Wednesday Night Adventures

With most of my homework finished and nothing pressing due today, Thursday, Lulu and I decided to forgo a night of catching up on TV on Hulu and go to a random free concert downtown.  The concert was at Bowery Electric, a bar in Noho/ East Village with exposed brick and a modern bar filled with artsy, hipster types.  There were three bands playing, Jangula, Ambassadors, and The Postelles.  The concert was 18+ so when we got to the door, we pulled out our regular licenses and gave them to the intimidating looking bouncer.  Lulu handed over her horizontal California license, the guy looked at it, back at Lulu, then back at the license and gave her a wristband.  Then I gave him my vertical New Jersey license, (thanks dirty jerz for making it so obvious that I'm under 21) he gave it back to me and stamped my hand.  I didn't think much of it at first until we went into the venue and I noticed every person holding a drink had a wristband on.  I pointed it out to Lulu, she pulled out her ID and we inspected it.  It said very clearly, in red font, "Age 21 in 2013".  Point: the bouncer was a dumbass.

Anyway, Lulu and I got there in the middle of Jangula, a kind of electro, punk, pop band (http://www.myspace.com/jangulanyc) with a lead singer sporting a shirt with the most ridiculous fringe shoulder pads.  I took out my camera and snapped a couple totally out of focus pictures, it was really dark and I just don't know how to use my camera.  After Jangula was over, the guy sitting next to me leaned over and said "Hey, I write a music blog, would you be willing to let me post your pictures?" I e-mailed the recent Dartmouth graduate named Max a couple pictures, noting that weren't very good, but maybe they'll appear on another blog.  Buildin' a portfolio liiiiike.

 

After Jangula was Ambassadors, my new obsession (http://www.myspace.com/ambassadorsband).  First off, the lead singer was a hipster, skinnier version of Jon Hamm. 

Legitimately.  They played about 7 songs, each one as catchy and interesting as the next.  Listen to: Bodybag, Mirrortalk, and Unconsolable.  Bodybag has been playing on repeat since I got home from dance this morning.  Their music was infused with Local Natives-esque harmonies and funky electronic keyboard by a blind keyboard player.  Definitely keeping an eye out for them.

The Postelles were next (http://www.thepostelles.com/).  Some songs were really catchy but a lot sounded the same.  They're very pop-rock, catchy melodies and catchy lines (I keep singing "It's a long way down in New York City.." from White Night).  For a free concert on a Wednesday night, they were awesome.  Listen to: White Night, 123 Stop, and Hey Little Sister.

After the concert, we wandered around the area looking for a coffee shop or a pizza place.  I ran into an old friend who goes to Cooper Union on the street at about midnight, this is just how small New York City can really be.  Lulu and I walked all the way to 11th St. and 6th Ave. to an adorable Parisian-esque bistro called French Roast.  It's open 24/7 and was totally packed on a Wednesday night, well I guess Thursday morning, at about 12:15.  We had sunny side up eggs, french toast, coffee and great conversation then headed back to Morningside Heights.  

Lulu and I made a deal to get off campus waaaaay more often than we have been and do random things like this.  There are so many free concerts and events happening around the city that we poor college kids need to take full advantage of.  Plus it's great to hear new music, discover new places and meet new people.

Also learn how to use my camera..again.

Chelsea!