There’s an early and late show at The Rockwood Music Hall tonight that merits your attention. At 7pm at the original Rockwood stage, The Westies, a Chicago-based band, will play a set. At the suggestion of some friends, I saw The Westies for the first time last year, and was duly impressed. They are tour behind their album, West Side Stories, released earlier this year. The Westies are led by Michael McDermott, whose voice and songwriting are somewhat reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen. Joining The Westies tonight will be guitar great Will Kimbrough (who will play his own set later at 9pm).
I discovered Jess Klein a few years ago while going through the SXSW Torrent. Her song Behind a Veil jumped out at me. Seeing her live at SXSW confirmed that she is the real deal. Jess and her music fit in the same neighborhood as Now I’ve Heard Everything favorites Amy Speace and Charlie Faye (and for a while, she was actually Charlie’s neighbor in Austin). Take this opportunity to see Jess while she is in NYC, something that doesn’t happen often enough. This show is a co-bill with Rod Picott.
The Westies, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 7pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)
Jess Klein, Rockwood Stage 3, 185 Orchard Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 10pm, $10, with a $10 drink minimum
