The Ponkiesblogtag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog/22008-11-19T19:41:42ZThe Ponkiesblog: Bluegrass, old-time and traditional country music in Brooklyn.Movable Type 3.35Five Years Of the Opry, and Much Moretag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2442008-11-19T19:39:23Z2008-11-19T19:41:42ZWe have another jam-packed (and gig-packed) week, with many more shows than any one person can attend including the fifth anniversary of the one and only Kings County Opry. None of us can do it alone, so get out and...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.comcheck the calendar.]]>
Tonight, Wednesday, we have the usual jams at the Grizzly Pear and at Jalopy, along with the Tin Roof Trio at Bar Reis (starting at 9, not 8 as previously published), and Will Scott and Wiley Worth at 68 Jay Street. Smokey Hormel plays Sunny's, and for those of you fond of a different kind of string, it's also knitting (and other crafting night).
Also tonight, a last-minute appearance by the Two Lost Turkeys at Ellis Bar in the south Slope. No, that's not an opportunity to snag Thanksgiving dinner for you and a friend, it's old-time music with Michelle Yu, Joel Wennerstrom, Nat Rowan, Rob O'Sullivan and Charlie Shaw.
More great old-time on Thursday night when Harry Bolick and other conspirators play at Devil Moon. Andy Mullen does his originals at Jalopy, and John Pinamonti brings his great songs and band to the Far North, which is to say Riverdale, for a show at An Beal Bocht. And Cardigan Dan brings Good Greasy and Baked to the Alphabet Lounge in the East Village.
And last but quite the opposite of least, we have a big anniversary happening on Thursday. The Kings County Opry is starting its fifth year at Freddy's, with a great night of music including Dock Oscar's own Ambassadors Of Love, the "Earth, Wind & Fire" of string bands: The M Shanghai String Band (I'm trying to figure out if this means they've acquired a horn section or new gold-lame outfits), and heart-breaking honky tonk with Rench. Plus raffles and prizes and other Opry goodness. The KCO has been a great showcase for local bands and songwriters for years and Dock deserves a big hand so come out and celebrate with him.
So, that's Brooklyn for you. Too much to do on a THURSDAY night. And Friday? Fugghedaboutit. First of all, Kate Giampetruzzi will be playing her original songs at Sunny's with a new band -- Alice Bierhorst and Walt Wells on drums and bass, Paul Cabri on guitar, and myself on harmonica. She'll be alternating sets with Tone Johansen, whose band will feature the same rhythm section, along with Bob Hoffnar on pedal-steel and Charlie Burnham on violin. There's also an art opening by Helen Quinn: The Vacationing Ventriloquist and Other Characters.
Also Friday, there's a great doubleheader at Jalopy. Hilary Hawke and John Dyer will be doing originals and covers, opening for Kings County Strings with special guest Rob Hecht, and you know what that means -- him and Kari on some great double fiddle work with funky rhythms and uncommon tunes.
On Saturday, Andrew and Nancy Hunt play the brunch at Nolita House, while that evening Andy Mullen is out in Williamsburg at Spike Hill, while John Pinamonti plays Hill Country, and of course, there will be a jam at Sunny's. On Sunday, the South Slope String Band plays brunch at Superfine and Fresh Baked does the same at Nolita House.
Monday night is the slow jam at Paddy Reilly's and the weekly jam at Jalopy, plus Pete Elegant hosts a (presumably quite fast) jam at the Underground Lounge on the Upper West Side. At the Parkside, Trip and Emily (aka Whistling Rufus) play at 7.30 followed by All Night Cookin at 9.30.
