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: All shows list performers in the order of appearance: 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.
Please note that due to fire code regulations, we are restricted to a total capacity of 35 people. Please come early if you want to snag a seat.
Joel Ninesling: From the Midwest to NYC (Columbia College '92) to Wyoming, and currently digging into the Boston folk roots scene, Joel's songs have a lush sound that is steeped in Americana. With an unconventional guitar style all his own, his inspiration ranges from Joni Mitchell to Kelly Joe Phelps. He is currently working on his first studio record, and we are excited to welcome Joel back to the Postcrypt stage after too many years away.
Butch Ross: Butch is one in a line of storytelling songwriters that starts with Woody Guthrie and ends with Steve Earle, so it's no surprise that Ross' characters shine with realism and humanity. Butch is a Postcrypt regular and is truly a delightful performer. So do yourself a favor and come hear him tonight! More about this artist
Andrew Vladeck: With a hot-wired banjo played with a bottleneck slide and an electrified 1930s Dixieland banjo-ukulele, Andrew Vladeck citifies Americana styles and rocks them at their roots, suggesting the influences of Van Morrison and David Bromberg. Vladeck also plays a '72 Fender Mustang Guitar, harmonica, and even a duct-taped 1920s Autoharp, spinning off enthralling tunes that transport the listener through a unique yet distinctly American musical landscape. Welcome back this Postcrypt favorite, who made his musical debut on the Postcrypt stage while a Columbia College student. More about this artist
*** OPEN STAGE ***
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ONLY:
In an effort to promote Columbia University's own musical talent, in addition to fostering student awareness and support of the Postcrypt, we have decided to start a new tradition: one open stage night per semester entirely devoted to Columbia's 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.
Luke Brindley: Performing Songwriter Magazine declares Luke Brindley, "a skilled guitarist...[with] subtly impactful songs...like a strange collaboration between Jackson Browne and Alex Chilton." Luke makes his debut tonight at the Postcrypt and we're thrilled to have him! More about this artist
Tim Harrison: Moshe Benarroch of F.A.M.E. (Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange) writes, "His music is very poetic, and probably like nothing you've heard before. It's not that you can't feel influences...but there is no way to say that he is pupil of someone. His music verges on the Irish scene, without any hint of new age music. His words are highly philosophical and many of them give a feeling of loss, as well as longing...Harrison sings the magic in his poetry." Please give a special welcome to our Canadian neighbor on his debut at the Postcrypt. More about this artist
Robin Greenstein and Ritt Henn: Robin is a singer-songwriter from NYC whose debut album "SLOW BURN" received rave reviews when released. Her songs have been recorded on Fast Folk and Atlantic Records. She was a finalist at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival (1989) in Texas, the premier songwriting festival in the country. She performs tonight with Ritt Henn, who, according to Back Stage West, is a long tall chap with a quirky look who plays the big bass viol and has a big bass voice that can soar to treble; he is perfectly wonderful. Ritt wowed us at our Open Stages last semester and we're sure that the combination of these two great performers will provide a memorable evening. More about Robin Greenstein More about Ritt Henn
Jonathan Pointer: Jonathan Pointer runs, musically speaking, in the same circles as Tom Waits and Randy Newman. A wry satirist, Pointer's penchant is the heartland: yard sales, men firmly planted on barstools and highways disappearing into the horizon. This ain't the heartland, but Jonathan is making an exception in our case. Welcome him back to the Postcrypt. More about this artist
Terence Martin: Michael Allison, THEGLOBALMUSE.COM writes, "I've reviewed a lot of folk music over the years, but I can't think of anyone who I simply loved to listen to more than this music and this artist. If you're an Americana/Folk style music fan, this is definitely the person to hear." So don't miss Terence tonight. More about this artist
Stephanie Fix: "Stefanie Fix expresses sincere, personal emotions through her fluid songs. But it's her sharp and resonant voice that takes her messages and delivers them right to the heart", says Andrew DiGiovanni of WKZE radio. Stephanie makes her Postcrypt debut tonight. More about this artist
Rachael B. Davis: Music reviewer Claudia Schmidt writes, "Rachael is a bold explorer in the undefined and powerful territory of her primary instrument -- her own human voice -- and the stories that come through it." Come hear Rachael in her Postcrypt debut! More about this artist
Josh Perlman: We're psyched to welcome back Columbia's own musical celebrity, Josh Perlman. This talented Columbia senior is one of our favorites and we hope you'll come out and support him.
