The Postcrypt Coffeehouse is located in the basement of St. Paul's Chapel on the campus of Columbia University in New York City. We feature live acoustic music from national and local acts. When we say acoustic, we really mean it: there are no microphones. Columbia is located at 116th Street and Broadway and is accessible by the 1 and 9 subways. Admission is always free and open to all. Performances start at 9 p.m. and generally run through 12:30 a.m. on every Friday and Saturday during the school year. For more info, call 212-854-1953 or send email to [email protected].
Note: Shows list performers in the order of appearance: 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 p.m. Call on night of performance to confirm times.
Co-sponsored night with Elementary Hip Hop, featuring rap, spoken word, and beatboxing.
Postcrypt Rocks featuring an acoustic set by Downpore (www.downpore.com) and performances by Sal Casabianca and Columbia student Peter Lerman.
OPEN STAGE
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ONLY:
In an effort to promote Columbia University's own musical talent and to foster student awareness and support of the Postcrypt, we have dedicated one open stage per semester to Columbia student musicians. And while folk music is our specialty, poetry, spoken-word, and instrumental performances are more than welcome. So if you're a musician at Columbia with an itch to show the world (albeit a little folk world) what you've got, this is your chance to come on out and shine. Additionally, we encourage our non-Columbia-students fans to come experience a night of great music and fun. Here's how it works.
OPEN STAGE
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
Chris and Meredith Thompson: These two bring to the stage a harmony that only siblings can. Their music combines genres from all over the world to serve up a beautiful array of sound. With their fifth album finding a place on the "folk DJ list," they have become well established in the folk world. (www.cmthompson.com)
Jen Shankman: Armed with her guitar and a voice that rises from the caverns of her soul, Jen Shankman will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. At a mere 5'1", when this New Yorker takes the stage, she is anything but small. With the right combination of bare-boned honesty, sass and carefully-crafted melodies and stories, Jen is a force to be reckoned with, a friend who reaches out, a performer who has truly learned to stand on her convictions. (www.folkweb.com/jenshankman)
Andrew Vladeck: A banjo and ukulele don't immediately come to mind when one thinks of a rock-based songster from New York City. Vladeck draws inspiration from several generations of music -- from Blind Willie McTell to The Band, to Beck, Beth Orton and The Boss. Vladeck's eclectic mix makes for an exciting and energetic sound that in many ways reflects the spirit of the city in which he lives. (www.andrewvladeck.com)
ROUND ROBIN EVENING WITH:
Paul Brubaker: In his last year of college, Natalie Merchant pulled him on stage to share a vocal. Now Paul Brubaker wants a stage of his own to showcase his brand of acoustic pop. Brubaker's show mixes his edgy, backhandedly romantic tunes with some off the beaten path covers from the likes of Ben Folds Five, They Might Be Giants, and Elvis Costello. (www.paulbrubaker.com)
Dave Murphy: Gifted singer and songwriter Dave Murphy takes you on a lyrical pilgrimage through the American soul. Born in New York and currently based in Montclair, New Jersey, Murphy weaves a musical tapestry through the genres of Americana, alt-country, contemporary folk, and folk-rock. (www.murphyworld.com)
Tina Vero: The world of acoustic contemporary music evolves with the talent of Tina Vero. She weaves a melodic web of tenderness, concern and enthusiasm in songs of human loss and gain - with an edge, that is. She diversifies her powerful live performances with strong original songwriting of infectious rockers and poignant ballads. (www.tinavero.com)
OPEN STAGE
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
Cadence Carroll: Norwalk, CT based singer/songwriter Cadence Carroll has made quite an impression on acoustic music fans in her home state since graduating from Ithaca College in the spring of 1995. With guitar and djembe in hand, Cadence is a regular feature performer at venues up and down the east coast. (www.cadencecarroll.com)
Terence Martin: Born in London and raised in Los Angeles, singer songwriter Terence Martin is a recent transplant to Larchmont, New York. His musical background includes work as a double bassist in the Burbank Symphony and in several rock bands. Currently a teacher of English literature, his work as a poet is recognized in the anthology, "Four Valley Poets." (www.martinsongs.com)
Danny Schmidt: Danny plays a guitar as natural as he breathes. A haunting, ageless voice; melodies that are simple and original; wry, moving lyrics; a guitar style that's as organic as it is unpredictable. (www.danny.schmidt.net)
