Dose of my “Subway Mixing” Playlist
Today’s preview, Goodwill & Hook N Sling- “Take You Higher”
Earlier this month I got to check out another one of New York’s fine concert halls! This time, we went to Ben Gibbard at Town Hall. Something I like to do when visiting new places in the city is to go in with “blind eyes”. That is, I don’t like researching the area or sites too much before visiting so I can really appreciate and experience the space for what it is before getting a back story. It’s always so fun to find out more about a place for me too after I’ve actually been there.
Town Hall is located right outside of Times Square so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised with a small, intimate classic venue. Come to find out, the theatre has 80 years of rich history that began with suffragists taking the stage in support of passing the 19th amendment (which is interesting since we were there the Monday before Election Day). After the amendment was passed the stage would later present expressions of freedom of speech, lecture series, Children’s shows and notable performances from Bob Dylan, Jane Fonda, Billie Holiday, and The Indigo Girls to name a few.
I bought the tickets several months prior and was pretty excited that I scored Orchestra tickets, especially after being so far up at the Beacon Theatre . If you don’t know, Ben Gibbard is the lead singer in the band Death Cab for Cutie, who we previously saw in April. When I bought the tickets, I didn’t realize just how close we really would be. The venue has a very intimate performance appeal with seats for only 1,500. In the 7th row, we were probably 20 feet from the stage, it was unreal!
After the show, I felt like Ben and I were on first name basis that’s how close we were! It was a really great low-key show too since it was the kick-off of his solo tour. Definitely a little different than the 9 piece orchestra and band that were at the April show (which was also fantastic). I’m so glad that we were able to experience both shows and would recommend Town Hall as a venue, especially if you can score seats in the orchestra section!
Between the hurricane, Nor’Eastern, the election and now Thanksgiving, somehow October kind of got skipped over. So I’m going to take you all on a little rewind to capture the month that came and went so fast!
Fall is by far my favorite season in the city. The air begins to cool to the perfect temperature for boots and scarves, but not cold enough for your winter jacket and ear muffs yet! October also marks the beginning of the ‘decorative’ season when people start to get excited about the holidays starting with Halloween. Frankenstorm may have put a damper on this year’s Halloween celebration (even postponing the holiday in New Jersey) but the holiday did still have some play time in the city. Here are a couple shots of my favorite decorated brownstones.
What’s another great part about October? Oktoberfest! There are several Oktoberfest festivals that happen throughout the month in the city and my friends and I decided to celebrate my tiny-bit of German heritage with a beer at Bierhaus. Now when I say “a beer” maybe I should specify with this picture…
Not exactly the average size.. but when you are celebrating Oktoberfest, do as the Germans do! The Bierhaus was great, complete with bench seating, bartenders in traditional attire and a German band with an accordion. I can happily say I got my workout for the day in too that evening lifting that mug up! After struggling with one, my friends and I were amazed by the women bartenders that came around carrying 4 or 5 at a time. I wouldn’t pick a fight with those girls! ;-)