12.8 A wknd w/ Redbud
The Austin artist on park lazin', barista botherin' and the BdBK holiday show and sock drive TONIGHT at Arlene's Grocery
HAPPY FRIDAY! Wow, these things just keep comin’, huh? Let’s talk weekend~
While we are highly dedicated to the practice of punk-rock time (aka showing up at least 30 minutes late to brunch, parties, funerals and the occasional podiatrist appointment) (people love it!), this evening we’re going to temporarily abandon this philosophy in favor of pretending that time is more than just a construct dude in order to do what has never, ever been done before: Show up to a show… on time.
GASP!
WHAT?
Ikr?!
Do yourself a favor and join us in making this very official (very temporary) PUNCTUALITY PLEDGE, because tonight at Arlene’s, the early bird gets the (ear)worm courtesy of the dreamiest of bands Redbud, who is kicking off our holiday party and sock drive—followed by Tennis Courts, Wakelee, SKORTS and Jelly Kelly—at 7 PM SHARP.
Please bring a pair of new/unworn/clean socks to donate to Knock Knock Give a Sock, who will distribute them to our neighbors in need. Grab your tix here.
As for the Redbud/BdBK love story, we first caught the Austin-based act perform at Greenpoint loft No Hassle Castle a few months ago and instantly became infatuated with the whole Redbud sound and overall ~vibe~. So when Katie mentioned she was planning on coming back to NYC soon, we pretty much insisted on booking her for three shows. (And then maybe copied her haircut. Which is what they call playing it coooool, kids.)
If you missed Redbud on Tuesday, no stress! If you missed Redbud on Wednesday, no worries! Because tonight, you have ONE MORE CHANCE to witness their “whimsical, psychedelic tones and meditative, soul-exposing lyrics” before the band bounces back south for the season.
They say everything is bigger in Texas, so come out to help us prove that crowds are at least one exception as this evening we get together to ring this weekend in right. And as for the rest of your plans for the next few days, Katie might be a visitor, but there’s no Times Square or Rockefeller Tree sitch on this atypical tourist’s itinerary. Instead read on for the artist’s local-level tips for lazin’ and laughin’ on a winter weekend in the city.
Yeehaw! It’s gonna be a nice one, baby.
We’ll see you out there <3
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
Yes, I am an Austinite. Happy, sunny, golden retriever lifestyle. HOWEVER, the messy, noisy, delicious intensity of NYC (which you are all familiar with) sweeps me off my feet every visit.
And for this weekend? Right now while I'm in town? Here's how i'll be scratching that NY itch before I am cast away to the south to hibernate for winter (in 50 degree weather).
FRIDAY
(Ridgewood --> Arlenes)
-I start everyday w my basic lil oat milk matcha bev. If you are trying to make me smile, you will likely accomplish w a matcha related gift. For Ry, it’s an oat milk latte. Anyways, I'm gonna drop Milk & Pull bc their matcha is the best I’ve been exposed to here in town.
-Next, pop over to Other People’s Clothes. I once found a dream shirt for $15 here, said "i’m gonna think about it" only to return 3 hours later to purchase and she (the shirt) was gone! POOF!
- Finish your beautiful NY day of Dec 8th at Arlene’s Grocery (duh bc we're playing!!)
SATURDAY
This weekend, it’s a walk in Prospect Park that will start my day off strong, weather permitting.
Then I'll likely pop by La Bicyclette Bakery to harass my FAVORITE BARISTA DAVID, who also (coincidentally) drums with Redbud in NYC. One helluva drummer.
Wrap up your Saturday at Ornithology. Ya, i'm admitting to liking jazz, what are you gonna do about it?
SUNDAY
Early morning scallion bacon/egg/chz at Win Son - bc ain't nobody do it like WS.
Mid-day park laze at Marsha P. Johnson in Wburg. W a book or a very funny friend.
Comedy Cellar is where this adventure ends. It’s an iconic spot and I love watching people bomb and/or make me cry laugh!
Itinerary above written + submitted by Redbud. Follow the artist at @redbud.dy, buy music on Bandcamp and add the songs to your Spotify playlists!
Feature image provided by the artist.
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are once again approaching the most magical day of the year: BAND LOTTERY, BABY—January 6th, 2024, presented by East Williamsburg Econo Lodge and bandnada!
For those unfamiliar, here’s the rundown: Artists sign up ahead of time (as individuals) then show up to the Lodge on Saturday morning. Names are picked from a hat to form bands; these brand-new bands go off to rehearsal spaces to write some songs; and everyone returns that night to debut their new groups at a show that’s open to the public. Music is made, friendships are forged and lasting collaborations are kickstarted. Plus it’s relaly really fun.
(Video recap from last year’s band lotto ^)
Nothing exemplifies the creativity and community that define our scene more than this event, and it’s truly the most magical thing ever. Find info, RSVP and sign up to participate here.
ICYMI, the saintly show aggregators at Oh My Rockness dropped their annual list of NYC’s hardest-working bands and it is—no surprise—chock-full of our friends and faves. Check it out here.
All of our love and appreciation to the team at OMR for truly doing god’s work. WE <3 YOU!
Huge thanks to everyone who came out to STRONG LITTLE SONGS on Tuesday and to Redbud, Sam Zalta, co-host/bodega santa Arlo Indigo and the amazing Doak Hensley (who was legit recruited on the subway to fill in like two hours before the show) for playing. Together, we raised $406 for Toys for Tots!
That’s a wrap for year two of SLS, which over six shows pulled in more than $1680 for some very important orgs. Extremely stoked to be able to do this and eternally grateful to everyone who has played, participated and come out to hang out and make it happen. C U IN 2024 ❤️
For future show-planning purposes, we’d like to direct your attention to an event planned by a BdBK pal — Down & Out NYC Presents: Mei Semones and Eliza Edens—on December 21st. Good music and vibes and apparently seafood shall abound. Info and tix available here.
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from local (+ occasionally, once-local) artists we love, listed in no order whatsoever:
“Dead Lands” // Punchlove
KILL! KILL! // Frida Kill
“Honey Locust” // Birthday Girl
“S4th and Wythe” // Drive-In
“Hysteria” // Pan Arcadia
“Nowhere” // Middle Part
“And You’re Beginning to Feel” (Mon cher Guy Remix) // HNRY FLWR, Mon cher Guy
“Process” // Dolly
IT’S HAPPENIN’
12/8: HOLIDAY BASH + SOCK DRIVE 2 ft. Jelly Kelly, SKORTS, Wakelee, Tennis Courts, Redbud @ Arlene’s Grocery - Tix here
(Special thanks to Ryan Minter of the very good band Buff Ginger for the two very good flyers!)
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
Thx 4 reading! Find more fun stuff at bandsdobk.com and @bandsdobk. <3
Order the Bands do BK BOOK (!) (out now via Lit Riot Press) here.