Joe's Pub Announces Upcoming Singers
By: Kelsey Denette Jan. 17, 2012
Joe's Pub has announced the following upcoming events:
January 25 at 7:30pm
$14
With the ability to seamlessly fuse opera, electronic music, pop and indie into an intoxicating and infectious hybrid, there's never been artist quite like Elizaveta. You haven't ever heard pop take flight on classical pipes like these. The New York city born and Russian raised musical alchemist nods to everyone from Bach and Bjork to another former opera singer Freddy Mercury, and her multi-instrumental talents are nothing short of dazzling. Elizaveta's digital EP has already gotten tastemakers buzzing. Marie Claire enthusiastically writes, "Elizaveta stole my heart, and it’s only a matter of time before she steals yours. What are you waiting for? Drop everything and download Elizaveta’s EP now!", while The Insider proclaimed that she's "exciting and enthralling". The critical fervor hasn't stopped there as Fashion Week Daily called her song "Meant" a "piano masterpiece". However, the EP simply set the stage for the full-length. Produced by reputable multi-Grammy award winner Greg Wells [Adele, Rufus Wainwright, Katy Perry, Elton John], the album breaks ground and establishes Elizaveta as a 21st century presence with an old soul.
Cover Me With Love: Toshi Plays BIGLovely Hits and Covers - January 26 at 9:00pm
Toshi Reagon & BIGLovely Rocks The House – January 27 at 9:00pm
Toshi Reagon with Special Guest Michael Arthur Draws Live – January 28 at 9:00pm
Toshi Reagon Sacred Music Show with Bernice Johnson Reagon – January 29 at 7:00pm
$25
Toshi Reagon has been described as "a talented, versatile singer, songwriter and musician with a profound ear for sonic Americana--from folk to funk, from blues to rock" by critic/blogger Eva Yaa Asantewaa (InfiniteBody). "She masters each of these genres with vocal strategies that easily spiral and swoop from the expressively sinuous to the hard-charging, a combination of warmth and mischief." Toshi has had the pleasure of working with Lenny Kravitz, Lizz Wright, Ani DiFranco, Carl Hancock Rux, Nona Hendryx, Pete Seeger, Chocolate Genius and many other amazing artists, including her favorite collaborator, her mom, Bernice Johnson Reagon. Yaa Asantewaa writes, "Toshi knows the power of song to focus, unite and mobilize people. If you've been lucky enough to be in Toshi's presence, you know you can't walk away from her without feeling better about yourself as a human being. She aims for nothing less." Toshi has been the recipient of a NYFA award for Music Composition, The Black Lily Music and Film Festival Award for Outstanding Performance. She is a National Women's History Month Honoree, and is the 2010 recipient of OutMusic's Heritage Award.
January 30 at 7:30pm & 9:30pm
$20
Singer-songwriter Diane Birch took half her lifetime, and traveled across the globe, to get to America, where she literally found her voice and made her remarkable debut, Bible Belt. Though only in her mid-twenties, Birch likes to think of herself as an “old soul,” and indeed there is a startling maturity in her singing and a veteran’s self-assurance in her writing. Now working on her follow-up album, which is due out in Spring 2012, Birch mixes piano-playing virtuosity with easy-going soul, and she can strike an uplifting groove on even the most melancholy tune. Her work bears hints of Laura Nyro (when she was hanging out with LaBelle) and early 70’s Karen Carpenter (when she was ruling the charts), while effortlessly incorporating New Orleans second-line rhythms, gospel fervor, doo-wop harmonies, country-blues guitar and classic AM radio-style melodies.
PAUL BRILL: “BREEZY” CD RELEASE
January 31 at 9:30pm
$12
Paul Brill’s compositions for numerous award-winning films, TV series, and several acclaimed CDs of original and innovative songwriting prove that youthful adventures as an herbal smokes salesman, street performer, valet, corporate errand boy, and a marine biology instructor can serve the creative spirit well. He has been nominated for 3 Emmy Awards for his film work and recently collaborated with Rock legends U2, composing and producing a new string arrangement for an acoustic version of their classic hit, “Walk On,” which will be featured in the upcoming HBO film, Burma Soldier. He recently won the Best Music Award from the International Documentary Association (IDA) for his score for the film, “Better This World,” which also won Best Documentary at this year’s Gotham Awards. Brill brings his 10-piece band (whose members have performed and recorded with Radiohead, Wilco, David Bowie, St. Vincent, Jens Lekman and others) back to Joe’s Pub to celebrate the release of his new recording, “Breezy” (Scarlet Shame Records).
