2.1 A wknd w/ Jelly Kelly
The band on lunch and tats and lunch tats—plus their show TONIGHT at Our Wicked Lady
TGIT BABY!
FYI, in honor of our February residency at OWL, this SETLIST—and the next four—will be hitting on Thursday instead of Friday, presenting you with a weekly permission slip to start your weekend 24 hours early. (If your teacher/boss/partner//parent/postman/landlord/bodega bro has a problem, plz just send them our way!)
As is fitting for February, we are here to talk about a band we truly LOVE: Jelly Kelly!
When we first met Keith at a Sofar Sounds show in a midtown office building circa 2018 (weird), his focus was on Monogold, the band he was fronting at the time, and Jelly Kelly was but a humble side project—one that has since turned main event.
And you know we gotta talk about the band name—a rhyme reclaimed from Keith’s childhood, when bullies at the bus stop would chant “Jelly Kelly”—plus other equally clever and creative variations, we’re sure—to taunt him. (We have to imagine “Smelly Kelly” was one of them, but obviously that isn’t a very good band name.) (Or, for that matter, an accurate one. WE HAVE HUGGED HIM! WE CAN ATTEST!)
And that story makes us sad for little baby Keith! 😢 BUT JOKE’S ON YOU, (FORMER) CHILDREN! Because everyone knows the kids who are most mocked at the bus stop end up being the raddest of adults, and that applies ten- or twenty-fold for Keith, who is one of the most talented (see not just music but multimedia art), cool (see shark-tooth earring + “lunch” tattoo) and kind people we know. (Ask Justin of Sharkswimmer about the night the artists first met in the bathroom at Brooklyn Bazaar—RIP—where Keith pulled out a pair of tweezers to remove an ear plug that had lodged itself freakishly deep in Justin’s ear canal.)
At this point, the year of our lord 2024, we’ve seen/booked Jelly Kelly approximately a gazillion times, guzzled ( + tried not to barf up) a good amount of 99 Bananas with the band on the radio, and written about then bought of piece of Keith’s aforementioned art.
This is all to say that WE RUN THE JELLY KELLY FAN CLUB, BABEZ, and we will be recruiting members TONIGHT when Keith, Nicolas Dube (guitar), Jared Apuzzo (drums) and new bassist Marina Ross (of New Myths fame!) hit the stage at Our Wicked Lady with A Very Special Episode, WifeKnife and King Bug.
Now please read on for the sweetest SETLIST you ever did see and have an extra long and extra beautiful weekend that will evidently be full of lots and lots of food.
(Sidenote: Suck it bullies!)
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
THURSDAY
Its Thursday, just about the weekend, soooo might as well say F it and start doing what you want at the places you love right now! Procrastinate now don't put it off. Scratch that, do not procrastinate!! Leave your damn house, smell the beautiful streets of New York and its cornucopia of confusing musk. The fragrances of pizza, tacos, garbage, chicken wings, piss, BBQ, exhaust, Chinese food, halal trucks, garbage, falafel, cheeseburgers, pho, gyro pitas, chopped cheese, garbage and piss.Take it aaaaaallll in and your immediately reminded that you’re in the best city in the goddamn world. Alright so it's time for my absolute favorite word in any language. Lunch. The thought of it, the announcement of it, the invitation to it has always and always will make me nothing but happy. So first head to 3432 Nostrand Ave in Brooklyn to the infamous and slept-on Brennan And Carr.
This is a no-bullshit roast beef sandwich place that has been doing their thing since 1938. If you're a real health nut, such as myself, get yourself what is called a “KFJ,” which stands for “knife fork job." It’s a roast beef sandwich with onions and cheese served floating in a BOWL of beef au jus (Brenann’s beef broth) which is next level amazing! Get some fries and mozz sticks as well, cuz well… we’re all gonna die at some point anyway… might as well act accordingly. Next head over to Greenpoint’s Dream Fishing Tackle. The front of this place is super deceptive. It’s sort of like a fishing and tackle/antique store? Yup it is, but the whole back has an amazing vinyl section. Happy hunting! As the bowl of gravy you've digested about an hour ago starts pulling you down to the ground filling you with the desire to nap or pass away, it’s essential now to grab a coffee. Head over to Cafe Grumpy, to grab a cup. Take a little stroll thru McGolrick Park by Driggs and Monitor St. while you’re at it, maybe check out the action at the dog park as well. I’m guessing a little chihuahua named Brittany is running that yard. Start heading toward Our Wicked Lady now to catch the Bands do BK presents show with Jelly Kelly, A Very Special Episode, King Bug and Wifeknife!!! Also on your way dip back into a record shop really quick, Human Head to be exact.