Shotgun Partytag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2422008-11-09T17:11:52Z2008-11-09T17:16:32Z Shotgun Party Shotgun Party, an Austin band that includes former Brooklynite Katy Rose Cox on fiddle and my neighbor Jared Engel on bass, came through Brooklyn on tour this weekend. I caught them earlier in the week when they...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com Shotgun Party
Shotgun Party, an Austin band that includes former Brooklynite Katy Rose Cox on fiddle and my neighbor Jared Engel on bass, came through Brooklyn on tour this weekend. I caught them earlier in the week when they made a stop in West Virginia while I was there, and both shows were outstanding. 68 Jay was mobbed and everyone was really into the show, which featured Jared's debut on tuba. They're playing the brunch at Superfine this morning as I write, and the tour continues with a stop in Cleveland next.
Lots more photos on the blog.
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A Great Weektag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2432008-11-07T17:17:13Z2008-11-09T17:18:47ZWell, I'm back from old-time music in West Virginia and electioneering in Pennsylvania and celebrating in Washington DC. Happy to be back. And just plain happy. And ready to see some music. Let's start with tonight, when Jonah Bruno and...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
Well, I'm back from old-time music in West Virginia and electioneering
in Pennsylvania and celebrating in Washington DC. Happy to be back.
And just plain happy.
And ready to see some music. Let's start with tonight, when Jonah
Bruno and Dennis Lichtman play the Delta Grill in Hell's Kitchen, oh
pardon me, Clinton. The Havens are at Sidewalk, and a band called
Viva! is at Sunny's. Tone says, "Anybody that likes to see girls rock
out, this is the show for you!"
Tomorrow, you can have some great French Toast at Nolita House while
listening to Andrew and Nancy Hunt, along with guest Jonah Bruno.
There's a lot more than that on the menu though, so go back on Sunday
to catch Fresh Baked.
Saturday night, Katy Rose Cox comes back to Brooklyn for a gig with
Shotgun Party at 68 Jay Street. They happened to be playing West
Virginia when I was out there and I caught the show -- they rocked a
room full of strangers in a little mountain town. They'll also be
playing the brunch at Superfine on Sunday.
Saturday night, John Pinamonti will be playing Freddy's, followed by
Gary Keennan's American String Conspiracy. Charlie Shaw will be
barefootin' on drums the whole night so you know it will be a rocking
time. Afterwards, head on down to Sunny's.
We'll be jamming at Kili on Sunday, as well as at Paddy Reilly's, plus
that night there are some Exceedingly Good Songs at Banjo Jim's. The
slow jam will be at Paddy Reilly's on Monday, and then on Tuesday
there's a very special Veteran's Day show at the All Souls Unitarian
Church in Manhattan: "The Young, the Tender and the Brave: Music of
Courage and Loss in Wartime." Classic songs from the Civil War
onwards, performed by a bunch of great performers.
Correction and Some Addendatag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2382008-10-17T00:03:34Z2008-10-17T00:04:39ZThe jam at the Underground Lounge, on the Upper West Side, is on Monday nights, not Wednesdays, at 9pm. It was right in the newsletter but wrong in the calendar. Also, the Ragpickers are playing at Sunny's on Friday, with...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
The calendar is also updated, as always.]]>
Octoberfest and More!tag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2372008-10-16T20:47:26Z2008-10-17T00:03:29ZSorry to be late this week, but I spent yesterday working with power tools instead of newsletters. Tonight, we have two great events. There's an Octoberfest old-time spectacular at Jalopy, with Kari Denis and Michelle Yu on fiddle, Joe Costa...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
Check out the full calendar!]]>
October Surprisetag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2352008-10-01T19:00:53Z2008-10-01T19:02:04ZWhat? October? How'd that happen? Don't worry, play bluegrass. Join the Sheriff at the Good Times Jam at the Grizzly Pear, or stop by the Angel Band jam in Park Slope. Or you can play some gypsy jazz with Franglais....Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
Check the calendar for updates and details!]]>
Red Hook Bluestag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2342008-09-26T17:36:32Z2008-09-26T17:38:37Z Ann Rabson Ann Rabson and Bob Guida tore up Jalopy with some great solo blues last night. Ann played a lot of her originals, even some of her "pro-woman" songs despite the Sarah Palin candidacy, including her famous "Don't...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com Ann Rabson
Ann Rabson and Bob Guida tore up Jalopy with some great solo blues last night. Ann played a lot of her originals, even some of her "pro-woman" songs despite the Sarah Palin candidacy, including her famous "Don't Treat Your Man Like a Dog" (the dog is the hero of that song), on both guitar and piano. Bob Guida opened, playing an old Gretsch built in Brooklyn, filing the place as usual with his powerful voice.
