Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side this weekend:
BLACK TAXI – Fri., Mar 4 | 7:30PM at the Mercury Lounge
Last year, Brooklyn’s Black Taxi was named #40 on Deli’s list of best emerging artists. It’s no doubt that the band has built a nice reputation for dynamic, stage-bounding shows, but it’s the pumping grooves of their songs that stick in your head long after the house lights come up. The tunes are well put-together, and although wholly original, have tinges of familiarity to them. “Head on a Pike” might make you think it’s coming from a Kings of Leon kind of place, but then with “Up Here Then,” they seem to tip their hat in the direction of Talking Heads. $10//6 Delancey St
DEVIN MAXWELL, WOODY SULLENDER & SERGEI TCHEREPNIN – Sat., Mar 5 | 8PM at the Abrons Arts Center
Jazz/Experimental composer & percussionist Devin Maxwell will perform at the Abrons Arts Center this Saturday. Being called a “simple set of music,” Maxwell’s sparse compositions incorporate as much open air as they do instrumental sound. Following Maxwell will be a very different duo, made up of synth artist Sergei Tcherepnin & banjo instrumentalist Woody Sullender, offering up new works for varied combinations of banjo, piano, and electronics. (Presented in cooperation with Incubator Arts Projects.) $10// 466 Grand St. (at Pitt)
DEER TICK – Sun., Mar 6 | 11PM at the Bowery Ballroom
After slowly, VERY slowly, growing from a solo project to what is now a full 4–sometimes 5-piece band, John McCauley’s Dear Tick are currently on tour in support of their latest recording, The Black Dirt Sessions, released last summer. Although still boasting plenty of rootsy, acoustic folk fare, the sound of Deer Tick has undoubtedly evolved into something much fuller and richer. McCauley’s writing is top-notch, the vocals are scratchy and earnest, and the arrangements are sophisticated but still loads of fun. Just as they should be. $20: Advance $22: Day of Show// 6 Delancey 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.
