With Ocean Av, Emma Frank floats and never settles, just like New York
As it turns out, Halli Cauthery, the composer for the Hulu show Future Man, and Josh Futturman, the “man” the title refers to, have a lot in common. For both, a critical turn in their life is centered on discovering things about yourself that you did know. For one, it’s having the potential to save humanity and for the other, it’s synths.
Education is priceless and Professor Clark shows us why
At a concert in 2017, you can usually be sure that at least 10 people will have their phone out capturing the moment.
At first glance, the Bowery Ballroom should have been a battleground: The United States vs. Canada (complete with a Canadian flag draped from the second floor) or Boston vs. New York (a rivalry referenced several times during the show). Consider for a moment world outside of this sacred space at the Bowery: politicians, athletes, world leaders, actors and more are ready to draw their swords at a moment’s notice.
It’s remarkable, then, that the Arkells stand out with a platform of kindness; their happy, endearing, and cute nature illuminated by their neon signs. It’s sugar and nice and absolutely no spice.
And it’s exactly what we needed.
Contrary to the aggressive, dangerous world, it felt like someone accidentally spilled maple syrup at the Bowery during the Arkells show on Friday November 17th. And with that in mind, may I present five exhibits to the judge that prove that the Arkells ar-kill it in the cute department.
Exhibit A: Slaughtering the guest list with kindness.
While in New York, the Arkells dined at The Butcher’s Daughter and decided to add their server to the guest list. They showed up to the show at the Bowery, and received a shout out on stage from the band.
Exhibit B: Swear words are used for gratitude.
In a show mostly devoid of expletives, the Arkells brought them back in prominent fashion: to silence the crowd and celebrate journalists. Singer Max Kerman swore to bring the audience quiet, and then shared ‘I don’t think there is a greater task than a public servant.” The thank you continued through an acoustic start to the next song as the riveting lyrics like “He’s making promises he can’t keep” felt even more like a reference to the world outside of the Bowery.
Exhibit C: Are we at a Christian rock show?
From the bathrooms to the bar stools, one question was asked the most: Are we at a Christian rock show? There’s a certain feel of Christian rock songs. The timing, the lyrics, the mixing, and ebb and flow of the song all seem to support the conclusion of “this song is promoting a message.” A quick Google search proved to curious patrons that the Arkells do not identify as a Christian rock group.
Exhibit D: Moving from pop rock to Pop Rocks.
Even as they referred to their performance as a “rock show,” there were a few moments during the Arkells’ set that felt more like rock candy than hard rock. At one point, the Arkells launched into a cover of “Great Balls of Fire,” a tune perhaps more appropriate at a Rock Back the Clock event than a rock show. The audience ate it up. In an even bigger surprise, the Arkells opened their encore with a cover of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.” This felt more Pop Rocks: a sweet exterior with a surprise. They were good guys gone bad, but just for three minutes.
Exhibit E: Propelling the career of our new favorite guitarist, Amanda.
Hoping to get a fan on stage, the Arkells inquired if there were any guitar players in the audience. What they received was Amanda: a hair flipping, hard rocking surprise guitarist that almost lit up the show more than the “Arkells Touring Band” light up sign that graced the stage. She was simply amazing. She walked off stage newly christed as “New York City’s finest Amanda” and now, she’s either the newest member of the Arkells, or someone’s brand new record deal. Get on it!
And with that, the prosecution rests.
I have two confessions to make: 1) I have never been to a country music concert in New York and 2) I had to be reminded that Darius Rucker is Hootie, as in, Hootie and the Blowfish.
It’s 2:34pm on Saturday afternoon, and everyone is lost.
For those who’ve never had the experience of trying to maneuver around the Brooklyn Navy Yard, allow me to share: directing your Lyft around non sequential numbers and old buildings, while dodging other people meandering around like lost zombies, is not necessarily the best way to start off a beer and whiskey festival.
But, once we found our way, we arrived in whiskey mecca. More specifically, we arrived at the Duggal Greenhouse.
The only time attendees of Jameson’s Love Thy Neighborhood Brewery Fest knew exactly where they were was inside the event itself. As such, I’ve provided a map of the event…but first, a little history:
As Dave Quinn, the head of Whiskey Science puts it (and yes that is his real title), “a lot of good things have come about by accident.” Jameson’s new effort, Caskmates, is no exception. Through “a little bit of serendipity,” and, as Quinn suggests, a few beers, the idea was born to age Jameson whiskey in stout barrels. The result? A soft, smooth, and smoky whiskey that is perfect for sipping, making cocktails, and pairing with beer.
Speaking of beer, Jameson decided to go one step further by offering a unique project to breweries. In a bit of reverse Caskmates engineering, Jameson gave whiskey barrels to breweries in order make special aged brews, many of which were available for tasting at the #lovethyneighborhood event. The smokey flavor from the whiskey elevated these beers, and participants clamored for more of the unique taste! But they had to be careful: most offered a potent brew of 8.0% ABV or higher.
Ready to see what the event was like? Click on the map or link below! Then, hover your mouse over the yellow circles to learn more about the brews, activities, and Jameson.
Slainte!
The second round of the Seaport Summer Concert Series aimed to be the quintessential NY summer experience.
Buffered by great supporting acts, John Mellencamp entertains his “Mellenheads” in Forest Hills, Queens.
When New Yorkers are ready for summer, Northside, Bedford Avenue, and Jameson provide a glorious reward.