5.27 A wknd w/ PJ LeVine
The musician and Pet Rescue proprietor on Bloody Margarets, songs for shots and two nights of shows at his BK DIY space
GOOOOD MORNING! Per every Friday for the last 45 Fridays (w0w), we’re here with your weekend plans — but this time, we’d like to issue a fair warning: When you tell certain people where you’re going this weekend… they might, um, not quite get it.
Sorry, Matt-Hinge!!!!!! (Though, he was getting warmer…)
For the unfamiliar and uninitiated, allow us to explain. You see, when referencing Pet Rescue, we’re not referring to an actual animal shelter but instead a DIY music venue in Brooklyn. As for the name? Well, in this situation—wait for it duuuude—we ourselves are the pets in question, and it is in fact we who are being rescued.
Rescued, you might ask, from what exactly?
WELL:
Sleazy promoters. Shitty bookers. Mean bouncers. Nine-buck beers. Door people doing that tally-mark thing. Girl only in it for the ‘gram. Bros who just know bands from TikTok. Pretense. Profit (lol). And any/all 2-cool-4-school attitudes.
But enough about what it’s not; let’s talk about what it is. Pet Rescue, like the DIY spaces before it, is a Brooklyn hub for a specific breed of musicians and music fans—people who might have different tastes but typically share the same values, possess the same passions and, most notably, all have one important thing in common: They care.
Because DIY, more than anything, is about caring. And you won’t find many people in Brooklyn’s music scene who care more than PJ LeVine.
As Pet Rescue’s resident mayor/manager/bartender/dad/engineer/everything—and, of course, a musician himself—PJ is one of a handful of local artists who doesn’t just take the stage but provides a stage, donating his time and space and energy (+ occasionally tequila) to the community, thereby allowing independent bands to sidestep the gatekeepers, bypass the bullshit, keep their W9s to their damn selves, and focus less on marketing and more on music.
Brooklyn wouldn’t be the same without places like Pet Rescue, where experimentation is encouraged, vulnerability is welcomed, community is key and the fire department would prob not approve! Where more beer has been spilled than at a sports bar, more feelings have been shared than in therapy and more sweat has been shed than inside … idk, a Crossfit gym? Let’s go with that.
While we love (love!) many of BK’s more traditional venues, Pet Rescue and other DIY spaces (EWEL, Rubulad, hartstop, Dodge 112… ) are where a special kind of magic happens—where in/on some loft or warehouse or rooftop or basement, you’re exposed to something new and you experience something unexpected. Where you’re surprised and you’re moved— emotionally and often quite literally. Where those incredible only-in-Brooklyn moments happen and those strange memories you’ll share with your grandkids (at least the cool ones) in 60 years are made.
Of course, while we love a signless door and a secret entrance, when it comes to these spaces, it’s not just about the places, but the people, so we’d like to dedicate this newsletter, and this weekend, to PJ, who over the years has poured his heart into running this really fun, one-of-a-kind venue and creating some truly incredible evenings for local artists and the people who love them. Pet Rescue wouldn’t be anything without him, and we want to take this opportunity to say a big, big thank you. We, and so many others, appreciate it so much.
Now, if you’re currently thinking oof, this kinda reads like a eulogy, welllllllll here’s the bad news: It sort of is. Sadly, in true NYC, nothing-gold-can-stay fashion, Pet Rescue will be closing its doors next month. But fortunately, you still have the opportunity to catch two nights of music at the space this weekend, including a bommmmb BdBK Saturday-night show with a bill that includes PJ’s newest personal project, Baba Chevy! (Other bands of his include LA DI DAs, who are playing a BdBK show at Pet Rescue on 6/4, and Significant Otters.)
While Pet Rescue has always been a DM-4-address sort of situation, now that the end is near and discretion is unnecessary, we figured we’d provide some simple instructions to help you find this unmarked spot:
Enter “346 Morgan” into Google Maps.
Take your preferred method of transformation to the address.
Spend 20 minutes walking around looking quite confused and feeling kinda stupid.
Spot someone with a guitar strapped to their back and assume they know where they’re going.
Ask them; realize they don’t.
Become friends and combine search parties.
Eventually walk down a ramp into a loading zone, discover a door on the right marked with a very official cardboard sign, climb the stairs, pay the door person, and enjoy the show.
(That’s what we did at least.) (You never forget your first time!)
ALRIGHT! That’s waAaAay more than enough from us, so now we’ll go ahead and hand this newsletter over to the man of the hour who, in honor of one of Pet Rescue’s last weekends, we had whip up an itinerary built around its two shows (and, of course, the very important afterparties).
Pet Rescue might be closing, but we truly believe it will live on in NYC music history (+ our hearts/brains/never-not-ringing ears) forever. This weekend, we highly encourage you to get out there and experience it for yourself—
We—and maybe Matt from Hinge?!—look forward to seeing you there.
Ahh. Memorial Day weekend has come. But don’t you dare go down the Shore, out East, or be on the Cape. Brooklyn has far too much to offer. And the weather is much better suited for shows anyway. We can all go be posh on the beach in July when the city smells like hot garbage. Welcome to the perfect BK weekend:
FRIDAY
Well, some of us have day jobs. But if you’re lucky enough to work from home, you can probably carve out some time for a quick yoga practice. You won’t regret it. And if you’re not working go on a dang bike ride.
