Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side this week:
THE MORNING PAGES – Friday, July 2 at 9pm
Equal parts The Band, Credence, and Graham Parsons, The Morning Pages not only blur the line between ‘now’ and ‘then’ but go a step further by making it non-existent. Sure, the argument could be made that they wear their influences on their sleeve a bit too much, but the fact that sensitive wailing tunes like “My Name is Lion” could just as easily have come out of the Big Pink sessions is a testament to their affection for those artists, and their skills in paying homage to the iconic sounds of that era.
The Livingroom – 154 Ludlow St. // $5 Suggested
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DARK DARK DARK – Saturday, July 3 at 7:30pm
Dark Dark Dark is Great, Great, Great. Made up of lots of members, the band is large, and so is the sound. Poised for an October release of their latest project, a 12-inch album entitled “Wild Go,” the group is still riding the wave created by their previous EP, “Bright Bright Bright” – a collection of six stunning songs expertly put down in Minnesota on the loving reels of analog tape. Though it might be the distinct vocals of Nona Marie Invie that make the tunes instantly recognizable, Dark Dark Dark is a true ensemble; it’s the complementary harmonies, touches of horns, accordion, and violins that ensure such a satisfying and memorable listening experience.
Rockwood Music Hall – 196 Allen St. (between Houston & Stanton) // $10 Adv/ $12 Door
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DEMOLITION STRING BAND – Sunday, July 4 at 10pm
What better way to celebrate the 4th than a beer in hand and the Demolition String Band’s Americana rockabilly, front and center, at Banjo Jim’s. Helmed by longtime musical partners Elena Skye and Boo Reiners, the only strings to be found in this band are of the twangy telecaster sort, and they do well to get the flags waving with plenty of beer raisin’ and foot stompin’.
Banjo Jim’s – 700 East 9th Street // FREE
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.
