1.10 A wknd w/ Bandits on the Run
The trio on cold-plunging, Saloon Sessions and the first show of their Bowery Electric residency THIS MONDAY
Happy Friday!
Today Bands do BK is transforming into Bandits do BK for a special FOUR-DAY edition of THE SETLIST, courtesy of NPR-approved NYC trio Bandits on the Run!
Allow us to introduce the artists—and their aliases:
Sydney Shepherd — aka Bonanza Jellyfish — on cello.
Regina Strayhorn — aka Clarissa — on melodica.
& Adrian Enscoe — aka Roy Dodger — on guitar.
The band got their serendipitous start in the most NYC fashion imaginable: Adrian and Sydney met on the subway—a love story later documented by the Bandits themselves in both song and short-film form.
After meeting on the platform, the two soon became three with the addition of Regina, and the trio took their show from subterranean to sea level, bringing their songs and stories to stages across the city—including Broadway, where Adrian recently made his debut via Swept Away, the very good musical that had us dancing/sobbing in our seats.
The next one for the Bandits is Bowery Electric, where you’ll find the group performing five times in the coming months as part of their residency—which, btw, starts this Monday!
And if you feel like takin’ your fanfolkin’ on the road, the Bandits are also heading out on tour in February (which we imagine they’ll be doing in proper bandit fashion: by hopping boxcar trains, naturally).
But first thing’s first. Read on for four (!) sweet lil days packed with NYC activities, courtesy of these song-slingin’ scoundrels.
Then go forth and have a really great weekend.
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
FRIDAY
You wake up in Williamsburg, and drink a big ol’ cup of water. You get yourself together, and start your day with a really pretty walk in Marsha P Johnson State Park. Walk up and down the water, then slowly start making your way to The Butchers Daughter on Metropolitan Ave, where you’re gonna get a really yummy vegetarian breakfast. Next- it’s time to sweat out all your worries at The Russian Turkish Baths. Plan to be here for a few hours. Grab a beer on the roof. Soon after all that schvitzing and cold plunging you’re gonna be hungry again. So you’re gonna make your way down to B&H Dairy. We recommend the tuna melt with cheddar and jalapenos for a lil pep in ya step. Thank us later.
Now it’s time to head uptown. You’re gonna get a cortado at St. Kilda on W 44th street, and pick up your ticket to Cult of Love at Second Stage Theater, starring one of our best friends - actor/musician Christopher Sears!! It’s an incredible play that’ll make you want to call either your parents or your therapist- maybe both! It ends Feb 2nd, so you’ll be happy you caught it.
SATURDAY
You’re in the mood for a really good bagel. We’re talking reeeaaallly good smoked fish, the best ingredients, contender for the best bagel you’ve ever had kinda good. So you go to Simply Nova in East Williamsburg. We’re fueling up because we’re going thrift-store shopping today! We’re hitting up Plus BKLYN and Berriez for all our plus-size friends, in addition to Buffalo Exchange, Other People’s Clothes, and Beacons Closet. Whoopsie you brought one tote bag when maybe you should've brought a big backpack. But whatever, schlepping a new big haul of thrift store finds is a New York tradition! If you’re in the mood for pizza, you go to Carmine’s for dinner. If you’re in the mood for Ukrainian, you go to Veselka Williamsburg (which opened pretty recently). Then you end your night supporting live music by going to the best most beloved neighborhood bar in the known universe - Pete’s Candy Store. When you’re there, make sure to say Bandits on the Run send their love.
SUNDAY
Ok- last night was wild. So we’re starting slow this morning. We’re going to Topos Bookstore to get a latte and some new books and zines. Then top it off with an exquisite pastry from Bakeri. Then honestly just take a long wandering walk back home and then take a nap! Cause when you wake up, you’ll be heading to midtown - you’re getting dinner at P.S Kitchen, another gem of a vegetarian restaurant. Then you’re popping over to Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar for a Saloon Session- it’s a monthly show featuring musicians who are in the middle part of the Broadway and Folk venn diagram. If it’s sold out, come to the next one! Each show is lovingly curated by our bud, and Adrian’s Swept Away cast mate, Matt DeAngelis.
MONDAY
The day has come. You woke up and went to NewsBar. You went to IFC Film Center, and saw a really good independent movie. You got some unbelievably good ice cream at Salt & Straw and sampled each flavor without shame (because they encourage that there). You sauntered over to MUD and got a yummy dinner and damn good cappuccino. And then, wearing your new thrift-store finds, you meet up with your friends and come to the first night of our residency at Bowery Electric! Doors at 7, show at 8! Our dearest musical comrades Christopher and Sienna Sears will be opening! Later in the night you can tell Chris how much you enjoyed the play on Friday. And just like that, your long weekend is all wrapped up! As you go back home you blast Back Home. You take a look at your playbill, your new outfits, the book that called your name at Topos, and the pictures you took with your buds at Bowery Electric. As you fall asleep, you reconsider your general bias towards Mondays. Maybe Mondays….(one sheep and/ or bandit)....….(two sheeps and/or bandits)....aren’t always (three sheeps and/or bandits)..... so bad….
Itinerary above written + submitted by Bandits on the Run. Follow the band at @banditsontherun, buy merch at banditsontherun.nyc and add their songs to your Spotify playlists now!
Feature image provided by the band.
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
As LA tragically burns, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is stepping up to help artists affected. The org is “now accepting donations and applications for musicians and music industry workers impacted by the fires in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Funds raised will go towards loss of music-related equipment, medical bills related to the event, and other vital-living expenses.” Help if/how you can, and spread the word to those in need </3
The Our Wicked Lady Winter Madness Sweet 16 has BEEN ANNOUNCED! Congrats—and good luck—to all the bands who will be battling it out for $5,000 (+ fame, glory, etc.) every weekend this February.
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from (mostly) local (/once-local) artists we love… listed in no particular order whatsoever — & now embedded 4 extra watching/listening ease.
“Great Design” // Consumables
Fuck // Tits Dick Ass
“Bangkok” // wakelee
“Lawrence Bigando” // My Son The Doctor
THE SETLIST by Bands do BK is a reader-supported publication that’s freeeee. BUT! If you want to become a paid subscriber to show some love and support the work BdBK is doing… well, hey. That’d be pretty rad of you. <3