Stephanie Fix: Both a truth seeker and a truth seer -- Stefanie Fix delivers unmistakably direct and impassioned vocals with subtle undertones of intense, lyrical beauty all entwined in a variety of guitar styles from intricate picking to acoustic slide, to 'roots rock' rhythms. She is one of those rare birds that successfully merges instinct with craft. (www.stephaniefix.com)
Bill Passalacqua: Bill Passalacqua writes with a sense of humor and a sense of social awareness wrapped into a pointed and intelligent package. Combining the heart of blues and the drive of bluegrass, Bill finds his own voice and delivers it with passion and meaning. (www.billpassalacqua.com)
Jeff Talmadge: Associate Baseball Scout for a major league baseball team, Capitol Hill spin doctor, award-winning poet, practicing lawyer... Jeff Talmadge is a man of multiple talents and many hats. But perhaps his greatest talent is as a singularly gifted singer and songwriter--an insightful musical poet whose work has received extensive airplay throughout the U.S. and Europe, glowing reviews in numerous music publications, and a large and loyal fan base. (www.jefftalmadge.com)
Aaron Snow: A singer-songwriter lost somewhere in the Jackson Browne/John Hiatt/Paul Westerberg space, Aaron's music fuses midwestern groundedness with west coast optimism and a good sense of WWSD ("what would Springsteen do"). Aaron is originally from Cleveland but has hung his life all along the I-90 clothesline and has recently Aaron pulled up stakes to re-root in New York City. (www.aaronsnow.net)
Erik Balkey: The music of Erik Balkey is reflective, intelligent, tasteful, finessed, sparse. Balkey has captivated audiences with his trademark delivery - honesty and intimacy. His performance features an agile voice and thoughtful lyrics accompanied by sparse and deliberate acoustic guitarwork. (www.erikbalkey.com)
Amy Speace: Folk songwriter Amy Speace delves into life and love's deepest emotions with songs that start with fairy tales and sometimes end with cold reality. She describes her music as Folk Pop "for city girls with mud on their boots." Speace retains a good balance of humor and personal perspective that helps her to stand out from her peers. (www.amyspeace.com)
Michael Hsu: If what it takes to succeed are songs that are "thoughtful and beautifully executed," then Michael is in good shape. His flowing melodies, poignant lyrics, and electrifying stage presence have brought him to some of the most prestigious acoustic music venues in the country. Michael's songs are carefully crafted vignettes. His lyrics may speak explicitly of the present, but they are rich with implied pasts and futures. (www.michaelhsu.com)
Andy and Denise: Andy & Denise are an acoustic pop/folk duo that features well crafted songs, rhythmic guitar playing and great harmonies. No matter what the setting, they are always fun and engaging to watch. Through their combined talents they have the ability to produce, record and mix acoustic music as well as design CD packages, websites and promotional material for other artists. (www.andyanddenise.com)
Eliot Bronson: Eliot Bronson is a rare find - An artist with the ability to speak directly to the heart. Said one reviewer, "his guitar playing is top notch, his voice warm, melodic and pleasant. But it's the lyrics that linger when the music stops." Inspired by the honest and engaging styles of writers like Jackson Browne and David Wilcox, Eliot set out to find his own unique voice, a voice that would immediately attract attention in his own town and push him to take his guitar and songs on the road. (www.eliotbronson.com)
AN EVENING WITH THE WRITER'S HANG, FEATURING:
Jessica Owen: Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Jessica's captivating voice and enthralling stage presence have been winning her high accolades, in the form of awards, showcases and press, both in Canada and the United States. She is a compelling songwriter with an unmistakable ability to draw you into her explorations of life and the human experience. (www.jessicaowen.com)
Scott E. Moore: Scott E. Moore is a true renaissance man: a gifted musician, songwriter & performer; an accomplished televison producer/director; and as founder & host of "The Writer's Hang" he single-handedly created a local scene for modern acoustic arists of all genres. (www.wingtip.net)
Joe Rathbone: A roaming banjo player at Six Flags. A wedding musician. An elementary music school teacher. A forwarding address just about every year. He's gotten his share of speeding tickets and false promises. He'll tell you these details of his life, making you fall on the floor laughing, yet remains elusive. You'll find that while he's honest and doesn't pull any punches, he thrives on no-win rules and on his own terms. (www.joerathbone.com)
Dan Smullyan: Open stage regular and Postcrypt favorite!
