NYCUG LOW ART: Featuring THE ISLES- Gallery Bar, 8/9

On Thursday, August 9th, NYCUG invites you to a new experience in music and art- featuring a live performance by Brooklyn's own THE ISLES (myspace), DJ Sets by Dizzy D, and drink specials all night. There's no cover before 10, so get there early, drink like only a person drinking cheap drinks does, and discover an awesome band.

Since the release of their debut full-length album, Perfumed Lands, the Isles have toured relentlessly- gracing stages everywhere from Brooklyn to Europe to Austin's famed SXSW festival.

With a sound decidedly reminiscent of Morrissey and the Smiths, the Isles in many ways take us back to the 80's alternative Brit-pop scene, but also play with a distinctively modern edge that pushes a familiar sound into the present. You might say The Isles start from the Smiths and work out, carving out their own territory with the same ease that they conjure up Johnny Marr.

So DON'T MISS IT, Next Thursday, August 9, the Isles will be playing their first NYC show in months at Gallery Bar (Orchard & Rivington), debuting an all new lineup and new material. DOORS AT 8. DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT. NO COVER. RSVP RECOMMENDED ON GOING.COM.

Thursday, August 9
GALLERY BAR
Orchard & Rivington
No cover before 10.
$4 Wells & Drafts All Night.

Band of Horses, McCarren Park Pool, 7/22

This Sunday, in the latest of the weekly McCarren Park Pool Parties, Band of Horses takes the stage to headline, supported by Annuals and The Oxford Collapse.

Coming off of their debut release, Everything All The Time, Band of Horses has earned critical acclaim and almost devout fan support with their brand of slightly melancholy anthemic rock. With intricately layered guitar textures, heavily-reverbed vocals, and lyrics that run the gamut from playful to insecure, Band of Horses specializes in turning the melancholy, and even the mundane, into soaring vocals and driving guitars that feel majestic, not mopey. (One exception: “Weed Party,” which, as the name would suggest, is... well, not a sad song.)

Check these guys out this Sunday at McCarren Park. A band this good playing a free show is a rare find. Visit thepoolparties.com for more and to RSVP, and tell ‘em NYCUG sent ya. They've also got a couple of free mp3 downloads available on their official website. Website // MySpace

NYCUG HIP HOP SERIES feat. NO QUESTION & DIZZY D - 7/27

Due to popular demand, NYCUG is throwing a Party Series dedicated to showcasing some of the hottest Hip Hop artist emerging out of NYC. This is the first of many to come, so come out and show your support!

Friday, July 27th 2007 at 8:00pm

Come check out one of the illest groups coming up - NO QUESTION. Along with NYCUG's very own DJ DIZZY D.

DRINK SPECIALS BEFORE 10pm

$5 shots/ $4 Draft and Well

no cover - rsvp for guaranteed entry

For all questions or to be considered for future events, email hiphopseries@nycug.com.

NO QUESTION is a dynamic trio made up of WhatzIsFace, GuessWho, and H.Fraud. Informally collaborating as far back as '98 - each has achieved modest success individually. WhatzIsFace has performed on several stops of the Warped Tour '05 and has opened up for notables such as BLESSTeNATION. Guesswho, formally of Bad Newz, reps the underground hip hop circuit equally as hard having performed several shows locally and on the Lyricist Lounge Tour. H.Fraud, producer and DJ, did A and R for the recently released Black August Album.

I saw NO QUESTION recently opening up for Mark Ronson and the Cool Kids - and straight up, these guys have something special worth checking out. They come with a high energy performance, veteran level stage presence, hard hitting lyrical content, and complex rhyme structures that range from arrhythmic draw to rapid fire. Check out their Myspace pages where you can sample tracks from their upcoming Got Game Mix Tape(dropping 9/11), where Guessy Guess and WhatzIsFace rip it over their take on our favorite Nintendo game soundtracks. Also, look out for the video for Double Dragon - due out mid august.

Boredoms (77 Boadrum) @ Brooklyn Bridge Park 7/7

Osaka, Japan's avant-psych-rock gurus Boredoms have some pretty ambitious plans for this Saturday afternoon: a performance with 74 drummers in addition to their usual three (that's 77 in all, for the arithmetically-challenged). 77 drum kits sounding off on 7/7/07 -- a spectacle not to be missed. Among the guest drummers are Andrew W.K., and members of Gang Gang Dance, Excepter, NNCK, Prefuse 73, Lightning Bolt, and more. That's a pretty star-studded cast.