February 1 at 9:00pm
$12
For Gabe Dixon, one is quite possibly the most liberating number. On his debut solo album, One Spark, Dixon flexes a newfound muscularity in tone and texture - delivering the most personal and rewarding music of his young career. For a decade, Dixon helmed the critically acclaimed The Gabe Dixon Band; originally formed as a quintet at the University of Miami and last heard on record as a trio on their 2008 self-titled release for Fantasy Records / Concord Music Group.Hot off the heels of an incredibly successful run of West Coast shows, the soulful indie/pop songstress Lelia Broussard is about to hit it big after claiming her spot in the top two of Rolling Stone’s ‘So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star’ contest. Hand-picked as one of the best unsigned artists in the nation by the editors of Rolling Stone and Atlantic Records, Lelia performed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon shortly afterwards. Harry Nilsson famously sang, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.”
FEATURING Lilli Cooper, Adam Kantor, & Morgan James
February 6 at 9:30pm
$20
Jeremy Schonfeld will be bringing his exciting hybrid brand of rock/theatrical pianoman storytelling to the Pub for one night only! Featuring music from his just-released, highly-acclaimed new concept album "Iron & Coal", plus additional new arrangements of favorites from "Drift", "37 Notebooks", and "Blue Skies and All", this will be a night you won't want to miss! The evening will feature special guests tba, and an All-Star 'Spiderman' band featuring Jon Clancy (drums), Richard Hammond (bass), Matt Beck (guitars, keyboard), and Ben Butler (guitar). Joining Schonfeld at the 9:30 PM concert are Lilli Cooper (Spring Awakening), Adam Kantor (Rent) and Morgan James (Godspell) with John Clancy on drums, Richard Hammond on bass, Matt Beck on guitars and keyboard and Ben Butler on guitar.
WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE MASTERSONS
February 8 at 9:30pm
$14
Adam Levy is best known for his tenure as the featured guitarist in Norah Jones' Handsome Band. He played on her breakout 2002 disk Come Away with Me, her '04 follow-up Feels Like Home, and her latest CD Not Too Late. In his downtime between steady gigs with Jones, Levy has been onstage and/or in the studio with Rosanne Cash, Amos Lee, M. Ward, and up-and-coming Aussie artist Eran James.
In addition to Levy's skills as a player, he is a gifted songwriter. He penned "In the Morning" for Jones' Feels Like Home, and other artists have recorded his songs as well. There's no doubt, though, that the best way to hear Levy's folk/pop/blues gems is straight from the source.
The Mastersons formed in 2006 but have collectively spent more than a lifetime (six decades) making and performing music. Both children of musical families in Texas, they were handed instruments before they could walk. Eleanor, a cracker-jack violin. Chris, a guitar. The universe so picking their fates that 20 odd years later, backstage at a festival, lighting would strike. They were fans of each other's music before they were anything else. For two youngsters, the list of artists they’ve performed with is staggering: Steve Earle, Son Volt, Diana Ross, Regina Spector, Angus and Julia Stone, Allison Moorer, Kelly Willis, Bruce Robison, Shooter Jennings, Hank Williams III, Bobby Bare Jr. and Jack Ingram. That’s just getting started.
February 9 at 7:00pm
$15 Advance / $18 Door
Much of the commentary about Darrell Scott’s career has focused on the songs he’s written that have been recorded by famous names and voices – those known in music industry parlance as “artists.” But then there’s the actual word artist, whose definition has nothing to do with radio hits and red carpets. We refer of course to those who create artifacts of aesthetic and intellectual contemplation and wonder, built from experience, skill, reflection and emotional intent. That’s an artist. And that, at the end of the day, is Darrell Scott.
