Rocker Stalker

Take your pick. Either choice is great. In this case, choose between bluesy rockers and funk superstars, Hollis Brown and Turkuaz at Brooklyn Bowl at 8:30pm, and harder rocking Social Hero atP&G Pub in the Upper West Side at 8pm. Anothing winning point to both shows is the price! Brooklyn Bowl is only $5 and the other is FREE! So, no matter what your whereabouts this Saturday evening, you won’t be lacking in good musical entertainment.

I wish having “a case of the Monday’s” meant “seeing an great rock show on a Monday night.”  On February 21, 2011, at Le Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village, Black Taxi and Julius C made special appearances to raise money for the tour of indie film, We Are the Hartmans. Serious dancing ensued (And by serious, I mean REAL swing dancing among other styles.) with Black Taxi’s quirky, dance rock and suspenders, continuing with Julius C’s funky disco/rock and headbands (Lead vocalist, Jay Stolar, had a Richard Simmons thing going on…). Black Taxi will be playing Mercury Lounge on March 4, and Julius C is doing an acoustic benefit show at Rockwood Music Hall on February 27. Check out the dance rock party from LPR below!

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Two arts party as one tonight at Le Poisson Rouge. The night begins with the independent film, “We Are the Hartmans,” a comedy by Laura Newman, and is followed by the sounds of two top-notch NYC bands, Black Taxi and Julius C (whose “My Broken Heart” is featured in the soundtrack). Tickets are sold out for the film portion of the evening, but the music only tickets are still available online or  the door for $15.  Doors are at 6pm for the screening and 9:30pm for the music. Keep the local arts alive!

My evening began with two small brownies from Babycakes NYC, a gluten-free bakery heaven, which provided a source of energy for the next several hours of music. I’m pretty addicted to anything at their establishment. Also, their cupcakes are worth stalking.

I arrived at Fontana’s where the first band, Sel-koh from New Jersey, was treading on dangerous territory, covering The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Muse, as well as mixing in  their own pop rock/feel-good material. Additionally, they revealed their great level of fandom for the following band, Social Hero, who was my initial target. Social Hero, who have been recording their upcoming album for the past couple of months, let out their pent up energy as they bounced, head-banged, and engaged with their hard rock enthusiasm and on stage chemistry.

Post-rock, I sprinted to Rockwood Music Hall, where Kendra Morris, impressed with her soulfulness, vocal range, and sassy stage presence. Along with her standout voice, her outfit, consisting of a lace, bell-bottom body suit, and hair, a mohawk-like, one-sided braid, kept all ears and eyes on the songstress.

Take a looksy…

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This evening, you can get your fill of heavy rock and soul in the Lower East Side with Social Hero at Fontana’s and Kendra Morris at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2.

Social Hero hit the Fontana’s stage at 9pm; it’s 21+ and $8. And, on your way, be sure to pick up a cupcake from Babycakes NYC. They’re delicious and will provide you with some sugar to fuel your rock.

Up the road, Kendra Morris will be infusing Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 with some seriously soulful songstressing at 10pm. It’s free. Wear your tightest clothing to ensure that you’ll fit into the packed venue.

Sunday evening, indie fashion met indie bands at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn. Miss Lonelyhearts presented duo, The Wicked Tomorrow, and soon-to-be tour mates, Blackbells,s for a splendid night of Brooklyn rock. Blackbells warmed up for their big debut at Bowery Ballroom, which took place the following evening on Valentine’s Day.

A sold out evening began with Rochester band, Joywave, whose 80’s syth-pop/rock energized the crowd, kicking the night off to a great start. Providing a set that stole the hearts of the audience, Blackbells blew through their EP and new tracks (The brand new one is my favorite!) as they conquered the venue’s stage like pros. The night continued to tug on heartstrings, as LA-based Carney hit the Bowery stage. Recent hype as the “Spiderman band,” (lead singer, Reeve Carney, is playing the Broadway Spiderman.), Carney delivered super-hero level vocals and guitar/drum solos, featuring tracks off their new record, Mr. Green Vol. 1.

Here’s a taste of both nights!

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Saturday, February 12, the third installment of “The Shakedown,” The Shake’s monthly music party at  The Red Door, brought friends, fans, and partiers to enjoy the sounds of  The Walnuts, Apollo Run, and the hosts themselves. Here are some sights from the “Valentine’s Edition.”

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I think it’s pretty romantic to be able to spend Valentine’s Eve and Valentine’s Day  with the musical love of Blackbells.

TONIGHT they play Cameo/The Lovin’ Cup in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Doors are at 8pm and it’s FREE.

TOMORROW, V-day, they’ll be opening for LA-based Carney at Bowery Ballroom. Get your tickets online.

Lights Resolve is a band that never fails to impress. High energy, invigorating songs, and solid stage presence make them a band that is constantly on the notable radar. Their show on Tuesday, February 8 at Bowery Electric was no exception to their high-quality rule. Rocker Stalker is eagerly awaiting the new album!

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Listen up, kids! Well, all you kids 18 and over. Lights Resolve, one of the best, emerging acts in NYC, are playing Bowery Electric tonight! Doors are at 7pm, so get there on time to secure a spot. Also performing are NGHBRS, The Republic of Wolves, Mitchy C, and Drift Division (ex-Matchbook Romance). And, it’s only $8!

According to the LR gents, there will be new music for your listening pleasure, all in preparation for their first full-length album, Feel You’re Different, coming out this Spring!

Here’s the spiffy album teaser…!