1.27 A "wknd" w/ GIFT
The band on gin gimlets, rockumentaries and their show TONIGHT at Berlin (part of the three-night, three-venue fest raising money for LA fire relief!)
HAPPY… Monday?!
Recently read that when things feel awful and overwhelming in the macro, it makes what we do in the micro even more important, and in times of tragedy, the beauty, generosity and comfort of our community is more evident than ever.
In the wake of the recent fires in LA, when so many people lost so much, the artists and venues in our city responded immediately, putting together a three-day festival across three venues with an absolutely insane lineup —
And the event kicks off TONIGHT at Berlin, Heaven Can Wait and Bowery Electric!
In honor of this fest, we’re officially bumping the weekend back (forward?) (both?!) to today, with an itinerary courtesy of the musical gift that is GIFT, who are performing TONIGHT at Berlin!
Last August, GIFT dropped their album Illuminator, which landed slots on best-of-the-year lists from Rolling Stone, KEXP and more. (The ~more~ including prominent DJs plus music-obsessed civilians such as our Dutch pals, who saw GIFT play in The Netherlands and sent us very enthusiastic whatsapp messages voicing their approval.) (And the Dutch are very honest folk.)
Pre-game with the dream of an album from a dream of a band, and don’t miss your opp to catch GIFT—in, btw, a far more intimate setting than usual; they played Bowery Ballroom on Saturday—TONIGHT.
Pause those NYT notifications, hug your friends and let’s all stay focused on what we can do. It really does make a difference.
Sending all the love in the world your way. Have a great couple days <3
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
MONDAY
I don’t drink coffee so I don’t have morning coffee to recommend but I would highly suggest starting the day with an acai bowl from Pitanga.
After that make sure you stop by Billy’s Record Salon, and check out our new record Illuminator. After that happy hour at Alphaville, make sure to get the Gin Gimlet.
I’m going to be stopping by the Spacey Jane show at Baby’s All Right for a DJ set before our set at Berlin. Spacey Jane is an amazing rock band from Perth, Australia and we’re lucky to see them play an intimate venue like Baby’s All Right.
Then make your way to the East Village, GIFT is playing a benefit to support those affected by the Los Angeles fires, at Berlin. Full of great NYC bands, this is not one to miss.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday nurse the hangover with an afternoon brunch at Baby Blues Luncheonette. The Plato's Plate is the plate to get.
After that I’ll be seeing DIG XX, the 20th anniversary of the iconic rockumentary by Ondi Timoner about the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Dandy Warhols at IFC Center in Manhattan.
If you’re feeling up for it, get a drink at the 101 Nightclub at 101 Ave A (old pyramid location) to get a nightcap.
WEDNESDAY
Wake up and take a walk around McCarren Park then head into the city to go to the newly opened Funny Bar, it’s a great vibe and great people.
After that I’ll be going to see Patton Magee (of the Nude Party), Laura Jean Anderson and more at Berlin for the NYC bands for the LA Fire relief benefit show.
Itinerary above written + submitted by GIFT. Follow the band at @gift_nyc, buy music on bandcamp and add their songs to your Spotify playlists now!
Feature image (provided by the band): Chris Hogge
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
On the LA fire-relief front, also stoked to share our next STRONG LITTLE SONGS bill, featuring AVATAREDEN, Grape Wayne, Wolf Van Elfmand and our co-host with the most Arlo Indigo — this round raising money for Sweet Relief to support Los Angeles artists in need. Meet us at BdBK HQ (or tune in via IG) on 2/4 for a sweet little evening of stripped-down sets for a very important cause. As always, BYOB and donation-based, and we’ll be matching the first $100 in donations (and making vegan cookies, duh). DM @bandsdobk 4 ADDRESS <3
As we continue to raise awareness about Our Wicked Lady’s plight, we spent some time at the venue chatting with Sarah (private events and social media) and Christiana (booking), who have been working behind the scenes at OWL for the last decade, hosting not just shows but weddings, birthday parties and more, while also taking on fundraising initiatives to raise money for important causes and support our community. Check out part one and part two of the interview, and consider giving what you can to keep OWL’s doors open.
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.
“Black Cherry” // Brandi and the Alexanders
“Flowers” video // High.
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