"Lucinda Williams once called her "a folk Nina Simone." But Ana Egge is more country than that. Raised by hippies who grew wheat in North Dakota, the Brooklyn singer–songwriter crafts homespun hymns on her sixth disc to sing with your bare feet on the dashboard. "Bully of New York" recounts a sad late–night conversation between Egge and a park ranger whose hours broke up his marriage (best part: She met him while hitchhiking). Egge's rootsy pedal–steel pop recalls singers like Shawn Colvin, but her sharply observed tales of the overlooked and underpaid feel utterly of the moment." - Melissa Maerz
February 11 at 9:30pm
$20 Advance / $25 Door
For Pat McGee, there is no wrong way to make music as long as you’re making it. This Virginia native has found his niche making this his most personal record yet. ‘No Wrong Way to Make a Right” from its inception, has not been without struggle and sums up a lot of issues McGee had previously shied away from. However, he stays true to the melody and lyrics that seem to come so naturally to him. With this album McGee’s has seem to find the genre he is most comfortable in, creating a record that is the most genuine and heartfelt record that strips McGee to the core and brings to light where his heart lies, in the music.
February 14 at 7:30pm
$15
After walking away from a major label courtship, Alyssa Graham recalls, “It really was a moment of clarity for me and thus, my ‘big break.’ I realized then that I had to make a choice between being the artist I wanted to be or being the creation that the industry could make of me.” Peeling back the layers on a quest for her truest voice, Lock, Stock & Soul, is Alyssa’s new, full length album, produced by Grammy winner Craig Street. Maybe it’s the earthy bass lines (courtesy of Meshell Ndegeocello), the plush sonic detail or the dulcet and pure vocal but this album is undeniably alluring. While Echo, Alyssa’s 2008 debut, was focused on travel – indeed, it functioned as a musical travelogue – Lock, Stock & Soul represents coming home. The record is a full circle return to Graham’s longtime musical loves: Neil Young, Nick Drake, Francoise Hardy and others capable of delivering heartfelt emotion in the simplest of packages.
A BENEFIT FOR THE FAMILY CENTER
FEATURING BETH ARENTSEN, Mark Anthony LEE, & LINDSEY WILSON
February 18 at 7:00pm
$20
Beth Arentsen, Mark Anthony Lee, and Lindsey Wilson return to Joe's Pub for an unforgettable evening of song to benefit The Family Center, a NYC-based organization that works to create a more secure present and future for children whose parents have a life-threatening illness by providing comprehensive legal and social services, education, and research. Their work is fueled by the belief that every child deserves an answer to the question: Who Will Take Care of Me? Three of Hearts uses music as a catalyst for raising awareness about socio-cultural concerns in our community while entertaining audiences with some of the best independent musicians and vocalists from different corners of the NYC music scene. Known as the vivacious lead singer of the funk-jazz collective P-1, Beth Arentsen brings her intricate, piano-based stories of love and loss from her critically acclaimed albums, Sap and Nicer, to the Joe's Pub stage while Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist Lindsey Wilson enchants with a set of her mellifluous "electrified folk-jazz" melodies. Bridging the two sensibilities is Mark Anthony Lee, who interprets and illuminates hidden gems from icons of folk, pop, and R&B through his singularly soulful and sophisticated voice.
February 20 at 9:30pm
$15 Advance / $18 Door
Jeff LeBlanc is using his college degree a little differently than he first envisioned. His immediately familiar-sounding blend of pop and acoustic rock quickly took him from dorm room concerts at Sacred Heart University to a 60-date tour of colleges across the country, where he was praised as everything from "the new John Mayer" to an artist "perfectly in tune with his audience." His new album, "Worth Holding On To", was self-released on August 23rd, 2011 and quickly rose to #3 on the iTunes Top 200 Singer/Songwriter Chart. He's become a staple on the Sirius/XM Coffee House channel, even grabbing a nomination for their "Singer/Songwriter Discovery of 2011". Jeff's recently toured with the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, Ingrid Michaelson, Matt Nathanson, Brett Dennen, David Archuleta and many more.
