Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side this weekend:
ABE VIGODA – Friday, August 20 at 8pm
West Coasters, Abe Vigoda, toured with Vampire Weekend last year, and now they’re returning to New York with their modern punk sound. Surprisingly melodic for a punk group, the energy of their live shows substantiates their dirty L.A. street cred. $6 – Cake Shop – 152 Ludlow.
ARMS – Saturday, August 21 at 8pm
ARMS is the newest incarnation of Todd Goldstein’s (formerly of Harlem Shakes) solo project, with Matty Fasano and Tlacael Esparaza on bass and drums respectively. The compositions definitely have a haunting, echoey quality to them, but that never over shadows the thought and care Goldstein has so obviously put into the writing and instrumentation. $8 advance, $10 at the door – Pianos – 158 Ludlow.
RANDY KAPLAN – Sunday, August 22 at 9pm
Randy Kaplan exudes enough charm and sophistication through his surprising covers, ranging from James Taylor to Grandmaster Flash, that you’d never guess that he spends equal time and energy performing and recording for children (to much acclaim, actually). Leave the kids at home this time though – This one’s for the grown-ups. $5 suggested – Living Room – 154 Ludlow.
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.
