Concerts in NYC: March 13-18
Sun Ra Arkestra, Morgan Wade, Combo Chimbita, Martha Wainwright, Wax Tailor, Riki, Maude Latour, and Madelline
It’s finally warm again, the days are longer, sun is up, and we are outside. There’s no excuse to stay in as the concert calendar is getting busier and busier each week. Tomorrow night, one of my favorite bands ever performs at Baby’s All Right; Sun Ra Arkestra, the free jazz big band still thriving 70+ years in, performs in Ridgewood; the fantastic singer-songwriter Morgan Wade returns to NYC; a French trip-hop/nu jazz producer/DJ brings a surprising collection of sounds to Elsewhere; Martha Wainwright performs at a venue so small that even in the back row, you'll be 20 feet from stardom; Riki (sonically) brings you to the club at 4 am; and a pop star who broke through the Tik-Tok noise and got my attention comes to Williamsburg.
Thursday, March 13
Combo Chimbita, 10:30 pm
Baby’s All Right (146 Broadway, Williamsburg)
Combo Chimbita is the rare act that has me going to see them multiple times a year. This hometown band (by way of of Colombia) is my favorite act to see live. Psychedelic cumbia that puts you in a trance. Lots of fun synths, and Carolina Oliveros’ voice soars above a groove that - even with two left feet (or a broken toe, in my case) - will get you dancing.
Friday, March 14
Morgan Wade, 7:30 pm
Webster Hall (125 E 11th St, East Village)
A brilliant singer-songwriter, writing deeply personal music. Country adjacent, for sure, but giving her that genre does a disservice to the power of the songs. I was introduced to her music when she did two back-to-back shows at Bowery Ballroom a couple years ago and she was so good on night one, I went right back the next night. Her star has continued to rise in the years since, as evidenced by this week’s performance being at Webster Hall, a venue twice as big as Bowery Ballroom.
Saturday, March 15
Wax Tailor, 8 pm
Elsewhere - The Hall (599 Johnson Ave, Bushwick)
This French producer is the type of DJ you’ll find yourself staring at in wonder, appreciating the mix, instead of dancing in the club. He blends music and sound bites from widely varying sources. The beats remind me a bit of Wu-Tang, in the way they sample old kung fu films. A quick glance at some tour footage, it looks like he performs with live musicians - drums, cello, vocals - that add to the beats he’s making behind the deck.
Sunday, March 16
Martha Wainwright, 5 pm
The Owl Music Parlor (497 Rogers Ave, Prospect Lefferts Garden)
I included Martha Wainwright’s performance at The Owl in this list a few weeks ago, and she’s back! Another great singer-songwriter, more in the Alternative/Indie folk space than country, at a venue that’s ideal for this type of music - the intimate Owl Music Parlor.
Monday, March 17
Sun Ra Arkestra, 7 pm
TV Eye (1647 Weirfield St, Ridgewood)
Sun Ra was a revolutionary composer, bandleader, and afro-futurist. He died in 1993, but his legacy carries on with the Sun Ra Arkestra, currently led by the 100-year old saxophonist Marshall Allen (who joined the group in 1958). He’s joined by a 12-piece band that includes singer Tara Middleton. What makes this group so special is their ability to make beauty out of absolute chaos. They’ll go from blaring horns without any recognizable melody or chord structure (truly, just a blast of noise) to traditional big band swing music in the same song. There’s no one like them. P.S. The aforementioned Marshall Allen recently released his debut solo album “New Dawn” and it’s a masterpiece. Spotify link here.
Madelline, 7 pm
Baby’s All Right (146 Broadway, Williamsburg)
Madelline doesn’t have an album out yet, just a handful of singles. I’m hearing Lily Allen, I’m hearing bubblegum pop, I’m having fun. With the news being as dreary as is it, a little fun is all we can ask for.
Tuesday, March 18
Riki, 10 pm
Baby’s All Right (146 Broadway, Williamsburg)
Three concerts on this week’s list at
? Clearly they’re doing something all right. Riki’s self-titled debut from 2020 could easily be the soundtrack to being at the club at 4 am in Europe. There’s a bit of new wave in there with the drums and synths, but the pulsing beats, reverb-y vocals and patches used make it music for the club. Perfect for a late set! Hopefully you don’t have to work Wednesday morning…That’s all for this week. If you have any friends who might enjoy this, a share goes a long way and means a lot. And stay in touch! Let me know if there are any shows coming up you think I should know about, who you’re listening to, and what you’re seeing this week.