Born and Raised in London, Ontario,
Ken Yates moved to Boston to study songwriting at Berklee College of Music. It was there that he developed his skills as a songwriter, releasing his first CD, “The Backseat EP”, and receiving the opportunity to play a song for one of his biggest influences, John Mayer. Mayer even posted a full page blog about Yates’ ability as a writer stating, “Ken Yates wrote a song called ‘I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love’ this song moved me when I first heard it and still does today”.
February 23 at 7:30pm
$25
In the tradition of Celtic mavens such as Loreena McKennitt and Moya Brennan, Ashley Davis takes the best of the old and molds it into something uniquely beautiful, yet ascetically familiar. Through colorful stories and luminous songs, Ashley guides her audience back to a time when songs and stories were the center stone of the wintry night. "If traditional music in the U.S. is to become anything other than a museum piece, it needs people like Ashley Davis." The Irish Voice, NYC "Ashley Davis is a young woman with a beautiful voice and as much musicality as anyone could wish for. She writes and sings with a confidence way beyond her years."- Philip Glass
February 23 at 9:30pm
$12
Julia Haltigan grew up in New York City off the Bowery in the 1980s. As an only child born into a musically inclined family, Julia learned to use her voice to attract attention. Her grandmother was a member of the 1940's quartet The Larkin Sisters, and her father, a vital member of Julia's band, taught her to play the guitar and to sing. Julia grew up snapping, whistling and spinning, which resulted in letters being sent home from school saying, "That is not a small voice trying to be loud!" While producing her first demo at Prairie Sun Studios in northern California, Julia caught the attention of Drive-Thru Records, who invited her to sing on Listen To Bob Dylan, a tribute album. That album was released in 2005 bringing acclaim to Julia for her cover of “Boots of Spanish Leather.” Two years later, Julia self-released her first album When the Glow Starts to Go… Julia's songs have an antique, Americana-pop feel. Her lyrics create a collage of imagery that relates heartache, yearning and lust, to motorcycles, fake tattoos and viruses. At times her powerful, sultry voice booms above her six-piece band while at other times she showcases her soft and sexy side melting your heart. Julia's music arouses nostalgia for the classics, evoking the likes of Tom Waits, Nancy Sinatra, and Betty Boop. She puts you out like a Lucky cigarette in an ice cream cone.
Now in his fourth year in New York City, Alfonso Velez has just released his 10th album available on Orbital Records. Recorded in a dance hall in Manhattan's Flatiron District, the mercurial and multilingual Velez has remained elusive and surprising throughout strong performances at Rockwood Music Hall as well as CMJ, Public Assembly and Mercury Lounge, approaching his work as a painter does the canvas; in movements. Analogizing his latest works with Paul Simon's and Elliott Smith's, reviewer David G Robbins wrote, "songwriting doesn't get much stronger than that," while New York's Deli Magazine named him one of their top ten emerging artists. This Fall will bring a tour in Europe and the West Coast as well as the release of another full-length album, a performance at the new upcoming Brooklyn Independent Music Fest and the debut of a new video by filmmaker David Dixon for the the single 'Yer Blue Hair.' After Alfonso left a rapped audience at a recent Communion NYC, Grammy Award Winner Fernando Otero remarked, "that was beautiful."
February 24 at 7:30pm
$17
After weathering a frustrating period of development deals, demos, and one forgotten album (1996's Snacks, released by Plump Records) during the '90s, indie rock singer/songwriter Sam Bisbee took things into his own hands. Gathering together talented players such as Charlie Drayton (the B-52's, Keith Richards), Peter Adams (Tracy Bonham, Juliana Hatfield), and guitarist/recording artist John Wolfington, Bisbee headed into Philip Glass' Looking Glass studios to make his own album his own way. The result was Bisbee's re-emergence with 2001's Vehicle, a concoction of tuneful guitar pop, drum loops, samples, and Bisbee's winsome, smart songcraft. The effort featured guest vocals by Leona Naess on the driving opener, "Miracle Car." Following the release of a concert album, Live at Arlene Grocery, in 2002, Bisbee launched a pattern in which new material appeared every two years: High in 2004, Oxygen in 2006, and Son of a Math Teacher in 2008.