Most importantly, don’t miss the must-see event of the night, Sharkswimmer, Work Wife, 13th Law, and Kelly Quigley at Pet Rescue, part of our very-special, action-packed, sorry-we-have-to-close concert series. Doors at 8, music at 8:30.
After party? As always, that’s at Reclamation, because it’s on the way to the L stop. And there’s a sweet shuffleboard table.
SATURDAY.
Good morning. Don’t feel bad for a second about sleeping in. You’ve earned it. Now then, a good place for late lunch is Not Today Maybe Tomorrow, a cozy lil bar just off the Graham L stop. They have a classic American bar food, a friendly neighborhood vibe, and an extensive selection of hot sauces. Can’t go wrong with that menu and the good company.
And then, guess what? Brooklyn’s best DIY venue has another great show in store for you. And it’s presented by Bands do BK, so obviously it’ll be stellar. Get thee to Pet Rescue and see Royal Blush, Baba Chevy (featuring yours truly on the bass), Le Big Zero, and friggin’ Mary Shelley. Doors at 8, music at 8:30. Plus, mention that you came to both shows and you’ll get a free beer!
Best of all, Brian, the previous mayor of Pet Rescue, will be there to greet you at the door. (Stay tuned for his band, Shelter Dogs at the Pet Rescue finale, June 18th)
Once again, the lights will go on at Pet Rescue and it’s time to mosey, so head back to Reclamation. It’s close and if we all go together, maybe you’ll have a chance to hook up with someone from the show. Is it the booze, or are you are just naturally charming and people genuinely like you a lot? (It’s a little of both.)
SUNDAY
Ah, you’ve made it. Whether you pulled the Pet Rescue double, or you were distracted by one of many other talented performances, you’ve made it. So, a day of rest? Nope. Head to brunch at my favourite bar, The Tradesman. You can drink whatever you want, but I always order a Bloody Margaret (gin instead of vodka). It a small kitchen, so be patient and make friends, the food is well worth the wait.
If you’re looking for daytime music, 18th Ward Brewing is the place to be. The New Colossus Festival curates the best bands. And it’s FREE. This Sunday features Light Headed, Aaron Pfenning, Buff Ginger, Shower Curtain and Hause Plants. (12pm-6pm)
After that, go rage with Stuydeyed and Post Animal at the Bowery Ballroom.
MONDAY
Bonus day! Make sure to seize it. If the sun is out, do some time in the park. I’m planning to start early so I can get a good spot for croquet. Maybe there’s a BBQ someone is hosting, in that case, do that. And arrive with ice and something ready-to-eat. The grilling process always takes longer than expected, so those chips and salsa will be a hit. If your backyard-having friend is out of town, no worries, hit up the Monday-all-day $1 oysters at Pizzette. Is it all for you? Yes, yes it is. Then, after an optional disco nap, wake up in time for karaoke at Heavy Woods at 8, hosted by indie-pop lover-boy Papi Shiitake. You get a free shot with your first song, and there’s a pool table. Walking home, remember to be grateful for the amazing amount of talent and personality we are all blessed to have in our sweet sweet scene. Or, at least remember to drink some water before you pass out.
Itinerary above written + submitted by PJ LeVine. Follow the artist at @pjtakesphotos.
Feature image provided by the artist.
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
SOUL SCREAM IS BACK, BABY! The first night of the FREE weekly show + dance party hosted by Jonathan Toubin goes down this weekend (5/29) with The Mystery Lights and Detroit’s Moonwalks at where else but Our Wicked Lady. We promise, this is the perfect way to sweat out any/all Sunday Scaries all summer.
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from local (+ occasionally, once-local) artists we love, listed in no order whatsoever:
"Homocystinuria Pt. 1 (1987-1994)" video // Alex Orange Drink
“CHARLIEBROWN” // Abby T
“Are You Sure We Just Met?” // Kate Yeager
Weezer Blue Album Cover Series (Track 1) // Ray McGale
IT’S HAPPENIN’
Here’s a look at the shows we’ve got coming up next month and beyond. Mark your calendars and come hang!
5.28 BdBK Presents: Royal Blush + Baba Chevy + Le Big Zero + Mary Shelley @ Pet Rescue (346 Morgan)
6.4 BdBK Presents: No Kill [Synth Set] + Bill Waters + Appalling Use + LA DI DAs + The Planes @ Pet Rescue (346 Morgan)
6.9 BdBK Presents: The Thing + Cryspot + Dale Jr. and Bat Kid +. Uncle Pizza @ The Nest
6.14 BdBK Presents: Strong Little Songs 4 — a charity living-room show— w/ RONI + LEONE + JessX + Arlo Indigo @ BdBK HQ (DM 4 Address)
6.16. BdBK Presents: Cowboy Boy + Long Neck + Bummer Camp @ Misfit Kava Bar
+ ICYMI
Around the blog + on the radio + from the archives:
SPOTLIGHT: ‘Not Just Me’ from Middle Youth
WANTED: Room/Sublease in Bushwick
SPOTLIGHT: “Past Tense” from Karmella
Thx 4 reading! Find more fun stuff at bandsdobk.com and @bandsdobk. <3
Pre-order the Bands do BK BOOK (out 9/6) here.