It's a free show, but guests are asked to RSVP in advance. Things kick off at 4pm.

3rd Annual Afro-Punk Film and Music Festival 6/29 - 7/7

In a previous post about Summer festivals, i described myself when I was young as a punk. To clarify, back then I didn't have any particularly alternative way of dressing and would not have been outwardly described as a Punk. I never got into major trouble but my activities and mindset were some what punk-ish.

Thinking about what I meant in my loose usage of "punk", coupled with my reading on the 3rd Annual Afro-Punk Film and Music Festival, brought me to a interesting internal debate. Because my initial definitions of Punk were a mixture of something superficial, violent and negative - it was ironic to me that the Afro-Punk Festival seemed intellectual, loving and positive.

The Afro Punk movement originated from the documentary "Afro
Punk", directed by emerging Director James Spooner, which explores race and identity within the punk scene. This work galvanized a group of people who were the under represented minority existing in the rebellious sub culture of society - Punk. The 3rd Annual Festival will be the official unveiling of James's second major work "White lies Black Sheep". Screeners of both as well as a very entertaining blog can be found on James' personal myspace page.
As a member of the African diaspora, who has spent a major portion of his life immersed in white culture - Afro Punk really engages my thoughts and reflections on race and culture. It celebrates things that are undeniably "black" with the same breath that embraces things that are stereotypically "white"... That tension has inspired so much beautiful art - ranging from music, to film, to fine art - and a healthy sampling will be on display at the festival.













MOVIES MUSIC REVOLUTION!

Afro-Punk Festival

June 28-July 7

This Independence Day, celebrate some true revolutionaries during the third annual Afro-Punk Festival at BAM, featuring film, music, and art united under the banner of black rebellion. This year's festival is focused on the Black Panther party, including a discussion with Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale, two programs on July 4 featuring documentaries about them, and an exhibit of archival photographs by the Black Panthers party photographer Stephen Shames. For the full line-up, visit BAM.org/afropunk.

OPENING NIGHT: On Thu, June 28, legendary Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale discusses the history of the movement: where it's been and where it's going. Tickets are $15.

FILM: Music docs, cult classics, documentaries about the Black Panthers, and more. Highlights include a new print of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (with clear parallels to the civil rights movement), Samuel Fuller's White Dog (about a dog programmed to attack black people), The Final Comedown, Eyes of the Rainbow (a documentary about Black Panther leader Assata Shakur), and more.

ART: Selections from the book The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History. This exhibition looks at the history of the movement through the lens of official party photographer Stephen Shames. In partnership with Aperture Foundation.

MUSIC: The Afro-Punk Festival features live concerts and DJ sets by bands from the Afro-Punk scene, including Tiombe Lockhart, Cutlery, Dragons of Zynth, Bear in Wolf Fur, No Surrender, CX Kidtronik, and much more.

AFROPUNK BLOCK PARTY: Celebrate Brooklyn's DIY spirit at the first-ever Afro-Punk Block Party, featuring live music, artists, vendors, crafts, food, and more.

Click here for full information and to buy tickets.

Free Concerts - Central Park Summer Stage, June 8th - September 16th

Five years ago I was a punk kid with minimum income who spent most of his summer looking for shit to do during the summer. Currently, I'm a young adult working and living in the city and trying to spend as much time and as little cash outside as possible. Thankfully, many NYScenters share my plight and thus a market has been created for really good cheap/free entertainment. Next up on NYCUG's profile of free concert series in NYC is The SummerStage in Central Park. This series hosts numerous events throughout the summer ranging from music to dance, and even spoken word. Many of the events are free, while others require advance tickets and serve as benefits for the summer series.

The series kicked of 6/8 with a benefit show featuring Common and Joss Stone. If you haven't already begun taking advantage, start today 6/24, with Canada Day! Featuring Broken Social Scene offshoot Apostle of Hustle. Some other concerts that i'm marking on my personal schedule include Rodrigo y Gabriela (7/1), Junior Reid (7/8), Femi Kuti & the Positive Force(7/11), Grizzly Bear and the Decemberist (7/16 - Paid), Neko Case (7/20), Brazilian Girls (7/22), Wildstyle 25th Anniversary Reunion: A celebration of the beginnings of Hip-Hop (7/29).

Central Park Summer Stage is the largest, most diverse, and longest running public event series in NYC... I'm a big fan and would actually love to work with them in the future. Check out their website and full event schedule. I'd be surprised if you didn't find something worth attending, especially since it won't cost much but your time and energy.



