Back in office: Caleb's Concerts Apr. 24-30
MJ Lenderman, Samara Joy, Combo Chimbita, Magdalena Bay and more!
Sorry sorry, I know I’ve missed a few weeks. I hope you all found concerts on your own even without this little guide of mine. Life gets busy, and I don’t always have the time (~4-5 hours) it takes to write this each week. While all my posts are free, if you’re enjoying this blog, might you consider chipping in a few bucks a month and becoming a paid subscriber? I haven’t figured out an incentive structure yet. What would you like to see as a paid subscriber? Personalized recommendations? Bonus content? Something else? Please, let me know if you have any ideas.
Now… this week’s guide. We got some returning favorites, some up and coming stars, a jazz superstar, and more!
Thursday, April 24
Blk Odyssy, 7 pm
The Adam Space (BAMcafé) at BAM (30 Lafayette Ave, Downtown Brooklyn)
Free concert! BAM Free Music really showed up this season with their programming, and tonight’s Blk Odyssy concert is no exception. Great R&B. Show up right at 7 because the lines for this series are a bit hit or miss - I’ve not gotten into a concert by showing up too late, and other times there is no line.
Fabiana Palladino, 8 pm
Music Hall of Williamsburg (66 N 6th St, Williamsburg)
Funky, neo-soul esque from a rising star. I missed her last time she was in town, but friends say it was a great show. The vibes are immaculate.
Friday, April 25
Combo Chimbita, 7 pm
TV Eye (1647 Weirfield St, Ridgewood)
I’ve mentioned them here before, and will continue to do so every time they perform in NYC. My absolute favorite band to see live, celebrating a forthcoming album with four shows, performing each of their old projects in full, across the city. This is tropical, psychedelic synth music to dance the night away to. Do not miss this.
Magdalena Bay, 9 pm
Terminal 5 (610 W 56th St, Midtown West)
Dreamy synth pop. This is what I imagine the sound of LA to be.
Saturday, April 26
Bartees Strange, 8 pm
Music Hall of Williamsburg (66 N 6th St, Williamsburg)
Frequent readers might remember me listing Bartees Strange’s Bowery Ballroom Show a couple months ago. Well, he’s back again! Still on tour to celebrate his new album. This guy is such a great live performer. It’s indie rock but he also raps a bit, and has a very unique sound. As with most guitar-driven, rock music I include here I promise you’ll dance. The energy is so infectious at his show.
Priyanka, 11:30 pm
Baby’s All Right (146 Broadway, Williamsburg)
Late night DJ set at Baby’s All Right. PRIYANKA is from LA with Sri Lankan roots. Her Youtube is filled with “Indian-inspired Amapiano” sets. Amapiano is that South African house music you might have come across. Laid back vibes to dance to.
Sunday, April 27
Sid Sriram, 8 & 10:30 pm
Blue Note Jazz Club (131 W 3rd St, Greenwich Village)
Soulful vocals at the Blue Note with a really great jazz trio backing him (trumpeter Kenyon Harrold, pianist James Francies, and drummer Eric Harland). Two sets, bar seating isn’t too expensive although there is a $20 food/drink minimum at the Blue Note.
Monday, April 28
MJ Lenderman, 8 pm
Brooklyn Steel (319 Frost St, Greenpoint)
I confess, I haven’t given MJ Lenderman much of a chance since he shot to superstardom last year with a cult like following. He’s a singer-songwriter, somewhere between indie and Americana? A bit like Bill Callahan. Straightforward songwriting. He returns on Tuesday and Wednesday, same time, same venue.
Tuesday, April 29
MJ Lenderman, 8 pm
Brooklyn Steel (319 Frost St, Greenpoint)
See blurb above.
Wednesday, April 30
Samara Joy, 8 pm
Carnegie Hall (57th St at 7th Ave, Midtown)
When does the GRAMMY award for “Best New Artist” go to a jazz artist? Never! That is unless you’re Esperanza Spalding, or the absolute sensation that is Samara Joy. Her voice really is all that. I’ve had the privilege of seeing her a few times, and every note has your undivided attention. It’s classic jazz, but done so well that she has the attention of the mainstream, and rightfully so. Tickets are extremely limited, but here’s my tip: show up to the box office Wednesday morning, get in line early, and you might be able to snag one of those $10 same-day rush tickets they offer. (Details here.)