And both of them made a point of thanking Geoff and Lynnette and talking about how wonderful Jalopy is. We're really lucky to have such a great music venue, run by people who love the music and the community, so much.
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Fall Into Pickin'tag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2322008-09-25T12:23:19Z2008-09-25T12:24:56ZIt's actually fall, which means you probably want to be inside with some good hot music. And as usual you have plenty of opportunities. Note that there is no Whiskey Wednesday tonight, because 68 Jay Street is being renovated, but...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
It's actually fall, which means you probably want to be inside with
some good hot music. And as usual you have plenty of opportunities.
Note that there is no Whiskey Wednesday tonight, because 68 Jay Street
is being renovated, but when it returns it will be a much larger venue,
so that's good news. Instead, Will Scott will be at Two Boots on
Friday and the Dumbo Arts Festival (in front of 68 Jay) on Saturday.
Other than that the usual jams are happening tonight, plus Smokey
Hormel is a tSunny's and the Havens are at Trash Bar in Williamsburg.
Tomorrow night the Jones Street Boys play Union Hall, and the
CashHank will be on at Buttermilk, while Rob Hecht plays a midnight
show at Rockwood. Also on Thursday, Jalopy has a HELL of a blues
doubleheader, with the mighty-voiced Bob Guida opening for Ann
Rabson, of Saffire: The Uppity Blues Women. She's pretty amazing on
both piano and guitar; that will be a hell of a show.
Saturday night Jamie Lyn brings a flight of Honky Tonk Angels to
Banjo Jim's, plus there will be a jam at Sunny's.
Also, on October 5, I will be doing the BikeMS charity ride, in
support of the NY chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
You can donate to them through my ride page at:
http://msnyc.kintera.org/bikems/kenficara
The Brooklyn Country Music Festivaltag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2312008-09-22T14:54:07Z2008-09-22T14:55:03Z Brooklyn Country Music Festival I wasn't able to see as much of it as I would have liked, but hats off to Alex for a rollicking time at Southpaw this past weekend. This is the fifth year of the...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com Brooklyn Country Music Festival
I wasn't able to see as much of it as I would have liked, but hats off to Alex for a rollicking time at Southpaw this past weekend. This is the fifth year of the festival, and just stop and think about that for a second -- five years of being able to fill several nights (one year, I think it was a full week) with fantastic local country bands -- lots of original tunes, great playing, and enthusiastic crowds. We got it good here!
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The Plunk Brotherstag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2262008-09-07T14:53:55Z2008-09-07T15:02:52Z The Plunk Brothers Bob Jones and Boo Reiners, and everyone else who braved Tropical Storm Hanna, had a great time at Barbes on Saturday night. The two guitarists, and their microphone, did a long set of old favorites and...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com The Plunk Brothers
Bob Jones and Boo Reiners, and everyone else who braved Tropical Storm Hanna, had a great time at Barbes on Saturday night. The two guitarists, and their microphone, did a long set of old favorites and some new songs including a version of "It's All Your Fault" by Wade Ray that included some indelicate lyrics in Yiddish that I don't think were in the original version. Whether it's the crack musicianship, the spirit of their performances, or Bob's talents as a comedian (and Boo's as a straight man), their shows are always worth venturing out in a storm for.
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Summer's Overtag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2292008-09-05T15:41:32Z2008-09-08T03:24:07ZSorry to be late with the newsletter this week, but my summer ended with a bang (a good one), so I'm just getting to it now. There's a lot going on so listen carefully, I'm only going to read this...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
Sorry to be late with the newsletter this week, but my summer ended
with a bang (a good one), so I'm just getting to it now. There's a
lot going on so listen carefully, I'm only going to read this list
once.
