The Way Station Events
21+ all the time (it is a bar after all)
All events are a strongly suggested $5 donation unless indicated otherwise.
THURSDAY 4/167pm- Astronomy on Tap: Hubble & Friends
Everyone loves the Hubble Space Telescope, but how much do you know about the dozens of other space telescopes humans have launched, near and far? Learn about a few fantastic friends of Hubble at the Way Station on Thursday, April 16!
What & Who:
Spiffy SpitzerJoe Filippazzo (CUNY/AMNH)
Charming ChandraDr. Lia Corrales (MIT)
WISE-n-Planck: the Infrared SkyDr. Louise Edwards (Yale)
Hubble! Hubble! Hubble!Dr. Josh Peek (Space Telescope Science Institute)
Games, Prizes, and Astro-tainment by DJ Carly Sagan & MC Tycho Brewhaha!
http://astronomyontap.org/2015/03/hubble-freinds-at-the-way-station-in-brooklyn-thursday-april-16-at-7-pm/
10pm- The Waysties
Genre: Scotch-soaked Celtish folk-rock
For fans of: The Decemberists, Battlefield Band, Great Big Sea, Flogging Molly
We are what happens when a group of Way Station regulars realize that we all like drinking. And music. And attention. Our music is a mix of traditional folk, unconventional covers, and irreverence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an8-GEifees&index=2&list=PLtOEX_jsUdi9vxNpvDXxuCV6w89VsEPl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulUSaTw-Ul8&index=5&list=PLtOEX_jsUdi9vxNpvDXxuCV6w89VsEPl
11pm- Sister Wolf
Genre: Rock
For fans of: The Pixies, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Florence and the Machine
Equal parts fun, heavy, and pensive, Sister Wolf plays with all sub genres of rock. Their sound is cohesively eclectic, and accessibly complex. With lyrics heavily influenced by comic books and sci-fi, Sister Wolf puts on a viscerally enjoyable show with something for everyone.
sisterwolf.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/sisterwolfmusic
FRIDAY 4/17
Wasabassco
8pm- Doors
Shows at 9pm and 10:30pm
Wasabassco brings it all to Fridays at The Way Station.
We're proud to present the 2nd of 4 editions of ALL THE WAY, a monthly Friday night series of evening-long Wasabassco programming. Limited engagement: March-June 2015
Good news for all our Way Station friends and Ambassadors - those unable to make our monthly Thursday night shows, those who can't stay out late on a school night, and those who love our Thursdays, but just want more.
We're raising the stage and clearing the floor to create an atmosphere to party. Pick your show or stay all night for one admission price. Plus Interstitial Go-Go and goodies.
April 17 will be hosted by Nasty Canasta & Sydni Deveraux. With our featured performer Medianoche, plus performances by Nasty, Sydni, Evelyn Vinyl, Hazel Honeysuckle, Jenny C'est Quoi, and Marlo Marquise.
Tickets
- $20 General Admission to the night. Standing and limited seating.
- VIP table for two. Two seats up close and personal. The best seats in the house. Includes 2 premium drink tickets. $100 (limited to one table)
- VIP booth, with guaranteed seating for 5. Includes one premium drink ticket per person. $200 (limited to two booths)
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1413691
SATURDAY 4/18
8pm- Grain Thief
Genre: Alt Country/Folk, Progressive ‘Grass
For fans of: Steeldrivers, Punch Brothers, Trampled by Turtles, Union Station
In it’s latest incarnation, songwriter Patrick Donovan Mulroy’s Grain Thief adds Zach Meyer on mandolin, Alex Barstow on Fiddle, and Tom Farrell on Guitar for a progressive exploration of bluegrass and old-time textures coupled with modern influences. The songwriting is rootsy and NC-17; the band complements with great musicianship.
