The Refuge of Nature
Sometimes solitude is just the reset necessary to revel again the next week...
The Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun started playing in my ears just as I came out of the wooded path into the ray of sunshine that beckoned over the lake. If I’m in Brooklyn, I am likely to be found most mornings wandering Prospect Parks’ 250 acres with my dog, Ginger, and this particular morning was a glorious one. As I’m often alone on the trails, crowds gravitating toward the official off-leash fields or onto the paved loop to run or bike, I tend to dance along, even singing out loud (which to my headphone-plugged ears sounds just fine, lovely even.)
Being solitary in nature is something that gives me a great sense of belonging, and connectedness that sometimes eludes me with other humans. The heron takes no notice of me as I come upon it and watch in amazement as it preens its majestic wings. The turtles that lie sunning themselves on fallen logs or rocks in the lakes don’t care at all about me. The cherry blossom and magnolia trees flower without paying me any mind at all. I am an innocent bystander, a mere observer in awe of what’s before me.
So it was this week that I didn’t make it out to even one of the shows I recommended (except my own home sound bath, which was sparsely attended but super lovely.) As I’m sure many of you who read this and yet still rarely attend live music can relate, sometimes you just have to stay home, burrow in, stare at books or screens. Sometimes, even for me who gains so much inspiration from the amazing musicians who bravely take the stage in this great city, it can feel too hard to get dressed and get out, figuring transportation, navigating crowds. Solitude and time with family mostly won out. It was my son’s birthday, and we celebrated with delicious French food. And the idea that he is already 23 might have helped keep me at home, sitting back to process how time, like nature, moves on without my consultation, without concern for my feelings.
There are moments for quiet just as there are moments for reveling in beautiful collaborative music. It takes effort to find the perfect balance between the two, time out for a walk on a solitary path, and time to join others in raucous assemblage. I will try harder to make it to some of these incredible shows this week as it no doubt brings a brilliant shine to my life to take in the sights and sounds of New York’s nightlife. Hope to see you out!!
In peace and harmony,
Steph
P.S. I have turned on the paid subscriber function as a few folks kindly donated and, who wants to leave money sitting on the table? If you enjoy the newsletter and want to help offset the costs of my nightlife research, feel free to pledge the suggested $5 per month donation, commit for a full year for $50 or become a founding sponsor—suggested for $150. So appreciate your patronage!!
Monday, April 22
Open Mic Nights - Upstate and in NYC
If you’re near Woodstock, join Colony Woodstock’s super fun weekly open mic night, to perform or be an ebullient audience member. Sign-up starts at 7 PM to play your chosen song, guitar and piano available. Great supportive community, and Colony has GREAT burgers and other yummy food. Go!
In the city…
Brooklyn Music Kitchen hosts a 4-hour open mic, 7 - 11 PM, presented by InspiredWordNYC “for all art forms” including music, poetry and comedy in their Clinton Hill, Brooklyn venue, + yummy food. Never been but looks cool. Check it out!
Tuesday, April 23
Concert for Peace
Afro-Semitic Transcendental Repertory Orchestra
Joe’s Pub
7 PM
Described as “groove-based modern jazz with influences from Africa and the Middle-East,” this evening pairs sax player and composer Avram Fefer with vocalist/spoken word artist Carl Hancock Rux to honor the joint contributions of Jewish and African-American musicians to American Jazz. A celebration of Liberation and Transcendence, also with Jonathan Goldberger on Electric Guitar, Hilliard Greene on Upright Bass and Reggie Nicholson on Drums.
ALSO, In BROOKLYN Tuesday, April 23…
Tima Volozh Quintet
Soapbox Gallery
8 PM
Saxophonist Timo Vollbrecht brings together this talented array at the cool Soapbox Gallery in Brooklyn, where I have yet to try. Looks like a great evening!
Wednesday, April 24 (and Thursday, April 25th)
Phantom Waves: Amir ElSaffar
The Green-Wood Cemetery Historic Chapel
Sets 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM-9:30 PM
Phantom Waves is an innovative music series crafted for the distinctive acoustic spaces of GreenWood’s Historic Chapel and Catacombs. Musicians “make waves” with experimental approaches to voice, instrumentation and composition in immersive sonic journeys. In this show—two sets on the 24th and the 25th—the featured artist is Amir Elsaffar, a Chicago-born trumpeter, santur player, vocalist and composer who (aside from that he shares my birthday, October 8th!) is also known for a fusion of Classical, Jazz, Iraqi Maqam and Electro-Acoustic improvisation. Sounds awesome.
AND, ALSO ON WEDNESDAY, April 24, UPSTATE….
Hudson Nomads
The Pines
7 PM
Nikhil Yerawadekar, the bassist for Afrobeat band Antibalas for a decade, takes his great love of African music, including the legacy of Fela Kuti, and puts a modern twist on it with this spectacular four-piece band: Nickhil on guitar, Matt Bauder on sax + keys, Ben Zwerin on bass and Aaron Johnston on drums. All of these gentlemen bring their extraordinary wealth of experience with bands of all genres to play for a truly high-energy night at this cool upstate hang! Will take out my dancing shoes…
Thursday, April 25
CHUPACABRA
Bar Lunatico
Sets at 9 PM + 10:15 PM
Argentinian pianist Leo Genovese—who I did a podcast with last week that you should listen to if you haven’t, leads this new musical venture, with Hery Paz on bass clarinet and flute; Daniele Germani on sax; Max Seigel on tuba, Juan Chiavassa on drums and percussion. Anything Leo does is a joy, so I’d highly recommend going!!
Friday, April 26
Tim Berne with Tom Rainey + Gregg Belisle-Chi
Barbes
5:30 PM-7:30 PM
The distinctive stylings of saxophonist/composer Tim Berne are not to be missed when you have the chance. This early evening Happy Hour show at Park Slope’s iconic Barbes will also feature Gregg Belisle-chi on guitar and Tom Rainey on drums.
Saturday, April 27
From Rags to Rhythm to Duke
Pittsfield City Jazz Festival
7:30 PM
Head to the beautiful Berkshires to take in the grand finale of the 2024 Pittsfield CityJazz Festival featuring famed jazz pianist Marcus Roberts (former Wynton Marsalis player) and his trio. The evening also features the Berkshires Jazz All Star Youth Band.
Sunday, April 28
Spring Bloom Sound Bath
Tannersville, NY Antiques Center Yoga Studio
5 PM-6:30 PM
AND, PUT THIS ON THE CALENDAR FOR MAY 21…Always a beautiful night for a great cause, find more info and RSVP to MUSICAMBIA, which brings music to the incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and a number of other institutions. If anyone has any auction items, or would like to become a sponsor, please let me know!!
