Well, helloooo and welcome back to “Tits Up Big Apple” with yours truly, the muse-ical muse, Miss Medea Hoar. I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus, nay, a sabbatical, recharging my batteries so to speak, during these long cold winter nights. Now, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, I once again returned to the bustling borough of Manhattan to see what kind of trouble I can get into.
This month I found myself in the Lower East Side at none other than Arlene’s Grocery, a lovely watering hole since 1995. I stopped in on 4/26 to check out some of the young ones playing some old school punk at an early 7 pm show. And most of the crowd on this particular Saturday night, wasn’t even alive in 1995. WOW! When I arrived, someone asked if I was the mom of someone in one of the bands…no, but I might have been the cool aunt. On the bill that night was Super Swell, Fruit Dawg, Aux Blood and Modern Day Machines. The bands describe themselves as emo, post-hardcore and noizegaze mixed with a sprinkling of grunge. No matter, it sounded good to these ears. Most interesting band of the night – Fruit Dawg. Before they started the singer informed us that the bass player was sick and couldn’t play that night, but the show must go on. Damn! Dontcha’ just love that attitude and kudos to these young punks! They played their hearts out and the drummer held it down without a bass player. So impressive, and I look forward to whatever this band does in the future.
As much as I enjoyed checking out the new music, I knew there was more to see and hear that night. I took a stroll down the block to pay homage to Walter Lure Memorial Tribute 2025 at Krebs & Simone’s Endless Party at the Parkside Lounge with Too Many Lauras, the Hipp Pipps and the X Waldos. For those of you who may be unaware, Walter Lure was the guitarist with Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers and in later years, his own punk band The Waldos. His untimely passing in 2020 left a void in, and a legacy for the NYC punk rock genre. I walked in just in time to catch the start of the Hipp Pipps, who blew the doors off their hinges. Matt Langone, on vox & git, had the whole place packed and rockin’. Next up was the X Waldos with Danny Ray on sax, and so many guest singers it was hard to keep track: Vincent Martone (Curtis Suburban), Steve Krebs ( Krebs & the Maynard G’s), the list goes on and on . Ab-so-f’ing-lu-tely fantastic! The only time I sat down was in the taxi on the way home.
Now, we need to talk about our future. Sounds ominous I know, but in this case it’s all about just one day of unadulterated music– June 21, 2025. Never have I seen more music and more chances for fun on one day!
June 21st is the first official day of Summer, the longest day of the year and to celebrate all New York City brings us: Make Music NY Day grants us free live music in all 5 boroughs (https://makemusicny.org/) in open public spaces. There will be over 1,000 participatory acts for you to discover! In past years this free event was everywhere from Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall to community gardens and sidewalks.
If that doesn’t suit you, and your feeling adventurous, hop on the Governor’s Island Ferry at southern end of the isle and head to Porch Stomp 2025 (www.porchstomp.org) Now in its 12th year, Porch Stomp brings folks and folky music to the bucolic island for a full afternoon of music and comradery. Bring a chair, bring a blanket or just bring yourself. You’ll find yourself singing and dancing till the last ferry brings you home.
But wait, there’s more…The Mermaid Parade in all its glittery glory also steps off on June 21st along Surf Ave for the 43rd time (coneyisland.com/mermaidparade) . It’s highly suggested that you take one of the many subways or buses to experience the full sequined, semi-clad splendor. The parade starts around noon that day and continues until….around whenever. Whether you’re in the parade or simply hanging out on the sidelines, you will have fun. It’s Coney Island Baby!
Finally, if you like your music with a feminist edge – SMUDGEFEST 2025 get down and dirty from 3 pm to 9pm at Young Ethels in da’ Slope. Brought back by popular demand, the BK Muses have 9 Indie bands playing. Yes, you heard right, 9 bands for an all day and into the night music festival. This one goes on, rain or shine my friends! Check out BK Muses socials for a complete lineup! (@bk_muses on Instagram and Facebook)
And with that I leave you my darling ones. I’m sure our paths will cross again, as they always do, and once they do, we will dance, kiss and canoodle the days and nights away. The night time is the right time as they say, but I find afternoon delights just as enjoyable. See you amongst the flowers. —Yours always, the musical muse Medea Hoar.
Arlene’s Grocery: 95 Stanton Street, Parkside Lounge: 317 E. Houston, Young Ethel’s: 506 5th Avenue, Brooklyn
