Jennifer Choi & Classical Jam Trio – Fri., Feb. 4th | 8PM & 10PM at The Stone
Jennifer Choi is one of those special talents that boast the technique and restraint required for classical compositions, but is also adept at improvisation and experimentation, which has built her a reputation as being one of the most well-rounded, and respected, violinists in New York. Her versatility as an artist has led to some electrifying collaborations with the likes of John Zorn, Susie Ibarra and Elliott Sharp. This Friday she’ll be playing at Zorn’s Stone with her Classical Jam Trio, and the night will open with the one-of-a kind violinist & showman, Hahn Bin. $10 // Ave. C (@ 2nd St.)
THE GIRAFFES – Sat. Feb. 5th | 8PM at Mercury Lounge
Williamsburg warriors, The Giraffes, have kept their blades sharp and are ready to “unleash Hell,” Gladiator style, all over the Mercury on Saturday. With a few staffing changes since they first formed in ’96, the Giraffes have settled on a solid direction and have shaped their heavy sound to be equal parts brutality & finesse, although a high percentage of ears will undoubtedly pick up on the brutality first – and why not? $12 // 6 Delancey St.
THE SUN PARADE – Sun., Feb. 6th | 7PM at The Living Room
The Sun Parade is 19 year old Chris Jennings, and as he’s still working on finishing his recording debut, he only has a couple tracks on myspace to get his point across to the unenlightened. The good news however, is 2-fold: 1) the tracks are great, solid melody with special touches like echoey hand-claps and booming floorboard stomping, 2) he’ll be playing a full set at the Living Room on Sunday, so you can stop in and have all your questions answered. The early comparisons to guys like Paul Westerberg and Pete Yorn are appropriate, although Jennings has a little more earthy grit to him. And we like that. 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.
