Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side for this weekend:
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER – Fri, July 29 | 7PM at The Living Room
While most pop-rock bands are content to pick a key, strum 4 chords, and repeat a chorus 2.5 times, Air Traffic Controller compellingly thinks a little more before taking the plunge. The heart of Air Traffic Controller beats within the chest of songwriter Dave Munro, who was indeed at one time, an honest to goodness air traffic controller. The Boston native has since traded his radar for a guitar, and now travels the country playing songs made as much for the listening room as they are for the radio. FREE// 196 Allen St.
ANVIL – Sat, July 30 | 10PM at The Bowery Ballroom
Heavy metal pioneers Anvil were at one time poised to become the biggest name in head-banging. But after management missteps and internal power struggles, the Canadian group disbanded and accepted their of fate of being an ‘Almost Was’ — until 2008, that is. When they became the subject of the wildly popular documentary “Anvil: The Story of Anvil.” The movie reinvigorated the band, as well as their cult following. Today they are back to their old form, and happily shredding for crowds across the globe. $20//6 Delancey St.
Deb Oh – Sun, July 31 | 8PM at the Living Room
Pianist/songwriter Deb Oh is certainly mysterious. If you google her, you won’t find a bio. You won’t find a hometown. What you will find is a set of songs that are exquisite in both lyricism and musicality. And in those songs, Deb Oh is truly revealed. A talented writer with a voice to match, Deb Oh has the smarts to surround herself with a stellar band, as well. The cello, piano, and backing vocals all lend a more-than-capable hand in bringing her confessional songs to life. FREE// 154 Ludlow St.
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
