Let’s start with some good news, Shea Stadium reached their kickstarter goal in just a few hours yesterday. Why stop there though, you can continue to donate here. The last few years have been more than hard for DIY venues but the rally of support yesterday was really quite something, and long may it continue. Anyway, obviously you won’t be catching any shows there this weekend, but you do have some rather fine alternatives.
5) Laura Stevenson, Field Mouse, Soccer Mommy at (le) poisson rouge
Laura Stevenson has had a fairly hectic start to the year, having been out to Europe and Australia in 2017 already. While her last studio album is 2015’s Cocksure (via Don Giovanni), she recently put out a live album, with proceeds going to Planned Parenthood, you can pay-what-you-wish for it here. Thursday sees her headline Le Poisson Rouge with Field Mouse and Soccer Mommy, and if you can’t make it then she also plays at Rough Trade on Sunday with Adult Mom and Hiccup, another fine line up!
4) Yo La Tengo at Town Hall
Having recently seen the lovable Yo La Tengo as Robyn Hitchcock backing band‘s at Rough Trade, the Hoboken trio tackle their own material at The Town Hall on Thursday. The show is billed as a premier of And Then Yo La Tengo Turned Itself Inside Out, with various collaborators joining them. Whether this is any hint of material on And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out remains to be seen, but Yo La Tengo shows are rarely boring or predictable. Thursday 8pm
3) Inter Arma, Woe, Holy Mountain Top Removers at Saint Vitus Bar
One of the most ambitious albums from last year, Inter Arma’s Paradise Gallows album leaves few stones unturned. Coupled with the fact that there isn’t a better venue to see the Richmond quintet than Saint Vitus and when you throw in Woe and Holy Mountain Top Removers, I’m starting to question only putting this at #3. Sunday 7pm
2) Mint Field, Cherry, Mia Alma, Judas El Desgraciado at El Taller
Coming in at #2 for the second time running after playing Trans Pecos last week, Mexican shoegaze trio Mint Field just announced this pop-up show up in East Harlem at El Taller (215 E. 99th Street). As with last week, support comes from Mia Alma and Judas El Desgraciado. With more and more bands sadly struggling to cross borders and play for us, this seems like an opportunity not to be missed. Thursday 8pm
1) Pallbearer, Marissa Nadler, Kayo Dot Music at Hall of Williamsburg
Doom merchants Pallbearer are set to release new album, Heartless, tomorrow (the 24th) via Profound Lore Records. If I Saw the End is anything to go by, the band are looking to expand their sound and bring some more melody to the table. Their set will no doubt still be pummeling, but we can ease into it with synth-goth openers Kayo Dot and the haunting folk of Marissa Nadler. Saturday 7pm