Tonight, you have a great double bill at Jalopy. Jonah Bruno and the
South Slope String Band, followed by the Y'all Stars, all at a
wonderful music venue well worth supporting. Meanwhile in Park Slope,
Bob Guida brings Raoul Otis and His Blue Serenaders to Barbes, while
further out in Red Hook, Chris Orbach (son of Jerry) plays at Sunny's.
On Saturday night there's a rare treat at Barbes, as Boo Reiners and
Bob Jones get together for a Plunk Brothers show. Two guitarists and
a microphone, as they like to say.
Sunday, Sean Kershaw does brunch at the Red Hook Rocky Sullivan's, and
from there you can head to the Paddy Reilly's jam or the Pickin' Party
at Kili. Earlier in the day, Emily Eagen and Don Friedman are having
their vocal harmony workshop at Jalopy. Contact Jalopy at 718-395-3214
or email them at jalopy@speakeasy.net to register.
Monday night is the slow jam at Paddy Reilly's, and the jam at Jalopy
as well. Also, Joshua Sanders plays Niagra. On Tuesday Fresh Baked is at
Abilene.
And don't forget, the Park Slope Bluegrass and Old-Time Jamboree is
next weekend, September 12-14. This year celebrates the 50th anniversary
of the New Lost City Ramblers, with appearances by two of the founding
members. As usual this year will start with a Friday night concert by
James Reams and the Barnstormers, followed by a full day of workshops
and jamming on Saturday, all at the Brooklyn Society For Ethical
Culture on Prospect Park West. New this year, the event extends to
Sunday, with more workshops at Jalopy in Red Hook. Schedule details
are below. The following weekend, the 19th and 20th, is the Brooklyn
Country Music Festival. Watch this space for details!
Labor Day Is Comingtag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2282008-08-27T17:39:48Z2008-09-08T03:20:56ZThe holiday weekend is coming up but except as noted below, most of the usual events are happening, for those who know that the city is a GREAT place to be on a holiday weekend. **SPECIAL NOTE**: The country blues...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
The holiday weekend is coming up but except as noted below, most of
the usual events are happening, for those who know that the city is a
GREAT place to be on a holiday weekend.
**SPECIAL NOTE**: The country blues jam at Jalopy is cancelled this
Monday, because of the Labor Day holiday, but it will be back next
week.
Hilary Hawke is at Sunny's with her trio tonight, while Will Scott is
at 68 Jay Street and Reckon So plays the Rodeo. All the usual jams are
happening as well.
Will Scott is also at Jalopy on Friday night, for a double header with
Jan Bell. Meanwhile the Woes are at Sunny's, where Sunny will be
celebrating his birthday.
Next week, Mamie Minch plays the Rodeo on Monday, while Michael Daves
has his monthly jam at the Parkside. Tuesday the Brooklyn Country
Guitar Pull is at Pete's Candy Store.
And don't forget, the Park Slope Bluegrass and Old-Time Jamboree is
coming up, September 12-14. This year celebrates the 50th anniversary
of the New Lost City Ramblers, with appearances by two of the founding
members. As usual this year will start with a Friday night concert by
James Reams and the Barnstormers, followed by a full day of workshops
and jamming on Saturday, all at the Brooklyn Society For Ethical
Culture on Prospect Park West. New this year, the event extends to
Sunday, with more workshops at Jalopy in Red Hook. Schedule details
are below. The following weekend, the 19th and 20th, is the Brooklyn
Country Music Festival. Watch this space for details!
Hot Music and Chilly Nightstag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2272008-08-20T20:17:21Z2008-09-08T03:21:32ZThere's a bit of a fall nip in the air tonight, so come in out of the night chill and see some music. There's plenty of it! Read on for details of all the shows this weekend....Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com
There's a bit of a fall nip in the air tonight, so come in out of the night chill and see some music. There's plenty of it! Read on for details of all the shows this weekend.
