Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side this week:
The Silos – Wednesday, May 5 at 9pm
20 years since their inception, after the departure of several members, and the unfortunate passing of another, The Silos are still going, and their music is still pumping a solid beat. Co-founder Walter Salas-Humara has lead the group through 12 albums filled with hearty alt-country riffs and smart, straightforward songwriting. Do yourself a favor, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a listen to this NYC institution.
FREE | Lakeside Lounge – 162 Ave. B
Michelle Shocked – Thursday, May 6 at 8pm
Texas folk artist Michelle Shocked has been speaking her political mind through her songs since the early ’90s, when she hit it big as music’s new Joni Mitchell. She eventually turned her back on the big bad major label machine in favor of the indie scene, and as a result, leads a much lower profile these days. But fear not, she still has a lot to say, and with recent elections, natural disasters, as well as good old-fashioned man-made crisis, prepare for your inner activist to be sufficiently riled.
$30, $12 minimum at table | Joe’s Pub – 425 Lafayette Street
KATY MAE – Friday, May 7 at 11pm
Brooklyn’s Katy Mae has been doing good. Mixing up little bits of all their influences, their concoction of roots, blues, and alt-rock is working for them. They’ve got poppy hooks, and their volume is never going to make your neighbors call the cops, but their lyrics are honest, and when delivered with lead singer Philip Doucet’s exposed vocals, you believe what they’re saying. Hear ‘em on Friday at the Livingroom.
FREE | The Livingroom – 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.