“Former DCer and current Bostonian Patrick Mulroy is back … under his moniker of Grain Thief. His sound is Americana folk rock with plenty of roots present but not overly dominating. He has that knack for folk story telling and he and his band mates cook up a smooth backing….” -June 2014 David Hintz DCROCK LIVE
www.Grainthief.com
https://wachusettrecording.bandcamp.com/track/farewell-see-ya-georgia-avenue --recent live show!!
music.grainthief.com
9pm- Sun Thief
Genre: Folk Rock
For fans of: Fleet Foxes, Elliott Smith, Radiohead, Avett Brothers
The dulcet harmonies of Sun Thief have been lauded by many a listener from the far reaches of Crown Heights to the stony rows of Park Slope. Formed in the Spring of 2014, Sun Thief consists of Nathaniel Riehl (vox/guitars), Patrick Cochrane (vox/guitars), and John Matson (vox/drums). All members contribute to the band's catalogue of original music which can be described as folky, sometimes ethereal, and always introspective. The band plans to release their first EP this Spring.
soundcloud.com/nathan-riehl
10pm- Dawn Drake & ZapOte
Genre: Afro-Latin Funk
For fans of: Antibalas, Budos Band, ESG, Jamiroquoi, Chico Mann, Cumbiagra, English Beat, Police
Taking its name from a luscious fruit in Cuba known as "ZapOte", this band is an original Funk Latin Afro-Beat band lead by Dawn Drake, bassist/conguera/singer/songwriter and composer, who manages to wear several hats while setting the scene with her own brand of cool. Her original music takes the listener and dancer into a zone where House, Funk, Afro-beat, Samba, Afro-Cuban rhythms and Jazz are right at home. Poetic lyrics spread messages of universal consciousness, delivered with heartfelt vocals, and are joined with the irresistible grooves of Latin percussion, funky bass, swinging horn lines and improvisation.
BAM CAFE LIVE –Darrell McNeill
"Dawn Drake and her band ZapOte are at the beginnings of a fascinating journey to enthusiastically bridge chasms of cultural and gender disconnect that plagues so much of pop music's body politic. To hear them is to imagine early period jam sessions between Laura Nyro and Carole King with Sly Stone and Sergio Mendes sitting in. Theirs is a playfully intense dynamic that needs to be seen more."
-Darrell McNeill, Black Rock Coalition Director of Operations & CURATOR of BAM Café LIVE, Brooklyn Academy of Music GO MAGAZINE –Jenny Lazar
"Dawn contributes heavy Afro-Caribbean licks on congas, bongós and Brazilian caixa as a partial list...and it's no amateur hour..."
Dawn Drake –Meewsic Records
"Cuban, African & South American styles mesh together into delicious jazz/pop fusion; a wonderful backdrop for Dawn's sassy vocals. She also arranged the horns (excellent job), played bass and did all the percussion; a truly multi-talented performer!" Brian Fox, Meewsic Records
Jules Bistro Presents Dawn Drake –Jules Bistro
"This saucy debut by soul sistah Dawn Drake is an incredible gift to the world of world music! She skillfully weaves together her bold poetic lyrics, melodic vocals, and a fusion of danceable rhythms performed by herself and a very talented band of musicianados.
You'll love the horns, the deep bass, the compelling percussion..."
Luis Da Silva, Jules Bistro, NYC Third Street Music Concert Series Presents Dawn Drake & ZapOte Salsa -
"[They] were the hit of the season!" Beth Flusser, Talent Booker for Music in Abe Lebewohl Park.
