I’ve finally recovered from bouncing around New York City and it’s outer-boroughs during Memorial Day weekend.Thursday, May 24 marked the official close (or should I say mini-break?) of Outernational’s 2 month+ “Todos Somos Ilegales” tour. Celebrating with a homecoming show at NYC’s The Dominion, Outernational was joined by NY-based trio, The Bowery Riots. Making it an even more special night, the revolutionary rockers’ friend and album-contributor, Chad Smith, appeared and apparently, insisted on rocking out a few tunes on his break from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ tour.
However, despite labeling the Dominion show as a “closer,” Outernational kept going. They played two “tour encore” shows, one at The Full Cup in Staten Island, honoring their trumpet/accordion/organ player, “Dr.” Jesse Blum’s origins, and the other at East Hampton’s Stephen Talkhouse. I had not been to either place, so for me, it was a weekend of musical touristing and a glimpse into touring.
As usual, Outernational is still busy and working, releasing another music video in the next few days and playing confirmed summer shows: June 21 at Make Music NY in Staten Island (Tappen Park), July 21 at Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, CT, August 31 in Laredo, TX, and September 1 at the Texas Street Festival in the Rio Grande Valley. Others TBA!
Here’s a look back!
Rocker Stalker 