TOSHI REAGON PRESENTS GOOD FOLK
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
WITH SONIA SANCHEZ & STEPHANIE MCKAY
February 25 at 7:00pm
$20
After weathering a frustrating period of development deals, demos, and one forgotten album (1996's Snacks, released by Plump Records) during the '90s, indie rock singer/songwriter Sam Bisbee took things into his own hands. Gathering together talented players such as Charlie Drayton (the B-52's, Keith Richards), Peter Adams (Tracy Bonham, Juliana Hatfield), and guitarist/recording artist John Wolfington, Bisbee headed into Philip Glass' Looking Glass studios to make his own album his own way. The result was Bisbee's re-emergence with 2001's Vehicle, a concoction of tuneful guitar pop, drum loops, samples, and Bisbee's winsome, smart songcraft. The effort featured guest vocals by Leona Naess on the driving opener, "Miracle Car." Following the release of a concert album, Live at Arlene Grocery, in 2002, Bisbee launched a pattern in which new material appeared every two years: High in 2004, Oxygen in 2006, and Son of a Math Teacher in 2008.
JIMMY DESTRI (OF BLONDIE)
February 25 at 9:30pm
$25
Jimmy Destri, founding member, keyboardist, and hit songwriter of the legendary group, Blondie has formed a new band, "Jimmy Destri and The Sound Grenade." Backed by some of today's best musicians--the band plays Destri only penned songs from his vast Blondie catalog, solo efforts and raw new material. Destri who's been largely attributed as the master behind the Blondie sound is back showing Arcade Fire (among many others) where that synth sound really comes from. Don't miss this unique Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist live.
“YOUNG MAN IN AMERICA” CD RELEASE
February 28 at 7:00pm & 9:30pm
$15
Wilderland Records / Thirty Tigers is set to release Young Man in America, the fourth album from Vermont-based artist Anaïs Mitchell on February 28, 2012. For her new album, Mitchell continues her work with producer / arranger Todd Sickafoose, who assembled some of NYC’s most sought-after rock and experimental jazz players including guitarist Adam Levy, violinist Jenny Scheinman, and drummers Andrew Borger and Kenny Wollesen. Chris Thile of Punch Brothers appears on mandolin as well as alongside Jefferson Hamer and Rachel Ries in a harmonic chorus. Michael Chorney, who scoRed Mitchell’s last release Hadestown and produced her previous albums (2007’s The Brightness and 2004’s Hymns of the Exiled), makes a guest appearance on guitar.
MILK CARTON KIDS
March 1 at 7:30pm
$12 Advance / $15 Door
Their songs disguise the youth of the members of the band. Befittingly, so do the old guitars they play and old clothing they wear. But to be sure, The Milk Carton Kids have something new to present: harmonies & minimalist instrumentation which are a clear reference to times passed, but with an eye intently on the future; a perspective on coming-of-age in the eye of a present-day storm; and the chronicling of an American struggle for simplicity, at least musically. To present it they use two guitars and two voices, they labor over the arrangements, they record themselves live, and they release their music on their own label, and for free. A performance by The Milk Carton Kids is a quiet and intricate affair. Kenneth Pattengale & Joey Ryan have enjoyed intently listening audiences across the country and abroad in their respective solo careers, but an even greater sense of urgency and demand of attention is palpable now that they’ve come together as The Milk Carton Kids. Their songs are written together, but you won’t know there is more than one author. Their history together spans only one short year, but you won’t know that either. They stand close together when they play, facing each other and using microphones instead of plugging their guitars in. And if they looked more alike, they’d fool you that they were brothers.
