Back In The Game

Many apologies for not having written in forever. 101 Lenox and its residents have lately undergone some serious changes. Oliver Michael J is my new neighbor across the hall and it's good to have a close friend so close, literally. He and I travelled to Boston this past weekend to play 3 shows and meet up with some long lost college buddies. Friday, a live set and interview on WTBU, Boston University's radio station, on the show Left of the Dial. You can listen to the entire thing on their soundcloud. Everything went well until later when we were setting up for our next show at our friend's loft apartment and had to endure about 4 hours of his roommate's jam band practice, consisting of the same riff repeated over and over, with the occasional modulation and change in dynamics every half hour. But that show was also a success, and we played with our dear friends Holiday Mountain. Saturday was another basement show with them, Many Mansions, Double Down, and another band I can't remember but they were ALL GREAT and everyone should listen to em.

Last night was another epic journey to explore the city and venture to some new bars. We are both still broke, still trying to pull some strings for cash and better jobs, but our spirits were high and confident, so we went out anyway. We hung local for the first stop, enjoyed $3 PBRs, watching some people playing pool, and attempting to make 50 cents last longer than 5 minutes on an arcade game (but failed). After wandering Flatbush Ave determined to find a spot to hang that wasn't a hair salon, 99 cent store, fried chicken or pizza joint, we gave up the fight and trained to Cheap Shots, our favorite. I can always rely on their $5 for a PBR and shot, free jukebox with awesome classic rock selections, tables with guitar picks glued on, and hot bartenders who remember me, have me take free shots with them and enthusiastically beckon me to dance up on the bar even though I always refuse.

Anyway, though, right as we walked up to the bar these two guys turn around and ask what we're here to celebrate. Without thinking I said "My birthday!!" They freaked and bought us shots to take with them before asking how old I was. Despite getting suspicious glances from the doorman who had just checked my ID, I responded that I was 21, and from then on we didn't have to buy a single drink. We politely refused several times, but those guys got us so many rounds that we lost count and eventually had to pass our unfinished ones on to someone else to drink.

Feeling spinny and bewildered that all this really happened, we stumbled across the street to Crocodile Lounge, our newly discovered haven for super broke and hungry people. For buying a $3 Yuengling, you also receive a free pizza. Just like at LuLu's in Greenpoint. They also have the pool table and arcade game hookup, but we could hardly walk and talk let alone try to play any games. We barely touched the beers as we shared two pizzas ravenously-and they were so delicious!!! I remember there being a dimly lit seating area of couches and pillows that was sectioned off from the bar with a curtain, and I could have fallen asleep there.

Sorry that this was so long, a lot of catching up to do. I have three shows coming up this week, so come to at least one:

Saturday Nov 13 Michael Jordyn and Greg at Showpaper Gallery on 42nd St, NY

Tuesday Nov 16 The Dardys at Pianos, 158 Ludlow St, NY

Wednesday Nov 17 Bits and Pisces at Trash Bar, 256 Grand St, Brooklyn