Ya just gotta double back sometimes because the records that you had in your head to search for you can never remember until you leave the store. Now's your second chance. Ok now go to the show, grab a drink, see some lovely peeps and see some rad ass bands! Not a bad Thursday!
FRIDAY
Alright well it’s Friday, ya did it! Did what I don't know, but accept the pat on the back. You deserve this day. Let's head out and slowly attempt to awake at Variety Coffee. Alright! Usually after a rocket-fueled Americano I am now fully ready to shit my pants. That quickly subsides upon the realization that I’m actually starving! I’m thinking salmon-colored walls, gaudy brass chandeliers, an old cigarette machine and a wait staff in tuxedos. Also this place is tucked away on a quiet residential street and has been since 1900! It’s actually the oldest Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. It’s Bamonte’s! So get yourself over there for some lunch! I love going there for lunch. Of course it’s mostly known as a dinner spot, but the daytime vibe there is lovely. Super chill and quiet. You can watch the cooks prepping the homemade pasta for the night in the see in kitchen. There’s nothing like putting your feet up and watching a movie post-Italian meal, so head on over to BAM for a late afternoon film, first stopping at one of my favorite book stores Greenlight Books. Maybe check out Thurston Moores new book Sonic Life. It meanders in the beginning but picks up! Speaking of meandering it’s time get moving. There’s still some time if ya wanna check out a late show that’s a bit different and off the beaten path. Yup you guessed it, it’s Andre 3000 at the Blue Note!
First of all the Blue Note is amazing! Sure that area has sorta become a spectacle of wankers at night, especially a Friday night, but it’s def worth trudging through the idiot puke to get there. I just listened to an episode of “Broken Record” with Andre 3000 and he was super candid about his reluctance and insecurities about himself as a “Hip Hop” artist and that’s why he’s sorta been out of the limelight for awhile, mostly reclusive and teaching himself different instruments (the saxophone, flute, etc). So this show should be interesting and I’m guessing pretty honest to say the least. Since you’re already in the neighborhood go to Mamouns Falafel. It’s by far the best in NYC and that’s saying a lot! Also their tomato curry soup is ridiculous! Alright head home with your new falafel friend and sweet dreams.
SATURDAY
Saturday it is!! Maybe start your day with a rainbow cookie??? I don’t know it just seems like the right thing to do and how could starting the day with a rainbow cookie not always be correct?? Grab a cookie or any other pastry of your liking along with a cappuccino at Fortunato Brothers. They’ve been crushing cannolis since 1976 and are still some of the best in Brooklyn. Such a great vibe, especially over the winter! Now that you’re riding that rainbow buzz head on out to the Palace for some snacks. The Palace has been a neighborhood staple since 1933 and still is (thanks to Rita mad Mary whom essentially brought back to life again!). Well look who’s behind the bar… it’s Jelly Kelly’s own Nicolas Dubè! Not only is he a pretty great guitar player but he’s also a terrible bartender. Grouchy AF too. I kid I kid. He’s the best!! He makes a lovely martini or old fashioned and the wings there are amazing. Garlic parm, Thai sweet chili, classic, etc. And of course there’s always the $5 frosted mug of bud and a shot!
Next Marina Ross (bass) says, head over to Taste Of Heaven for a literal tray of ridiculous BBQ that’ll melt your brain. Then head over to Brooklyn Steel and see Lucius, the first band she ever opened for with New Myths! Then head over to the Cozy Royale for their late night happy hour / burger deals!
SUNDAY
Well… you’ve made it to Sunday! The day of rest. Sure, you can lay your ass on the couch, talk some jibba jabba nonsense to your cat or dog, start gettin on that True Detective binge (new season rules by the way, Jodie Foster is a badass) or you can reach down into those glowing embers still smoking in the bottom of your soul and reignite that shit into a roaring flame, at least for one more day! So head on over to Federof’s for some roast pork Sunday gravy sandwiches, which are only available on Sundays, and some cheese fries!! So at this point you might need a little detox from the abundance of nutrients you’ve bombarded your system with so head on down to Banya Russian Bath House and start sweating out the gravy, booze, pork and whatever the hell else is lurking under the surface. Now that you’re feeling healthy and refreshed its time to undo all that. Eat it all back at Streecha. This is a no-nonsense subterranean hidden gem serving simple and authentic Ukrainian food. It’s still early soooo of course why not get a tattoo???? Head over to Greenpoint Tattoo and throw some arts on yourself. I’ve gotten many here including my “Lunch” tattoo.
