Get Out

Todd Snider and the Nervous Wrecks
Originally uploaded by MrBadExample.

Welcome to Get Out, a semi-regular feature about upcoming shows in New York City and the surrounding area. And maybe the not-so-surrounding area. It's my blog and I'll post what I want to.

And even if you don't live in the NYC area, pay attention. You might learn something.

TUE July 19--Elvis Costello and the Imposters with Emmylou Harris, Central Park Summerstage, 7 p.m.

I hope I don't have to tell you why you should go to this show. And though, technically, it costs $60 to get into this concert, don't sweat it. For why pay exorbitant ticket prices and support an increasingly poor concert series when you can sit just behind the bleachers for free? That's what I'll be doing, unless it rains, in which case I won't be out $60. Suckers. Philanthropic suckers.

The last time I sat behind the bleachers at Summerstage, a woman absently whipped a wood chip at my forehead and a dog devoured a baby squirrel. So, you might get a little extra, too.

THU July 21--Will Hoge, Mercury Lounge, 8(ish) pm

Will Hoge is from Nashville, but his music isn't country. It is, once again, rock--straight-ahead, sweaty rock (sensing a Tinsel and Rot theme?). Will and his bandmates used to hit the NYC area pretty frequently, but things slowed up for awhile. But with a new tour bus and some new songs, they're making more of an effort to move outside of their Southern fanbase. Hence, this show, where they're the second act on the bill. That will mean a short set (but an early bedtime), so you won't get the usual full-length set, which is too bad. They put on one of the best shows I've ever seen, at 12th and Porter in Nashville in 2002. And they're another band that gives everything they have, no matter the set length. So start the weekend early.

For the full Will Hoge experience, go to Maxwell's in Hoboken on August 9. No worries...I'll remind you.

FRI July 22--Rodney Crowell w/ Will Kimbrough, South Street Seaport, 7 p.m.

A free Rodney Crowell show would be reason enough to spend a Friday night at the Seaport. He's written a ton of great country songs ("Ain't Living Long Like This," "'Til I Gain Control Again," "Stars on the Water") and has actually hit his peak with his last two albums, "The Houston Kid" and "Fate's Right Hand." But you're also gonna get to see Will Kimbrough (pictured above), world-class guitarist, member of the first band whose live show really moved me (Todd Snider and the Nervous Wrecks), and all-around swell guy. I think he's also playing an opening set, but the Seaport Music Festival website is a little hazy on that. If he does do an opening set, your ass should be there. Watch the jaws drop when he does "Yo-Yo Ma." You'll see.

I've been looking forward to this since it was announced. If it gets rained out, I may cry.

SAT July 23--Maybe Pete, Pussycat Lounge, 8 pm

Guess what? I like rock and roll. No kidding. So, it would follow that I like Maybe Pete. And once again, they're not just good musicians; they're good people. Good people who go to as many Marah shows as I do. What's not to like, dammit?

I am slightly frightened about the place they're playing based on their website, and I may be fired tomorrow for looking at the site at work, but what the hell? We're all adults here.

The last time I saw Maybe Pete play, I was the crowd. That crap better not happen again. This is their first NYC gig in awhile, so they could use some peoples in the crowd. I don't know if there's a cover and, if so, what it is. But I'll pay it for you, you filthy mongrel. Just go to the show. You'll like it.

OK, that's it. I'll see you out there.

LINKS
http://www.summerstage.org
http://www.willhoge.com
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com
http://www.rodneycrowell.com
http://www.willkimbrough.com
http://www.seaportmusicfestival.com
http://www.maybepete.com
http://www.pussycatlounge.com