The first-ever Northside Festival happens this weekend, starting yesterday until Sunday the 14th, totaling four rainy ☹ days of booze and schmooze celebrating the ‘vibrant music and art scenes that thrive here in Williamsburg and Greenpoint.’ Its sponsored by the L Magazine, Heineken and apparently hundreds of pairs of Kangaroo shoes.
The all women run all ages show collective Strength in Numbers had strong opinions about all this sponsorship I found out Thursday night when I tried to go see Magik Markers and Marnie Stern at the new venue Shea Stadium and was denied badge entry: “20% of each Northside Fest Show is reserved for badgeholders…But none of the money from badges (20% of the door) would go to the bands playing tonight, or towards supporting the space.” Though I didn’t end up paying the modest amount for the show, mostly due to Marnie Stern’s cancellation and my choice to support my stomach with some tacos, I salute their decision to be vocal.
Political dispensations aside, we at Tom Tom Magazine thought we’d give you the heads up on a few bands featuring, what else, some excellent drumming from some excellent ladies.
1. Talk Normal at Death by Audio Saturday 06.13, 10:30pm
Talk Normal at Dead Herring
Talk Normal are intense, cerebral, intelligent and mind-numbing, all in the best way. The last time I saw them was at one of my most beloved places of all time Dead Herring and they put on a stellar, visceral show with Dan Friel, and Starring. This time they’re playing at another good venue to support, Death By Audio. They’re also playing with DBA’s own Sisters, who I think are small geniuses at writing addictive pop-punk jingles of the snotty-voiced variety that somehow manage to gracefully skirt the ‘noise’ genre.
But that’s nothing compared to when Andrya Ambryo and Sarah Register play ‘River’s Edge’; your head just might explode. Get that song from the rad cassette comp Coldest Beer in Town on Party Store Music and other Talk Normal songs at http://www.myspace.com/talknormaltalknormal
Sarah Register
Andrya Ambryo
2. New York Night Train presents The Coathangers at GlassLands Gallery Sunday 06.14, 11pm
Coathangin’ during the set of ‘Stop Stomp Stompin’
When I saw the all-girl Atlanta Georgia foursome in Austin they had a fun, infectious energy. They’re also playing a Todd P show Saturday with Miko Mako and x-members of Battleship as a Germs cover band at Market Hotel. The video for the single ‘Stop Stomp Stompin’ from Scramble has drummer Rusty Coathanger goofing out with the rest of the band:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvBf6yjocAI&hl=en&fs=1&]
3. Honorable Mention: Knight School at Public Assembly Saturday 06.13, 10:30pm
On the jangly tip there’s the young Knight School who I haven’t seen live yet and want to check out. Kevin, Chris and Ms. ‘El Gold’ on drums have songs that move any pop dance floor, though Public Assembly’s an awkward space. They’re playing shows other places too: http://www.myspace.com/knightschoolmusic
Knight School doing some homework
Other Noteworthy: These Are Powers, Golden Triangle, Screaming Females, Pgymy Shrews, Katie Eastburn. The entire festival schedule can be found here.
Wish Tom Tom Senior Editor Vicki Simon a happy birthday if you spot her and see you next week for another gazillion words.
Cathy
06.12.09