Full Schedule

Sunday, June 24: 3-6 p.m.
Canada Day!: Sloan, Apostle of Hustle, Duhks
Our annual showcase of music from our Northern neighbors.
Free

Thursday, June 28: 6:30-10 p.m.
The Levon Helm Band
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Saturday, June 30: 3-6 p.m.
Ozomatli, Babylon Circus, DJ Joro Boro
It’s a day of fusing music styles at Summerstage.
Free

Sunday, July 1: 3-6 p.m.
Rodrigo y Gabriela, Vietnam, JDH and DAVE P
Two acoustic guitarists kick up a noise and a rock foursome lay down the feedback frenzy as SummerStage welcomes July.
Free

Friday, July 6: 8-10 p.m.
Ronald K.

Brown / Evidence, Full Circle Soul Productions
SummerStage showcases African-American dance in all its complex and varied glory.
Free

Saturday, July 7: 3-6 p.m.
Cinematic Orchestra, RAMP, El Michels Affair, Kevin Michael, DJ Spinna
The art of the groove is on full display for this mid-summer event.
Free

Sunday, July 8: 3-6 p.m.
Junior Reid, Djakout Mizik, Diams, Black Alex & Mecca a.k.a "GRIMMO", Wyclef Jean & Papa Jube
The rhythms of the Caribbean will be in full effect at this event.
Free

Monday, July 9: 6-10 p.m.
Bob Weir & Rat Dog, Keller Williams
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Tuesday, July 10: 7-10 p.m.
Nortec Collective, Fedrico Aubele, Film screening: So What's Your Price?
This night’s artists explore globalization in music and film.
Free

Wednesday, July 11: 7-10 p.m.
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, DJ Rich Medina [rb]Film screening: Music Is a Weapon
The power of Afrobeat is showcased live and on film.
Free

Saturday, July 14: 3-6 p.m.
Café Tacuba, Pacha Massive, La Sista
Program featuring three Latin artists who’ve incorporated rock, hip-hop and electronica into their sound.
Free

Sunday, July 15: 3-6 p.m.
Global Family Day: Hip-Hop Harry, Sippy Cups, Break!
Kids music that will not bore their parents to tears.
Free

Monday, July 16: 6:30-10 p.m.
The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear, Land of Talk
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Thursday, July 19: 7:30-10 p.m.
UCB Theatre's Comedy Cabaret: Human Giant, Demetri Martin, Rebecca Drysdale, The Defibrillators
New York’s best up-and-coming comedians.
Free

Friday, July 20: 7-10 p.m.
Neko Case, Eric Bachman
Country and folk get an update through the highly personal work of two great singer-songwriters.
Free

Saturday, July 21: 3-6 p.m.
Shrhabeel Ahmed, Aboaraki Al Bkheid, Yousif El Moseley, Hadia "Al Balabil" (Humming Bird), Ali Al Segid, Rasha Sheikh Aldein, Al Wareef Sheikh Aldein, Brides of the Nile Dance Group, Emmanuel (South of Sudan), Omer Ehsas (Darfur), The Nile Music Orchestra
A showcase of the music and culture of Sudan.
Free

Sunday, July 22: 3-6 p.m.
Brazilian Girls, Cat Empire, HIMALAYAS conducted by Kenny Wollesen & Jonathon Haffner
Two groove-heavy groups and an avant-garde marching band.
Free

Thursday, July 26: 7:30-10 p.m.
Marisha Pessl, Jennifer Egan
Two novelists read from acclaimed recent works.
Free

Friday, July 27: 8-10 p.m.
David Parsons Dance, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
An evening of dance from two of New York’s most exciting modern companies.
Free

Saturday, July 28: 7-10 p.m.
Liz McComb, King Britt presents Sister Gertrude Morgan featuring Ben Jaffe
A special gospel evening.
Free

Sunday, July 29: 7-10 p.m.
Wild Style 25th Anniversary Reunion: The Chief Rocker Busy Bee, The Cold Crush Brothers, GrandMaster Caz, DJ GrandWizzard Theodore, Fab 5 Freddy + special guests, Film screening of Wild Style
A grand celebration of the beginnings of hip-hop.
Free

Thursday, August 2: 7:30-10 p.m.
Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez
Two literary giants from the Black Power era.
Free

Friday, August 3: 8-10 p.m.
Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco), Camille A Brown & Dancers
Two companies with unique visions of modern dance.
Free

