Big Apple Barbeque Block Party Madison Square Park (free!) with music too

The 6th Annual Big Apple Barbeque Block Party

This looks like a pretty tasty way to spend a day, or a weekend... BBQ and Mardi Gras Indians! It's almost like 2nd and Dryades is coming to New York. Almost.

June 7 and 8, 2008 in Madison Square Park
New York, NY
Noon to 6pm
http://www.bigapplebbq.org/

Admission is free!
MAP of Madison Square Park

Barbecue is $8 per plate, sides and desserts $4 per plate and drinks range $2-$6

Feed your belly with variations of bbq from some delicous bbq joints

New York: Blue Smoke; Hill Country; Dinosaur Bar-B-Que; Rack & Soul

Connecticut: Wilson’s Barbeque

California: Mr. Cecil’s

Texas: Baker’s Ribs; The Salt Lick BBQ

Virginia: Checkered Pig

Alabama: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

Illinois: 17th Street Bar & Grill

North Carolina: The Pit

Mississippi: Ubon’s “Champion’s Choice”

South Carolina: Black Jack BBQ

Feed your head with music**

Saturday, June 7

1:00PM – 2:15PM THE DEFIBULATORS

Combining strains of rockabilly, bluegrass, and classic country music with the quirky camaraderie of a vaudevillian jug band, The Defibulators are one of the most engaging live acts to have emerged from Brooklyn’s thriving roots music scene. Watch for the Defibulators’ first full-length album coming this summer!

2:45PM – 4:00PM THE SWEET DIVINES

Don’t call it nostalgia: The Sweet Divines are doing soul music the only way they know how—the old-school way. This four-woman vocal powerhouse and their hard-hitting Divine Soul Rhythm Band have been lighting up nightclub stages all over town with their nouveau-retro brand of girl-group soul.

4:30PM – 5:45PM THE WILD MAGNOLIAS

“Big Chief” Bo Dollis and his Wild Magnolias have been among New Orleans’ top-ranked Mardi Gras Indian tribes for four decades, playing pure New Orleans street funk. Their five career albums include the oft-sampled classic “They Call Us Wild” (1975) and “Life Is a Carnival” (1999).

Sunday, June 8

1:00PM – 2:15PM ALEX BATTLES & THE WHISKEY REBELLION

Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter Alex Battles leads The Whiskey Rebellion, a country band strongly influenced by the music of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, John Prine and Tom T. Hall. “Battles can wrap audiences around his knotty fingers.” (Nate Schweber, The Village Voice)

2:45PM – 4:00PM ELI “PAPER BOY” REED & THE TRUE LOVES

Roll With You, the new Q Division album from Boston-based soul band Eli “Paperboy” Reed & the True Loves, is a potent all-original set of sweaty, up-tempo numbers and aching, lovelorn ballads. “He combines the sob of Al Green with the beef of Otis Redding, and boasts a band, The True Loves.” (MOJO magazine)

4:30PM – 5:45PM THE SADIES

The Toronto quartet known as the Sadies combine the timeless sounds of Sixties/Seventies rock and country music with masterful songwriting and casually stunning harmonies from front men Dallas and Travis Good. On their latest album, “New Seasons” (Yep Roc), the Sadies “build fresh, bracing psychedelia.” (David Fricke, Rolling Stone

** Artists and Performance Times can change. Double Check with Venue

Get official updates from http://www.bigapplebbq.org/

The Big Apple BBQ supports Madison Square Park Conservancy, responsible for keeping historic Madison Square Park a bright, beautiful and active public park. The Conservancy’s dedication and consistent, loving attention keeps Madison Square Park a vibrant haven in the city for all to enjoy.

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The Bamboo Room in Lake Worth Florida is Closing

Sad news. Another Live Music Venue in South Florida is closing.

taken from The Bamboo Room's website:

Tue. 05.13.2008
Bamboo Room Will Go Dark, For Now -- Club Closing May 31

There’s an old adage that the bar business is recession-proof, but Bamboo Room is first and foremost a live music venue and we are not immune. Rising fuel costs make it increasingly difficult for national touring acts to include South Florida in their routing plans. Coupled with lower concert attendance during the summer, the truth is simple to understand -- particularly when heard directly from those sources.

We have thoughtfully reviewed recent economic issues that weigh on both performers and patrons. To compensate for the downturn, Bamboo Room recently adopted an abbreviated schedule for the first time in its nine-year history. Yet it soon became clear that it would be difficult to remain open through the summer. As a result we will close our doors May 31. A healthier economy will be key to operating during the winter season, much as was common in Florida not so long ago.

The trust and honesty of our relationships with artists, patrons and the media will remain firm... as has been our commitment to excellence in live music presentation. Our dedicated, excellent and valued staff will be kept apprised of future plans. We remain optimistic that the cultural and economic climate will improve.

The soul of Bamboo Room will continue to resonate with the sound of Roots, Blues and Americana.

Sincerely,

Russell Hibbard
Owner

The Bamboo Room had great site lines, a fantastic beer and whiskey selection and nobody could argue about the long list of lot of top talent they brought down to South Florida. And over the years even relaxed their uptight rules, a tad :)

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NYC Subway Auditions

I always thought it would make for an interesting festival to bring the performers we see below ground every day up to the surface for a festival. The subway Accordions, Violins, Brass Bands, Guitar strummers along with Preachers, and all the Buksters in a setting like Woodstock circa 1960s. Hey some of the music is really great. And that guy with the accordion, you know who I'm talking about, may actually be the front man for a great band we don't know about.

The reason I started to ramble on about the below-street performers? New York City is holding auditions for the next round of subway artists, (video follows), and you may see one of these talented individuals headlining at SummerStage next year, or at least below Times Square.

See you at the subterranian shows!

If the video above doesn't play, here's the link.

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