http://www.dawndrake.com
http://www.youtube.com/thedawndrake
http://www.facebook.com/thedawndrake
SUNDAY 4/19
3:30pm- Moving Pictures + Marvel Costume Contest
Calling all Superheroes and Marvel fans! The Way Station will be hosting a special costume contest during our screening of “Captain America: The First Avenger”. Come dressed as your favorite Marvel superhero or super villain for the chance to win a pair of passes to an advance free screening of AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON in IMAX 3D, in theaters May 1st. Check out the trailer here: www.marvel.com/avengers
EXPERIENCE IT IN
* Tag your photos on social media using #AgeofUltron and #TheWayStation
Captain America: The First Avenger
Countdown to Age of Ultron! We’re getting closer to that magical weekend where everyone and their uncle will be sitting with our fellow nerds watching Black Widow’s rear. Wait, is that just me? Sorry…
6pm- The Nevermind Orchestra
Genre: Brass Band & Grunge
For fans of: Nirvana, Bonerama, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band
The Nevermind Orchestra is the world’s only Nirvana brass band. We use the raw power of a New Orleans-style brass band to reinterpret the raw power of Nirvana. You won’t just hear power chords and rock beats (though you will), you won’t just hear traditional second line grooves (though you will), and you won’t just hear beautiful brass chorale arrangements (though, guess what, you will!). You will hear Nirvana in a way you’ve never heard before, and we guarantee you it will excite you just as much as Kurt, Dave, and Krist did back in the day.
“There's no shortage of Nirvana cover bands floating around but none are quite like the Nevermind Orchestra. Come as you are, and see what happens when Seattle grunge meets the New Orleans brass-band tradition.” — Derek Schwartz, Time Out New York
“If you have “mosh while someone plays a tuba” on your bucket list, this is the place to be.” -- David Colon, Brokelyn
http://www.thenevermindorchestra.com (website)
http://www.reverbnation.com/thenevermindorchestra (audio, video, press)
http://www.youtube.com/user/NevermindOrchestra (video)
http://www.facebook.com/TheNevermindOrchestra (Facebook)
9pm- Nerd Karaoke
DJ JOE RUDE and The KINGS of KARAOKE present a Nerds Night to RAWK OUT at the BAR with the TARDIS!!! Come sing They Might Be Giants, Tom Lehrer, Jonathan Coulton, and MORE! No cover, awesome cocktails and fine beers on tap--its the best party Sunday can buy!
http://thekingsofkaraoke.com/
MONDAY 4/20
6:30pm- Cartoons
7pm- Monday Movie Madness- Young Frankenstein
https://www.facebook.com/events/100755476922598/
9pm- Board Game Night
Bring your favorite game or mine our collection. Dot is slinging drinks all night long, $4 drafts. Best price in town!
TUESDAY 4/21
8pm- James Barry
Genre: power jangle folk punk pop
For fans of: Guided By Voices, Robyn Hitchcock, Nick Lowe, Big Star, The British Invasion
James is an actor/musician best known for his involvement in acclaimed cult hit plays, like Les Frere Corbusier's "Here's Hoover", Yale Rep's "These Paper Bullets" and both off and on broadway productions of "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson". After 2 years playing rockabilly legend Carl Perkins on the 1st nation tour of "Million Dollar Quartet", James is glad to be back home in Brooklyn and proud to share the pop songs he has been writing. Growing up in Northeastern Connecticut, his imaginary friends were the Beatles, and in 1991 he bought Diamonds and Pearls by Prince and God Fodder by Ned's Atomic Dustbin on the same day at a Caldor (R.I.P.).
"James Barry is an absolute revelation. He's familiar to Capital Region theatergoers from his extensive work at Berkshire Theatre Group, but he's never held an electric guitar there. He wails. Wow, he just wails." Michael Eck (Albany Times Union)
“As Perkins, the writer of Blue Suede Shoes struggling to come up with another hit song, James Barry captures the character's existential angst while serving up delicious lead guitar licks and strong vocals.” TEDRIN BLAIR LINDSAY (KENTUCK.COM)
https://www.facebook.com/jamesbarrylovesyou
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=coGdsNdH9oc
http://www.reverbnation.com/jamesbarry8
9pm- The Synthetic Blues
Genre: Chamber Pop / Alternative / Punk
For fans of: The Magnetic Fields, Randy Newman, Ben Folds, Cole Porter
A self-proclaimed punk band, The Synthetic Blues is an understated voice of rebellion in a cacophonous world. Performing tightly-arranged tunes inspired by the traditions of American pop music, songwriter Dave Neff is backed by upright bass, banjo and ukulele. Together they take a dark-humored look at loneliness, selling out, self-worth, faith, love, abuse, and death.
