Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side this week:
NOAM WEINSTEIN – Found Alive | Wednesday, May 19, 21 & 23 | 7pm
Noam Weinstein (pronounced ‘styne’, not ‘steen’) is one of those special artists who has the vision as well as the tools. With a wholly unique (one could say ‘quirky’) perspective on life and his surrounding environment, Noam hangs lyrical lines upon his melodies that range from the smartly hilarious to the profoundly touching, and backs it all up with an stunning musicality on the guitar as well as piano.
After four well received studio albums, Noam now embarks on his first ever live recording, Noam Weinstein – Found Alive. Recorded over three spring nights at The Living Room, Found Alive will pack in the surprises, with each night featuring band and solo performances, the debut of a brand new song, and special guest openers, including Matt Kanelos, Rose Polenzani, and venerable New York poet Frank Tedesso. Watch a short video of a rehearsal for the Noam Weinstein – Found Alive show here.
$10 | The Living Room – 154 Ludlow Street
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PAUL BRILL | Thursday, May 20 | 8pm
Songwriter/composer/producer extraordinaire Paul Brill returns to the Rockwood Music Hall Thursday to grace the new stage with his outstanding band. Brill has done such great things on the NY music scene over the years, one would never know that he at one time made his living as a high school principal. But since moving on to fully embrace his talents and passion, Paul has charged forward with a deft determination, and has the accolades to show for it.
While experimenting on stage with digitally accompanied solo shows, full band multimedia experiences, and all-star hootenannies, Brill has also made a name for himself for his work behind the mixing board, with an ever growing list of indie film scores, cable television compositions, and even two EMMY nominations for his soundtrack work.
This week, Paul is back on the stage, with a signature style that mixes tasteful horns, understated distortion, and honest vocals that come from the gut.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door | Rockwood Music Hall – 196 Allen St. (between Houston & Stanton)
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MARCO BENEVENTO – w/ Xylos | Saturday, May 22 | 9pm
Jazz keyboardist Marco Benevento boats some major chops, and has played numerous stages in countless collaborations, but this time he’s doing his own thing. Branching out from a jazz background, Beneveto touches on funk, pop, and electronica.
Brooklyn’s Xylos open the night with their infectious, not-so-straight-forward pop. Bouncing beats and tight harmonies offer an anchor to what can sometimes be a floating-out-of-your-shoes listening experience.
The Bowery Ballroom – 6 Delancey Street |$15 advance /$17 day of show
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Splitting his time between performing and producing, contributor Ken Beasley primarily plays with his own roots/rock band, Ken Beasley & Co., as well as the power punk outfit Missy Sport, while also curating the Underground at the Abrons music series on the Lower East Side.