Carl Cacho: Written with stunning detail and clarity, Carl's songs draw the listener into focused snapshots of events and people that usually pass unnoticed. An eclectic mix of musical styles is evident throughout his work - bluegrass, blues, country and rock all make appearances, depending on the need of the lyric. (www.carlcacho.com)
Karl Huth: It is rumored that Karl Huth was raised by polar bears in Alaska; that his music thrashes against the restraints of bourgeois society; and that he plays fingerstyle guitar. It is a given that Karl, a law student in the Columbia Law School, is one of the Postcrypt's favorite open stage performers, and we welcome him to the stage for a full hour tonight.
INDIEGRRL NIGHT, WITH:
Jennifer Erb: With the release of her new CD, City of Rust, Jennifer Erb has hit the music scene running, captivating audiences everywhere she performs. She has a dynamic style, that can remind you of Tracy Chapman, Loreena McKennitt, and Dar Williams all at once as she combines Celtic, Middle Eastern, Blues and Popular Folk influences with one of the most captivating voices in contemporary folk today. (www.jennifer-erb.com)
Relative Sight: These two classically trained musicians met as roommates while attending Baltimore's famed Peabody Conservatory of Music. On the one hand, Janet matches her enchanting vocals with vibrant and resonant cello performances. On the other hand, Heidi's sweet harmonizing vocals are complemented by her smooth, liquid guitar style. When these two forces of nature converge, the result is Relative Sight, a nonstop flight through the highest levels of acoustic atmosphere. (www.relativesight.com)
Meghan Cary: Meghan Cary is the teller of many stories, and the most beautiful of them all is her own. Cary's compositions, spun in a fresh well-crafted blend of pop, rock, and Americana, span the spectrum from sorrowful to silly, but are bound by a single thread - they're all undeniably honest. (www.meghancary.com)
Gregory Douglass: Douglass is a passionate mix of contemporary folk, pop, and rock, with influences from artists like Tori Amos and Peter Gabriel. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Douglass is the youth factor. Many great musicians start out young, but how many of them are ready to release their first album at the age of 16? (www.gregorydouglass.com)
James O'Brien: James O'Brien likes to sing songs that are rich and hauntingly poetic to reflect truths about the world that people should not ignore but often do. Geoff Hartley of Waterbug Records declares, "James O'Brien is an intense, compelling, young literate performer with a bright future." (www.jamesobrien.cc)
Martha's Trouble: Jen's spine-tingling vocals and voice, rich with experience, conviction, and wonder will hold you captive. Her superb talent will enchant you and convince you that every word is for you. Add to this Rob's elegant and patterned acoustic arrangements and you have just a few of the many reasons why Martha's Trouble is being heralded by critics as a duo to watch. (www.marthastrouble.com)
Kristin Cifelli: Her unforgettable voice, at times soothing and at times full of intense energy, has become a favorite amongst music fans up and down the East Coast. WCUW 91.3 in Worcester said: "Her voice is a practiced instrument; she is in full control while singing with thrilling emotion - striking, tender at one moment - then powerful, soaring, carrying us along to a musical and lyrical peak." (www.kristincifelli.com)
The Daniel Barrett Group: Daniel Barrett's songs bridge the space between swamp and city. His writing takes cues from country/folk songwriters such as Townes Van Zandt and Lyle Lovett, the sensitive psychedelia of Jeff Buckley, and the Pixies' endearing skew. Twenty-five years old and based in Boston, Daniel sings about love, folks in trouble, and folks redeemed. (www.danielbarrett.net)
We're About Nine: This three-part-harmony-singer-songwriter-adult-alternative-contemporary-americana-folk-rock-group from Baltimore packs a surprise punch with an absolutely unique vocal blend, literate songwriting, and mercilessly charming stage presence. Vance Gilbert says We're About 9 is "Excellent...some kind of a cross between the Kingston Trio, The Four Tops and the Story!" (www.circanine.com)
Jennifer Lindsay: Jenn Lindsay writes honest lyrics and she tries hard, as a folksinger, to be a spokesperson for political issues, while also striving to write music that can be enjoyed in an apolitical context. Because she doesn't know what she's doing, really, in any serious battle-worthy technical sense, her music retains the inventive and compelling stamp of complete, joyful naïveté, coupled in with a dusty natty wacky straight up folky sense of what she needs to say to make her way. (www.jennlindsay.com)
Jason Rosenbury: Open stage veteran and Postcrypt favorite!