Neff's songs are "raucous... tongue-in-cheek, self-deprecating" (Tucson Weekly), "Sesame Street meets South Park" (drunk girl at a show), and "simple" (Neff's mother).
"I hope the songs speak for themselves," Neff says aloud to himself, alone in his apartment, writing The Synthetic Blues' band description in third-person, hoping whoever reads it is intruiged enough to listen. "After that, everything else is just a sales pitch.”
www.thesyntheticblues.com
10pm- Dan Ashwood
Genre: Post-industrial / Avant-rock / Psychedelic pop
For fans of: David Bowie, John Maus, Kate Bush
Dan Ashwood is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and animator from Minnesota who has been recording genre-defying DIY pop music and a variety of other atmospheric disturbances for as long as he can remember. His music veers wildly between angular postpunk to progressive funk to baroque spacepop to druidic shoegaze without batting a single lashmite. But who wants to bat those poor lashmites, anyways?
"Infectious!"-The Current
"Like some kind of Prince/Roy Orbison collaboration that you never knew you wanted!"-Snap Judgement
"Better than most of these other Latter-day R. Stevie Moores!"-Informed Opinion
"Baltimore is Hot!"-R. Stevie Moore
danashwood.com
danashwood.bandcamp.com
11pm- Josh Savage
Genre: FOLK/ROCK
For fans of: BEN HOWARD, BASTILLE, GABRIELLE APLIN, MATT CORBY
Singer/songwriter from Winchester (UK), raised in Paris. Tipped as one of 'Ten Artists to Watch' by the Huffington Post, acclaimed 'Best of 2014' by Tom Robinson (BBC Radio 6) with self-released EP 'Spaces' #28 in the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts.
Josh Savage has toured North America, Europe and the Middle East playing solo and with his band (inc. strings). Writes and sings in English and French with a French EP due out in 2015, alongside more English releases.
“Fantastic song writing and a resonant, rich voice, Josh exhibits real skill as a musician and singer." - Huffington Post ‘Ten Artists to Watch’
“To have produced a work of this quality under any circumstances would be justification for him to feel proud; to have done so as the result of a self-released work without the support of a record label is nothing short of outstanding. Josh Savage is going to become a household name; if he doesn’t, I will willingly eat my laptop” – Social Assassin
www.joshsavagemusic.com
Official video http://youtu.be/EFrWYQdotdE
Live at SXSW https://youtu.be/pzdKa414XPo
WEDNESDAY 4/22
8pm- Melodic Miners
Genre: Country/Folk
Brooklyn based Country/Folk/Americana that swings from foot stomping and raucous to intimate and wistful. Playing songs from their upcoming CD “Brooklyn Honkytonk” to be released in 2015. How school teachers really prefer to spend their evenings!
“We're proud to announce our May Showcase performer is singer songwriter and friend of the Heritage Coffee House, Lucas Rotman. Brooklyn based with prolonged hang time in Sullivan and Orange counties, this talented musician has been creating some very interesting music. Playing in the East Village or in our studios at WJFF, Lucas is always entertaining and his music intriguing.” - Aldo Triorani, Heritage Coffee House News (Oct 16, 2012)
9pm- Cancion Franklin
Genre: Americana/blues music
For fans of: Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash
One man show. True American vocally driven songs. Americana with focused guitar and country blues roots. Original songs only with a respect for lyrical expression.
Soundcloud.com/cancion-1
10pm- Tanbark
Genre: Americana
For fans of: Gillian Welch, Gram Parsons, Angel Olsen
Formed in Minneapolis and residing in Brooklyn, Tanbark is a sometimes acoustic duo, sometimes country band with an all the time affinity for close harmonies and lonesome melodies.
www.tanbarkmusic.com
11pm- Doolittle Family
Genre: Folk
For fans of: Everly Brothers, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane
Sixties pop vibes with a modern psych-folk flavor, featuring tight vocal
harmony.
https://soundcloud.com/doolittle-family/sets/doolittle-family-demo-tracks/s-wa0XL
THURSDAY 4/23
8pm- Dragonwell
Genre: Soul/jazz
Genre: Soul/jazz
For Fans of: Esperanza Spalding and Steely Dan, with influences of Lionel Loueke, Amy Winehouse, and Wilco.
