Here’s TLD Contributor Flora Theden’s weekly run-down of the best live music on the Lower East Side.
Thursday – Chastity Belt
A rock band consisting of four friends from Walla Walla, WA, Chastity Belt embodies the ultimate cool female rock band, singing about the themes of being a 20-something girl in today’s world. With song names like “Nip Slip” and “Cool Slut,” it’s easy to image the themes throughout their albums. For instance, “Time to Go Home” is a song about getting too drunk and having to go home – an issue all too real for the modern 20-something lady.
Listen to: Time to Go Home
Bowery Ballroom // May 21st // 9pm // $20
Thursday – Jesus on the Mainline
A fifteen piece rag-tag group of New York’s finest young musicians, Jesus on the Mainline has played to capacity crowds since their inception in 2012. Led by Grammy-nominated musician Andrew Neesley, their music is reminiscent of The Black Keys, Mumford and Sons and The Black Crowes. Listen to their epic soul cover of Nirvana’s “Lithium.”
Listen to: War
Rockwood Music Hall // May 21st // 12am // Free
Saturday – Juan Wauters/Air Waves
Over ten years ago, a teenage Juan Wauters came to New York from Uruguay. Quickly after his arrival in the Big Apple, he turned to music to assuage the loneliness that came with his new surroundings.
His career took off with his band The Beets, and he started releasing solo albums last year. His second solo album, Who Me? was released this month. Despite his expansion musically, one thing stays the same: Juan continues to find inspiration in his everyday life. Familiar themes – 90s hip hop, and, of course, his beloved Queens, NY – are still prevalent here, and the cover of Who Me?, was shot on the Queensboro Bridge.
Check out the rad video flyer for the evening here.
Listen to: Waters (ft Sharon Van Etten)
Cake Shop // May 23rd // 8pm // $10
Tuesday – Leikeil47
Kick off your summer with what’s sure to be a sick show. Leikeill47 is a New Yorker quickly establishing herself as an influential musician. It’s rare that a new artist emerges to help shift the landscape of what’s happening in music; this artist not only has the ability to embrace current sounds but to take those sounds to a place that others haven’t yet dared.
Listen to: F*$k The Summer Up
Mercury Lounge // May 26th // 6:30pm // $12
Tuesday – Porches
Porches is the proliferation of Aaron Maine’s love affair with music. Never quite landing in any particular niche, the band navigates through genres — learning, obsessing, and absorbing. Great victories and great defeats, cosmic or tangible, are the underlying elements that remain constant throughout the band’s exploration.
Kevin Farrant (Rivergazer), Aaron Maine, Seiya Jewell, Cameron Wisch (Full-Blued) and Greta Kline (Frankie Cosmos) are the current members contributing to the powerful live performances that Porches continues to provide.
Listen to: Forgive
Elvis Guesthouse // May 26th // 9pm // $12
Flora Theden lives and works in the Lower East Side. She loves music. She is an Account Executive in the Hospitality Division of Brandsway Creative, a Public Relations, Marketing and Branding firm.