Chris Moore: Chris Moore still looks like the quintessential skateboard punk. But beneath his deceptively boyish face hides one of indie rock's most enduring figures-and perhaps its best kept secret. "Chris is like a great redwood tree," notes long-time friend and producer Adam Druckman, "If you could look inside, you'd see a cross section of underground rock history." (www.mooresong.com)
Nicole McKenna: Nicole Mckenna is a New York based singer and songwriter. She began song writing at an early age, collaborating with her father, writing and recording songs on a four track in their basement. Now, Nicole's music captures it's listeners with guitar driven pop hooks and a hypnotic earful of vocal melodies. (www.nicolemckenna.com)
Andy Germak: Love, loss, introspection, observation and doubt-- Andy Germak achieves a unique blend of emotional perspective in every song he writes. Having grown-up in six different states, lived in Italy, and traveled throughout the United States and Europe, the 27 year-old's writing is representative of the dynamic world in which we live. (www.andygermak.com)
Gregg Cagno: With laid-back soul and an open-tuned mind and guitar, Gregg Cagno is a journeyman acoustic troubadour who has been spreading his grooves, words, melodies and spontaneous stories across North America. Cagno can deliver deep-muscle-groove, fluid and creative finger-style, and just about everything in between. (www.greggcagno.com)
Casey Holford: Casey's songs are the result of battling influences from Dylan to Cyndi Lauper. The lyrics talk about things like weird dreams, scary ghosts, bad jobs, confusing politics, hard math, chasing people, and being chased. (www.caseyholford.com)
Butch Ross: Butch Ross is a tour de force. He's sharp, irreverent, compassionate and -more often than not- funny. And much like the live performances of Cheryl Wheeler or Vance Gilbert, Ross' funny songs and funnier banter are a foil to offset the barbed and often heart-breaking tales of his songs. (www.butchross.com)
Rebecca Hart: Serving as one third of a band and two thirds of it's name, Rebecca Hart plays acoustic guitar and sings for The Rebecca Hart Project. Her musical journey began around age 8, when she would hide in her room and sing improvised compositions into a tape recorder. Finally performing in public at age 21, she has not stopped since. (www.rebeccahartproject.com)
Kathy Phillips: Kathy Phillips is proving herself to be a compelling musical force in the NJ/NY metro area. With a powerful, yet smooth vocal style and an inviting live stage presence, Kathy's intimate ballads and infectious melodic hooks set you on a journey of emotion and honesty. (www.kathyphillips.com)
Girlyman: Girlyman's catchy melodies are so accessible that you might not realize at first how subtle and complex their three-part harmonies are - and how breathtaking their lyrics can be. "This is far from folk music that might help you drift off to dreamland," H/X For Her wrote of the trio. "This is folk infused with just enough pop to make you want to sing along." (www.girlyman.com)
Angela Motter: Clearly born a musician, Motter began writing songs at age 10. Motter's songwriting wrestles with some weighty issues. "There's religion, the limitations imposed by the traditional South, gender variance and the death of loved ones." Motter explains. "I guess you could say some of the lyrics are 'issue-oriented.'" (www.angelamotter.com)
Laura Thomas: Laura Thomas, a 27 year old singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, has been compared to Alanis Morissette, Ani Difranco, and Sarah Maclachlin. This Birmingham, Alabama native isn't just another girl singer who can hold a tune. Laura has a voice you can recognize in a millisecond. Somehow, her voice is technically proficient and emotionally raw, quietly subtle and blatantly complex, hard, soft, funky, lyrical... (www.laurabama.com)
Marc Teamaker: With three releases under his musical belt, Lust for Wanda, Ping! and the brand new EP, Empress Polecat, Teamaker exhibits a penchant for engaging melodies and somber thought provoking lyrics. He can pour his soul out without crossing the border into overly precious territory that is a constant temptation in the singer/songwriter genre. (www.marcteamaker.com)
Trina Hamlin: With a sound that ranges from grassroots and R&B to rock and roll and a musical background that includes childhood piano playing and professional training, Trina is prepared for success. Her voice soars, her harmonica playing attacks and the songs stick with you. (www.trinahamlin.com)
CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
OPEN STAGE
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
Orrin Star: Orrin Star is a nationally recognized folk & bluegrass performer and teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. Winner of the 1976 National Flatpicking Championship (the largest bluegrass guitar contest in the country), he plays guitar, banjo and mandolin, sings and performs both solo and with his trio Orrin Star & the Sultans of String. His diverse repertoire featuring old-time, western swing, celtic and original songwriting sounds in addition to more mainstream bluegrass and folk material.
Danny Weiss & Mary Olive Smith: WKCR Radio Jamboree favorites.
Please call 212-854-1953 to confirm performers and times.