When Jeff Berman and Jess Best started writing music together a year ago, they immediately discovered a melding of styles that they hadn't heard before. Jeff's driving rhythmic guitar playing and colorful chord progressions, met with Jess's powerful, soaring creative melodies come together to tell stories through songs. With a mutual background in jazz and individual influences in soul, rock, R&B, and West African percussion, they have a fresh sound that is subtly complex and has a commanding presence. They are excited for their debut at The Way Station and to bring their music to Crown Heights, where they are currently living.
jessbest.com
Pipeline - Original Song
9pm- Moon Shiner
Genre: Americana/Alt-Country
For fans of: Josh Ritter, Ryan Adams, Black Keys
After meeting on the salty shores of southern Connecticut, Jenner Fox and Raph Shapiro have reconvened to once more bring their harmony and heartache to the barrooms and living rooms of this great land. Half New York Harbor, half San Francisco Bay, Moon Shiner plays a bicoastal blend of folk, bluegrass, and rock and roll, providing acoustic sets of original tunes as well as favorites by artists like John Prine, Gillian Welch, Darrell Scott, and Bob Dylan. Cool, intoxicating, and soul-warming to the last drop, Moon Shiner music won't let you down.
moon-shiner.squarespace.com
10pm- The Jacks
Genre: Folk, Rock, Americana
For Fans of: Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles
A Brooklyn-based americana, folk rock duo that feature original songs, and
angelic vocal harmonies.
https://www.facebook.com/Jacksofkingscounty
http://m.reverbnation.com/artist/thejacksofkingscounty
11pm- All Night Chemists
Genre: Rock
A band that writes and records a musical potion of hypnotic sounds, unforgettable melodies, deep grooves, and intricate arrangements under the BQE in north Brooklyn...
Brad Gunyon, Len Monachello, and Brandon Wilde are All Night Chemists. Currently releasing two songs a month the trio continues to mix from song to song, both live and on record, with a variety of their fellow musicians. The result are shows and recordings that are truly their own. All Night Chemists' songs have been featured in the television shows Castle, Mercy, Men in Trees, Life is Wild, and Reaper. The song "Point of View" was featured in the 2007 film "Ornaments"
“The Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has a mellow, reflective voice that speaks to experience and a way with instrumentation that, as they say, goes easy on the ears.” 3hive
http://www.allnightchemists.com/
http://allnightchemists.bandcamp.com/
FRIDAY 4/24
8pm- Big Dog Run
Genre: Americana
For fans of: The Civil Wars, Mumford and Sons, Jamestown Revival, Fleetwood Mac, Trampled by Turtles
Originally from Colorado, this six piece Americana band has brought a laid back, mile-high attitude to the gritty streets of New York. With thoughtful, entertaining lyrics, a one of a kind percussion spread, and rocking melodies to keep your foot tapping, Big Dog Run always puts on a show that’s not to be missed.
“They have such a full and beautiful sound as well as amazing energy on stage. Truthfully, I haven’t enjoyed a live show this much in a very long time.” - In the Shed Media, Ltd.
“Big Dog Run’s multi-talented regime is bravely paving a new wave sound of a traditional musical art form.” - Detoxaholic
www.bigdogrunmusic.com
9pm- Arun Ramamurthy Trio
Genre: Carnatic Jazz
For fans of: Ravi Shankar, Shakti, Cross-over Jazz
The Arun Ramamurthy Trio (ART) performs Jazz Carnatica. Rooted in the style of the virtuoso violinist Dr. Mysore Manjunath, Arun brings a fresh approach to the age-old South Indian classical repertoire. The trio’s collaborative sound is driven by the propulsive rhythm section of drummer Sameer Gupta & and bassist Perry Wortman. The Carnatic canon is remixed in this seamless integration of styles as the group expands on the traditional compositions in explosive, improvisational flights of fancy. Arun’s original compositions pay homage to Carnatic rhythmic structures and rich tonalities while expanding the music with a modern jazz backbeat.
