Another week down, another week of depressing Trump-related theocratic idiocy, at least there are a few fun things to do this weekend in amongst the necessary protests and rallies. Thanks to Peter for stepping in last week, I can say that doing a 70-hour working week with a fever is not terribly fun, but is a good way to lose weight if you’re still carrying those extra lbs from christmas. Anyway, here we go…
5) The Plimsouls Re-Souled, The Grip Weeds, Los Dudes at The Bowery Electric
Ok this isn’t quite The Plimsouls per-se, rather The Plimsouls Re-Souled, fronted by original guitarist Eddie Munoz. In the absence of any actual Plimsouls (or Peter Case) shows, this is certainly your best bet to hear some of those classics live, and make no mistake, songs like A Million Miles Away, Hypnotized, Everyday Things are 100% classics. Friday 7:30pm
4) Aye Nako, Sammus, Mal Blum and the Blums, Big Eyes, Izzy True, Kissing Is A Crime at Knitting Factory
It’s that time of the year again, the Don Giovanni showcase over two nights at the Knitting Factory. Thursdays is the more eclectic line-up of the two, with Brooklyn punks Aye Nako & Mal Blum joined by rapper Sammus, while Kissing Is A Crime and Izzy True will bring a more melody-driven approach to proceedings. At a time where megolomaniac billionaires are taking over, the DIY ethic of this label is more important than ever. Thursday 8pm
3) Okkervil River at The Appel Room
I’ve never seen a show in the Appel Room at Lincoln Center, but it does look rather lovely. Okkervil River seem the most appropriate band around to play at this year’s American Songbook series, few writers have crafted such a consistently strong discography as Will Sheff this millennium, with 2016’s Away being another weaving and engrossing folk masterclass. Friday 8:30pm
2) Yvette, Grooms, Weeping Icon, Ritual Humor at Trans-Pecos
It has been a while since we’ve had the chance to sing Yvette‘s praises here, but 2013’s debut album Process remains one of the best local releases of the decade. Having only released a single and an EP since then, perhaps the duo will have some new material planned. Speaking of local favourites, Grooms never disappoint and while Advaeta are on an “indefinite hiatus”, you can catch the excellent Weeping Icon, which features two former band members, and don’t miss openers Ritual Humor either. Saturday 8pm
1) Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, Peter Stampfel, Shellshag, Vacation, California X, Painted Zeros at Knitting Factory
The second night of the Don Giovanni showcase is headlined by Lee Baines III & The Glory Fires, who we enjoyed back at CMJ 2014 (remember CMJ?), and if you like southern rock and roll served no-frills style, then you most definitely can’t go wrong here. Any band on this lineup could easily claim to be a headliner, with Free Williamsburg favourites California X always putting on a sludgey masterclass in particular. Friday 8pm