Saturday, August 4: 3-6 p.m.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Spam Allstars, Tato Torres Y Yerba Buena, Bobbito Garcia a.k.a Kool Bob Love
Classic salsa, Latin electronica and Boricuan rhythms.
Free

Sunday, August 5: 7-10 p.m.
Cine Fest Brasil: AfroReggae Film screening: Zuzu Angel
The sounds and sights of Brazil.
Free

Thursday, August 9: 6-10 p.m.
Black Crowes
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Friday, August 10: 8-10 p.m.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, TAKE Dance Company
Evening of dance includes works of explosive creativity and calm command.
Free

Saturday, August 11: 3-6 p.m.
Celebrate New Orleans: Soul to Soul III, Galactic & special guests Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagle Mardi Gras Indians & Soul Rebel Brass Band
Our annual celebration of the Big Easy with jam band sounds and deep second-line voodoo.
Free

Sunday, August 12: 3-6 p.m.
Zap Mama, Angelique Kidjo, K'Naan
The music of the African continent is brought to life.
Free

Sunday, August 19: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Rufus Wainwright
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Sunday, September 16: 1:30-6 p.m.
New York World Festival - Sounds of the Mediterranean: Hassan Hakmoun, Orchestre de Tanger, Amalia Papastefanou, Chris Tiktapanides, Dimonis de Mallorca
The music of the Meditarrean and North Africa will be celebrated this special day of performance and education.
Free

Free Concerts - Jelly NYC Pool Parties, June 24th - August 19th, McCARREN PARK POOL

**Guest Post from Aaliyah**
Some people complain about New York City in the summer...smelly streets, long waits at your favorite brunch spots, Time Square style crowds galore.. the list goes on. So, many New Yorkers beat the heat with long weekends in the Hamptons, Block Island and basically anyplace outside of the city. But... if you're like my friends and myself you LOVE New York City summers. Mango slushies, summer Fridays at work, roof top relaxation, bike rides, 900 open flea markets, and loads of shows at the parks. A lot of these outdoor shows are free in the summer, you can literally walk around your neighborhood and find yourself at a show - I have! Let's start with the Jelly NYC Pool Parties at McCarren Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. These free concerts already started but you can still check out bands in July and August - Erase Errata, Ted Leo/Rx, The Thermals, Ghostland Observatory, Octopus Project, Man Man, Illinois, I'm from Barcelona, Dengue Fever, TV on the Radio, Blonde Redhead, The Coydogs and more. It's first come first serve so RSVP and make sure you bring a blanket for lounging.

About Jelly NYC Pool Parties

JELLYNYC's brainchild POol PARTIES is back!!! Over the course of nine consecutive Sundays from June 24th - August 19th, from 2pm- 8pm, music lovers, sun bathers, slip 'n' sliders, hula hoopers, dodgeballers, water volleyballers, and more will get to experience the MAGIC for FREE first hand. POoL PARTIES brings together crowds of young, old, black, white, straight, and gay, creating an inclusive vibe unparalleled in New York City. Over 50,000 friendly faces passed through the arches of the McCarren Pool last summer, we expect way more this summer, so be sure to arrive early and be sure to RSVP to guarantee entry. We can't wait to see you this summer!

Full Schedule

June 24

Superchunk

Oakley Hall
+ / -

DJ Todd O-Phonic Todd

July 1

Man Man
Illinois
Dengue Fever

DJ sets by
The Dirty Work DJs

July 8

Octopus Project
Erase Errata
Dan Deacon
OCDJ

The Rub DJs featuring
Mark Ronson

July 15

PONDEROSA STOMP-LOOK OUT BROOKLYN! VERSION

Performances by:

Roy Head
Bobby Patterson
Willy Tee
Tammi Lynn
Ray Sharpe
(backed by The A-Bones)
Tommy McClain (backed by Yo La Tengo)

With house band:

Teenie Hodges
Scott Bomar
Willie Tee
Willy Hall

DJ sets by
Dave "The Spazz"
Rex "Fools Paradise"

July 22

SPECIAL LINE UP TO BE ANNOUNCED

July 29

TV on the Radio

August 5

CURATED BY
Pop Montreal and Noise Pop Festival

Blonde Redhead
I'm From Barcelona
The Coydogs

The Rub DJs
featuring Morse Code

August 12

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
The Thermals
Birds of Avalon

August 19

Ghostland Observatory
Yacht

The Rub DJs

DJ Ayres:
THE BALTIMORE BASS CONNECTION (featuring
many surprise special guests)