Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side this week:
THE NEW FAMILIARS – Friday, July 23 at 11:30pm
The New Familiars come from the cradle of foot stomping twang, North Carolina. Less screamy than their fellow Carolinans, the Avett Brothers, The New Familiars earn their name by using traditional instruments like banjos and acoustic guitars to frame their original songs, conveying themes of today and a youthful energy.
$5 Suggested // The Living Room – 154 Ludlow Street
HISHAM AKIRA BHAROOCHA – Saturday, June 24 at 4pm
Hisham Akira Bharoocha joins the festivities this weekend as musical performer for the New Museum’s “Block Party.” Bharoocha, known as much for his visual art as for his music, blends loops of thumping bass, echoey vocals, and his own live drumming. Engaging as a live performance, Bharoocha’s set closes the Museum’s neighborhood event, which will include interactive projects, live dance & poetry, and free admission to the museum.
FREE // The New Museum – 235 Bowery
GATO LOCO – Sunday, July 25 at 7pm
With lots of Latin soul, Gato Loco is bringing the big brass for a punky mambo set at the Mercury this Sunday. A mix of jazz, son, ska and rock, the sound of Gato Loco gets the blood flowing and the feet moving. Starting at 7pm, they share the night with rapper Nyle X Naysayers, blues man Sean T. Hanratty, and funk jamband Emefe.
$10 // Mercury Lounge – 217 E. Houston Street
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.
