Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side for this weekend:
THE BAD LUCK CHARMS – Fri, June 10 | 8PM at Local 269
The Bad Luck Charms come to us from Brooklyn with a rock and roll sensibility not dissimilar to the beloved Ramones of 1980s New York. Crunchy, major key guitar riffs, and shouted lyrics about rich girls and staying out late, make the charm of the Bad Luck Charms undeniable. It’s always nice to encounter a group of guys like this who don’t put on airs, wear their studded belts and black motorcycle jackets with pride, and rock out till the bar closes. With today’s overwhelming mish-mash of eletronica artists and urban folkies singing about subway platforms, it’s classic sounds like these that end up being the most refreshing. FREE// 269 East Houston St.
VISION FESTIVAL 16 – Sat, June 11 | 8PM at the Abrons Arts Center
Art For Art, Inc. teams up with Abrons Arts Center to once again present the popular Vision Festival, a multidisciplinary arts fest celebrating jazz, poetry & dance. This year, the Vision Fest honors the work of free-jazz pioneer Peter Brotzmann. Saturday marks the final day of the festival, and the day’s programming begins at 1:30pm and continues until midnight with performances from Connie Crothers Quartet, Geraldine Eguiluz, and many more. $30//466 Grand St. (at Pitt)
ALEX WONG – Sun, June 12 | 9PM at the Rockwood Music Hall
New York’s Alex Wong has gained respect over the years for his multiple producer credits and his unique collaborations with formidable artists like Vienna Teng and Amber Rubarth. For someone who has his hands in so many creative projects, it could be considered a rarity for Wong to find himself on stage playing a solo set. However, come Sunday, he will be doing just that, showcasing his gift for melody and language, offering a true treat for those able to grab a seat in Rockwood’s intimate listening room. FREE//196 Allen 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.