“…a beautiful, exotic, ear-opening listening experience.” (All About Jazz)
“…..a captivating and inspirational listening experience, worthy of the highest recommendation for multicultural music collections.” (Midwest Book Review)
“Ramamurthy joins the successful few who have melded jazz and traditional Indian music.” (RootsWorld)
www.arunramamurthy.com
https://soundcloud.com/arunnj25/conception
10pm- Talsness
Genre: Pop Sleaze
For fans of: The Modern Lovers, Nick Lowe
With a voice like a droopy-eyed frog and creepy finger guitar diddlings, Talsness play jingles for a product that doesn’t need a hard sell, pleasure. If Fritz the Cat would stop licking himself long enough to take up an instrument, it would probably sound like this.
https://soundcloud.com/significant-ether
11pm- Artanker Convoy
Genre: psych pop
For fans of: Can, The Faces, Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Best known for their tripped out take on dirty jazz a la Miles Davis 1970, Convoy has dropped their keys & synthesizers in favor of 3 part harmonies over a blown out southern rock sound. The rhythms of drummer Artanker still surprise and keep the crowd shuffling its feet. The clean new sound of Convoy rips through the party but still takes you on occasional psychedelic hayrides.
The Wire:
“equal parts funk and freakout. There are definite tinges of Miles Davis' early 70s groups.”
Seattle Weekly:
“…like Can; each song grows organically into something awkwardly suited for a dance party of sorts.”
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K8rCngtBms
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/artankerconvoy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Artanker-Convoy/26600031104
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/playlist/view_playlist/-4?page_object=artist_2596645
Website: http://thesocialregistry.com/index2.html
SATURDAY 4/25
8pm- Skeye
Genre: Blues, Soul, Jazz
For fans of: Zero 7, Radiohead, Sia
Skeye is a dreamy, soulful blend of blues, funk, and jazz. Experimental blues guitar and electric keyboard lay the foundation for smooth jazz female vocals. Influenced by Zero 7, Radiohead, Sia, Pink Floyd, and others old and new. Skeye lulls you into intimate contemplation with one song, only to pick you right back up in the next one.
“The tone and quality make Lindsey’s voice one of my favorites that I’ve ever heard . . . I could listen to this girl sing all day. [John] is truly a very talented musician, not only in how he plays and incorporates multiple instruments, but in how he arranges songs, his ear for production and so on.” - Howard, SystemsThinker.com, Music Recommendations of the Week
“The more we spread the name Skeye out there, the better off we all are . . . When I know everybody in the world has heard Skeye, I’ll know my job is done.” - Kit McGuire, Indie 104, Kit’s Corner
skeyeband.com
youtube.com/vektormusic
skeye.bandcamp.co
9pm- As Lolas
Genre: Brazilian Psychedelic Rock
For fans of: Os Mutantes, Rita Lee, Sergio Dias
Five hardcore NYC Pros join forces to rock your world with screaming guitar solos, thundering drum rolls, funkafied bass lines and four voice heavy harmonies! Ever since their first concert in Harlem’s “Shrine” in February 2014, As Lolas are taking NYC by storm. The band appears in NYC’s hottest clubs like SOB’s, Nublu and The Way Station, toured Switzerland in 2014 and just returned hot from a Swiss tour in February 2015.
