen Elson and someone else

Elvis Costello, Karen Elson and someone else

John Mellencamp was back on stage with Karen Elson to sing Mellencamp‘s “Troubled Land.” But it was the next song that became my favorite Mellencamp moment that night. “Save Some Time to Dream” was a positive, wonderful solo guitar performance with beautiful lyrics. And as a single spot light lit him up, he sang:

Save some time to dream
Save some time for yourself
Don’t let your time slip away
Or be stolen by somebody else
Save some time for those you love
For they’ll remember what you gave
Save some time for the songs you sing
And the music that you’ve made

With monstrous applause, Mellencamp ended his set as the lights darkened around him.   Elvis Costello was revealed as the lights went up to announce an epically famous name within the country music community.  “I made sure to teach m children to love and respect this man,” proclaimed Costello.

Dr. Ralph Stanley

Dr. Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanely, the last of his kind and wearing a raging sparkly jacket, walked to the center of the stage and approached the microphone.  Backed simply by James Shelton on guitar and an unknown on stand up bass (possibly a Punch Brothers??), claps and yells abounded as Mr. Stanely went into a folk song for which I sadly missed the name.   For his second song, the strings stopped playing and Ralph Stanely projected the gospel song “Lift Him Up” so beautifully.  Stars lit up behind him as the stage changed it’s set up for his set.

Dr. Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley

I am not a country fan but it is impossible to deny any major musical influence on the music we listen to.  Jerry Garcia, himself, was such a bluegrass head, a jug band kind of mind.  Being that there are so many veins of country music, I can’t help but embrace it all, even while I cringe through a few songs.  The twang of Stanely‘s voice didn’t hurt my ears tonight.  It was lovely.

Stanely starts discussing how he has been singing the next song for 64 years.  He still isn’t sure who ever really got credited with writing it.  And so went into “Man of Constant Sorrow” while James Shelton raged a lovely guitar solo.  Wow, that voice, so country, so grounding.

T-Bone Burnett discusses Waiting for "Superman"

T-Bone Burnett discusses Waiting for "Superman"

The Punch Brothers

The Punch Brothers

T-Bone Burnett comes out on the stage again and describes Waiting for “Superman.” Go back to the top to learn about it all if you have skipped to the good music stuff 😉 However, I am sure you are more interested into The Punch Brothers. I know I was! The Punch Brothers were brought out and just slammed into your face with their raging bluegrass strings acoustic goodness…UGH!!!  It was so fast, like country rapping with yodeling mixed into the music.  At one point, As all this is going down, stage hands began to set in place two pianos, one slightly bigger then the other. My heart was pounding so fast.  Just seeing a piano enter a stage, I sometimes get shivers, my breath gets faster…like a complete upper has entered my body.  I am COMPLETELY addicted to pianos. It’s a deep rooted addiction stemming from my father playing piano every night after dinner in my house. So special. We were in for a treat.

T-Bone Burnett discusses Waiting for "Superman"

T-Bone Burnett discusses Waiting for "Superman"

Leon Russel

Leon Russel

The time had finally come.  The two men I had been waiting for all night. The two men who’s show I thought I would be seeing earlier that night in first place. Out walks Leon Russell, his silver mane glowing in the lights.  What a master. What a treat I was being delivered AND FOR $9 BUCKS!!!  Elton John followed close behind, both sitting at their respective pianos.

Tonight, Elton John and Leon Russell would be performing songs off their new cd, The Union.  Their first pick was the first song off the cd, “If It Wasn’t For Bad,” written by Leon Russell ad sang by both tonight. The pianos came alive so deeply, they were immediately above par for many piano players I had ever seen live.

Elton John and Leon Russell

Elton John and Leon Russell

Behind the duel pianos was a full house band, a horn section and four soulful backup singers who were so full of life.  I was drawn to one singer in particular who’s name I THINK is Lisa Stone. Sadly, I couldn’t catch their names when, at the end of the night, Elvis Costello threw everyone’s names out at warp speed. The drums were deep and powerful and the horn section ripped it.  This was the set we had all waited for and they were delivering right out he hatch.

Elton John and Leon Russell

Elton John and Leon Russell

Elton John

Elton John

The second song, I believe, was called “Gone to Shiloh.” Russ Paul’s pedal steel guitar solo was superb and there were no horns for this song.   The twelfth song off their studio album, “Hearts Have Turned to Stone,” was next.  It was a beautiful dueling piano tune and the backup singers were classic.  “Monkey Suit,” was next with Elton John on vocals, Leon Russell on lead piano. “Hey Ahab” was the last song picked from album and delivered to the audience.  Awesome!

Elton John and Leon Russell

Elton John and Leon Russell

Leon Russell

Leon Russell

The energy in this show was nothing compared to many shows that I attend, but the magic of it all wasn’t lost on me.  This was too cool.  I may never get to see Elton John again being that he could sell out MSG in a matter of minutes for $100 tickets.  Here we were, seeing him in a barely filled theater with numerous other artists for such a minimal price. it was blowing my mind.

Elvis Costello came out and began his goodbyes.  he blasted out the name of the horn sections, backup vocalists and the full house band so quickly! I was a bit frustrated about but alas.  (If there is anyone I have forgotten to mention that oyu notice please let me know!)

Elvis Costello Giving it up to the piano men!

Elvis Costello Giving it up to the piano men!

There was no encore really. Instead, as all the musicians on stage that night gathered one by one, they sang “There’s No Tomorrow.” T-Bone Burnett, lacking in view most of the night but his presence being ever present in each song’s note, joined the stage to a furry of handshakes and a standing ovation.

It was a simple night filled with a powerful energy all it’s own.  I spent a lovely night in my seat watching fabulous music meant to bring awareness to a meaningful documentary.  For $9, the night will never be forgotten. What a treat. I can’t wait to frame my poster 🙂

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