I told you, it’ s really my favorite word. Or hit up our bud Justin Buschardt. His work is amazing!! Alright time to wind it all down. Maybe? Maybe not? F it. Let’s go to Irene’s Capri Lounge for some homemade Jell-O shots from Irene herself! Not a bad weekend! Stay safe out there you beautiful people. Love, Keith & Marina
Itinerary above written + submitted by Jelly Kelly. Follow the band at @jellykellymusic_official, buy music on Bandcamp and add the songs to your Spotify playlists!
Feature image (provided by the band): Michelle LoBianco
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
HAIRCUTS 4 A CAUSE! BdBK bffs (+ stylists) at Wavelength are holding a haircut raffle with “all proceeds going to Gaza Sunbirds, a para-cycling team who have redirected all of their resources to provide vital aid to Gaza via bicycle delivery.” Entries are $10 and can be venmo’d to @wavelengthhairbk between now and Monday.
From a post from Gnarcissists: “Dropping in to help our beloved friend and singer Matti raise some funds for ongoing and extreme health issues. He’s currently hospitalized at NYU Langone with a critical blood clot, which adds on to a long list of health issues he’s been experiencing and privately dealing with (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an aortic dilation, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). All the details are in the link in bio but we love our friend and we encourage you to donate and or pass this around. Any bit helps, and we hope this helps his recovery and gets him back on stage and to life ASAP.” —→ Help if you can by donating to the gofundme. <3
Miss the MANI party? Never fear! The paper is out and about and avail for freeeee around town at the locations below. Grab a copy and give Nico Malvaldi some love!
Reading Rhythms is “not a book club. a reading party.” that has taken NYC by storm with the most beautiful (simple) of concepts: A bunch of people BYOB(ook) and simply read in the company of others, accompanied by — here’s how it’s relevant — live music. The org is looking for artists to play (instrumentals) to soundtrack these sessions, and you can learn more and apply to play here.
Miss an episode of the Bands do BK radio show (THURSDAYS @ NOON ON RADIO FREE BROOKLYN BTW)?! Never fear—recordings are here! Listen to the interview with Maggie Denning of Tetchy here and last week’s with Ofer Shouval of O. Wake here. And remember, you can tune in for local tunes n talk every week at radiofreebrooklyn.org and via the RFB app <3
MORE CLASSIFIEDS ARE HERE! Michael McGuckin is looking for a singer, Emily Carroo is a singer looking for a band to play with and more! Find these ads—and more!—here.
Did someone sayyyy happy hour?! Leading up to the fest, the folks at New Colossus are throwing a series of DJ’ed happy hours in the (very sexy but this is not the point) basement bar of Baker Falls/The Knitting Factory, featuring buy-one-get-one well drinks and Super Bock cans! The fun kicks off THIS FRIDAY with NC’s (and Kanine Records’) own Lio Kanine on the decks from 4-8pm. C U THERE!
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from local (+ occasionally, once-local) artists we love, listed in no particular order whatsoever:
Location Scouting // Drive-In
“The Breaks” // Demeter
“Apollo” // Slow Fiction
“Screwdriver” // Punchlove
“Tarkovski” video // BODEGA
IT’S HAPPENIN’
2.1 BdBK PRESENTS: O.Wake (album release) w/ Mary Shelley @ Baby’s All Right - tix here
2.7 STRONG LITTLE SONGS benefiting Doctors Without Borders w/ Little Slugger, monarch., Cameron Field, Arlo Indigo - DM (@bandsdobk or @sam_sumpta) 4 Address
BANDS DO BK does OUR WICKED LADY
2.1 Jelly Kelly, A Very Special Episode, WifeKnife, King Bug - tix here
2.8 Marinara, Kristin Flammio & The Pretty Bitchin, The Plebs, War Violet, Sue Your Landlord - tix here
2.15 SKORTS, Debbie Dopamine, Go Home, Sandile - tix here
2.22 Little Slugger, gobbinjr, Fair Visions, Otracami - tix here
2.29 Obleek, The Resonaters, Real Burn, Short Porch, samkae - tix here
+ ICYMI
Around the blog + on the radio + from the archives:
PREMIERE: ‘THE BEST OF… SHORT PORCH VOL.1’ FROM SHORT PORCH
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