“I hereby declare that AS LOLAS are undeniably Mutantes. The best part besides their musicianship is the fact that they will Rock your socks off!” Sergio Dias, (founding member of the legendary band “Os Mutantes”)
"As Lolas kick ass, they are a great band, they drew a crowd from the boardwalk and entertained the people like magic. Their musicianship, infectious energy and exciting set of Brazilian rock music got everyone dancing” - Jen Gapay, producer NY Burlesque and Boylesque Festival and Summer events at Coney Island.
www.facebook.com/aslolas
WATCH: As Lolas play Saravah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l2iQCGiFq8
WATCH: As Lolas play Saravah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l2iQCGiFq8
As Lolas play Top Top: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tERem2mEBrQ
As Lolas play Velha Roupa colorida: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofH-aj4nibA
As Lolas Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS8uqGwNjFs
10pm-12am- Comic Tales of Tragic Heartbreak
"You must not try to make love definite. It is the divine accident of life.”
So said Sherwood Anderson in his great book, Winesburg, Ohio. Comic Tales of Tragic Heartbreak knows all about accidents. Of birth. Of place and strange times. Of music heard through screen windows in summer, of lonely faces in discos while blizzards raged outside in the Northern night.
What’s a young criminal to do? Read every book he can get his hands on, obsess over record club 45s, play the theme song to MASH over and over on a rented trumpet, lose a thousand fistfights till he finally wins one. Ride a stolen bike, a bus, a train, get out.
Years later, redemption at last. Robert Whaley is just about where he should be. Compared to everyone from David Byrne to Leonard Cohen, he’s been welcoming audiences into a private world of enchantment and debauchery, and oh the influences are clear: Anderson (words and emotions), Fossee (dance and controlled hysteria), poetry (Artaud and
O’Hara).
Whaley had a lot of practice riding the line between rock n’ roll, performance art, and stand up comedy as the front man for The Niagaras, a legendary force of Manhattan’s live music scene of 80s and 90s, when a wild front man could dance on bar tops and swing from the rafters without getting banned, except for when he was:
“Lunacy? Spectacle? And music too??”- Rene Chun, New York Times
No wonder the attraction included a “celebrity” following – everyone from Ethan Hawke to Kevin Spacey to Gwyneth Paltrow to the good people in Anthrax.
As a songwriter, Whaley has covered a lot of ground and has shown range through a number of outlets. He cowrote and recorded the original score for the feature film, Joe the King, starring Val Kilmer, and has also written for the stage –his rock musical Wrong Way Up ran off-Broadway at NYC’s Zipper Theater. He is currently working with playwright Matthew Freeman on a musical adaptation of the great 1908 novel, Buried Alive – now titled Selling Sacred Objects.
Meat Market Lullaby, the second album from Comic Tales of Tragic Heartbreak, reflects an obsession with pre-1974 soul, filled with nuance and tender bitter sweetness. Jazz pianist Mara Rosenbloom sets the tone with her loose/attacking, touch on grand piano and Rhodes. Pete O’Connell lends a sophisticated sense of drive and counterpoint as both bassist and co-arranger. Whaley’s long-time collaborator, lead guitarist and singer, Tony Grimaldi, shines with masterful harmonies and chunky guitar lines. Chris Schultz, percussionist with Blue Man Group, shimmers, cascades and of course, rocks.
Recorded live in the studio with a minimum of overdubs, a maximum of misfit charm, and this: “Only the few know the sweetness of the twisted apples.” (Sherwood Anderson, again.)
www.comictalesoftragicheartbreak.com
SUNDAY 4/26
4pm- Moving Pictures + Marvel Costume Contest
Calling all Superheroes and Marvel fans! The Way Station will be hosting a special costume contest during our screening of “Iron Man 2/The Avengers”. Come dressed as your favorite Marvel superhero or super villain for the chance to win a pair of passes to an advance free screening of AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON in IMAX 3D, in theaters May 1st. Check out the trailer here: www.marvel.com/avengers
EXPERIENCE IT IN
* Tag your photos on social media using #AgeofUltron and #TheWayStation
Iron Man 2/The Avengers
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx6z46LWJuw/VQy83aOl09I/AAAAAAAAL3U/QFKwxXLOYkE/s1600/MV5BMTk2NTI1MTU4N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODg0OTY0Nw%40%40._V1