Hilary Hawke will be at Sunny's tonight, along with Brian Geltner and
Mike Brown, playing songs from her album-in-progress as well as some
old-time and bluegrass favorites. Also tonight Will Scott plays at 68
Jay Street, Franglais plays gypsy jazz and invites others to do so as
well in Park Slope, there are Roots and Ruckus at Jalopy, and the
Sheiff is of course having Good Times at the Grizzly Pear.
Tonight, Thursday and Friday are the last performnaces of 12 Ophelias
at McCarren Park. The Jones Street Boys composed the score and will be
playing following the final performance on Friday.
Thursday night is Dock Oscar's incomparable Kings County Opry,
starting with the song circle at 8.30, followed by Brad Einhorn's
Kings County Strings and the never-sleeping Citigrass. Also Thursday,
Bob Hoffnar plays a set at Barbes and bluesman Frank Schaap is at
Jalopy.
And Friday night, Kari wants all you Ashokanites-in-exile to put on
your dancing shoes and come down to Jalopy for a double bill of
bluegrass and old-time. Briar Patch, a new old-time band featuring
Kari, Charlie Shaw on guitar, Jeff Ratner on bass, and other stars,
will be playing first, followed by Kings County Strings, with Brad,
Kari, Jeff, Matt Check, and Joel Turoff. Come down for a little bit of
Ashokan in Brooklyn. Ashookyn, you could say. (Or not.)
Saturday the Y'all Stars return from their summer vacation for a show
at Googie's, featuring close harmonies, impeccable kickoffs, and
bright shiny new strings on Fran's guitar. Miz Liz and the Vipers will
start things off.
All the usual jams are jamming, so come down to Sunny's or Kili or
Paddy Reilly's on either Sunday or Monday depending whether you like
your jams fast (Sunday) or slow (Monday). Also Monday, Vincent Cross
is at the Parkside. Tuesday night Michael Daves is at Rockwood
followed by an all-original set by Rob Hecht, Ross Martin, Jay Foote,
and David Caldwell Mason. And the Second Fiddles provide (no doubt
appropriate) music for a burlesque show at Rodeo.
Some big events in September to keep in mind: The Park Slope Jamboree
happens on September 12 and 13, and while we haven't heard any details
yet, it's never failed to be fun. The following weekend, the 19th and
20th, is the Brooklyn Country Music Festival. Watch this space for
details!
Got Brooklyn!tag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2242008-08-13T13:27:31Z2008-08-13T13:33:53Z Got Brooklyn! Southern Week at Ashokan has definitely got Brooklyn, thanks in no small part to Kari. We're all having a great time this week, and some of us (well, me, but also Trip and Emily, Joe Bass, and...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com Got Brooklyn!
Southern Week at Ashokan has definitely got Brooklyn, thanks in no small part to Kari. We're all having a great time this week, and some of us (well, me, but also Trip and Emily, Joe Bass, and Michelle, who aren't at Ashokan) were at Old-TIme Week at the Augusta Heritage Festival in West Virginia last week, so it's been a good month so far.
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Kings County Stringstag:ponkiesburg.com,2008:/blog//2.2222008-07-25T22:29:37Z2008-07-25T22:32:39Z Kings County Strings Brad Einhorn's Kings County Strings (the band, not the store) did a nice show at Jalopy last night, mixing up traditional tunes and medleys with some solid bluegrass and some nice covers including their version of...Kenhttp://www.ponkiesburg.com Kings County Strings
Brad Einhorn's Kings County Strings (the band, not the store) did a nice show at Jalopy last night, mixing up traditional tunes and medleys with some solid bluegrass and some nice covers including their version of "Help!" Orrin Starr opened with some really nice work on banjo, mandolin and guitar, along with Bill Christopherson on fiddle and Russell Scholl on guitar.