PT WALKLEY: ‘THRILLER’ CD RELEASE
March 1 at 9:30pm
$14
Composer, producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist PT Walkley’s new album, Thriller, is set for release February 28. The LP is Walkley’s follow-up to his popular and critical success Mr. Macy Wakes Alone, which NPR lauded as “shining and triumphant” and the New York Post called “a reminder of just how great an ‘album’ of music still can be.” Produced and recorded entirely by Walkley himself, Thriller is a collection of layered electro-pop songs that merges his rock roots with a more technologically minded aesthetic, a departure of sorts from Mr. Macy Wakes Alone’s decidedly acoustic, collaborative approach. “There’s a certain one-of-a-kindness about doing it all yourself in your living room", says Walkley. "When I’m working alone into the wee hours, I’m more likely to tap into a completely pure, uninhibited creative space.” Walkley has been busy since the 2009 release of Mr. Macy Wakes Alone. In addition to recording and releasing two EPs—What’s What in 2010 and Ghost of Chivalry earlier this year—he continued his professional relationship with filmmaker Edward Burns, scoring 2010’s Nice Guy Johnny (for which a soundtrack is available, made up entirely of Walkley’s songs) Burns' latest film Newlyweds, currently available On Demand and on itunes. New York City audiences also know Walkley from his many area gigs ranging from solo acoustic sets, to shows with his side project The Blue Jackets. He has shared the stage with likes of Coldplay, Weezer, and the last All Points West music festival.
GLEN PHILLIPS
March 2 at 7:00pm
$25
Glen Phillips started his first band, Toad The Wet Sprocket in Santa Barbara at age 15. It was that group's third album -- the jangling, orchestral Fear -- that truly broke the group, garnering heavy radio play with the singles "All I Want" and "Walk on the Ocean." After three years away from the recording studio, Toad returned to the mainstream with Dulcinea, which again found one of its singles, "Fall Down," in heavy radio rotation. After six albums and a substantial string of hits, the group disbanded in 1998.?? Phillips began touring as a solo act after Toad the Wet Sprocket's demise, and has released 5 solo records and two EPs, collaborated on two projects (Mutual Admiration Society and Works Progress Administration), released an EP with Plover (with Neilson Hubbard and Garrison Starr) and an album as Remote Tree Children (with Portland's John Askew).?In 2006, while supporting the Mr Lemons album, he also toured North American with a reunited Toad the Wet Sprocket. Toad has toured off and on since that time, and in 2011 played 70 shows and decided to begin writing for a new album, to be released late in 2012. Glen is currently at home except for a long weekend of shows each month, and is writing songs for Toad as well as future solo releases. He still lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and three daughters.
MCGINTY & WHITE SING Jimmy Webb
March 10 at 9:00pm
$15
Inspired by one of the great catalogs in contemporary music, McGinty & White Sing Webb celebrates the peerless artistry of a true pop visionary. Over the course of his extraordinary career, and through his close associations with Glen Campbell, Richard Harris, and The 5th Dimension, songwriter Jimmy Webb created a string of enduring classics (including MacArthur Park, Wichita Lineman, and By The Time I get To Phoenix) unrivaled in their scope and evocative imagery.With their mutual affinity for the lush, orchestral balladry of Jimmy Webb and Burt Bacharach, New York City based chamber pop duo McGinty & White received widespread critical praise for their debut album, McGinty & White Sing Selections From The McGinty & White Songbook, including accolades from The New Yorker and New York Press, who named it one of the five best albums of 2009. M&W have performed live on WFUV, WFMU and WXPN/WorldCafe Live, toured with original Stiff recording artist Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby, and appeared as musical guests for Upright Citizens Brigade. Joe McGinty is a keyboardist, composer and producer, best known for his work with The Psychedelic Furs and as founder and musical director of the long running Loser's Lounge tribute series. He has recorded and/or performed with The Ramones, Debbie Harry, Stew and The Negro Problem, Ronnie Spector, Ryan Adams, and many others.
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TICKETS ON SALE NOW
ONLINE at joespub.com
PHONE 212-967-7555
IN PERSON at The Public Theater Box Office (1 PM to 6 PM) located at 425 Lafayette Street, NYC
For all press inquiries, please contact Mark Allen at or mallen@publictheater.org
Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, reopened October 4th, 2011 from a top to bottom renovation, debuted in October 1998 and quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists. Joe’s Pub is open seven days a week, regularly hosting as many as three shows a day. Dinner and drink service is available during every performance. In addition to its reputation of presenting internationally known stars, Joe’s Pub has also developed into a premier showcase stage for up-and-coming musicians and emerging artists from a variety of disciplines.www.joespub.com
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