We're About Nine: Folk music superstar Vance Gilbert calls We're About Nine, "Fantastic...some kind of cross between The Kingston Trio, The Four Tops, and The Story!" We're About Nine brings their own brand of songwriting to life with striking three-part harmonies, acoustic guitars, and electric bass. All three members are multi-instrumentalists, adding varying degrees of piano and percussion depending on the needs of the venue. We can't wait to see what they'll do in their Postcrypt debut! More about this artist
Tina Vero: "Tina speaks to the poet in us all. That part of our person which half-seeks truths, but also wants to discover. Read her words once, you might not understand fully. Read them again, and the language becomes clearer. Listen to the music and all eyes will open", says reviewer Ben Ohmart. Tina blew us all away with her Postcrypt performance last semester and we're thrilled to have her back again. More about this artist
Kristin Cifelli: Holding a degree in songwriting with Magna Cum Laude honors from the Berklee College of Music, Kristin Cifelli is a rising talent on the Boston scene. WCUW-FM of Worcester, MA., says, "her voice is a practiced instrument; she is full control while singing with thrilling emotion...tender at one moment, then powerful...carrying us along to a musical and lyrical peak." Please welcome Kristin back to the Postcrypt. More about this artist
Daniel Barrett: 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. More about this artist
WRITER'S HANG NIGHT, the critically acclaimed tour of talented songwriters, featuring:
Jessica Owen: She is a compelling songwriter with an unmistakable ability to draw you into her explanations of life and the human experience. In the same vein as Sarah McLachlan, Jessica's beautiful voice journeys through her unforgettable melodies and powerful acoustic guitar playing. More about this artist
Scott E. Moore: His new CD, "Songs for the Record" is a collection of soulful tunes recorded in an intimate, acoustic setting. The result is a vibe-filled blend of folk, rock and R & B and a performance quality that makes him a perfect guest for the Postcrypt! More about this artist
Joe Rathbone: Rathbone, whose pervious music adventures include a stint in the Philly rock band "The Loons" and a gig as a roaming banjo player at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, has released his second CD "Welcome To Your New Life". It's filled with poetic songwriting, passionate rough-hewn vocals, and a guitar style that is alternately melodic and moody. More about this artist
Maj Winfrey: We at the Postcrypt are always excited when we come across a Columbia student with particular talent. Maj Winfrey is such an artist. With echoes of Suzanne Vega (who was once a student performer at the Postcrypt) and Tracy Chapman, Maj is a pleasure to hear, and we're delighted to have her back at the Postcrypt tonight.
James O'Brien: Geoff Hartley of Waterbug Records declares, "James O'Brien is an intense, compelling, young literate performer with a bright future." We're excited to have James make his Postcrypt debut tonight. More about this artist
Karaugh Brown: After writing notebooks full of songs, Brown has established an individualistic style, reflecting the stubborn self-belief it takes to succeed in this field. Her songs don't follow basic verse/chorus structures, tending to float from passage-to-passage in stream-of-consciousness music structures. Please welcome Karaugh to her Postcrypt debut. More about this artist
Antara: Antara's contemporary folk sound draws upon a wide variety of musical influences, from just about every genre of music imaginable. It is difficult to not be immediately captured by the rhythmic, percussion-like arrangements Antara wields from her guitar, while surfing the undeniable sounds of her strings with an incredibly persuasive and touching voice. More about this artist
Colleen Sexton: "Colleen Sexton is one of the top young talents of the coffeehouse circuit with a supple voice and pop/r&b bend.", says Daniel Gewertz of the Boston Herald. We're thrilled to have her back at the Postcrypt. More about this artist
Brian Keane: Brian was one of our Open Stage favorites last semester, and we're excited to welcome him for an official gig this semester.
Jerree Small: Originally from Minnesota, and now Connecticut, Jerree Small is emerging on the acoustic scene. Small's songs create musical snapshots of life experiences. Her early influences, fellow Duluth native Bob Dylan and Iowa-based Greg Brown, resonate throughout her blend of Midwestern steadiness and the wistful voice of a world traveler. More about this artist
Laurie MacAllister: New York City's Laurie MacAllister has an eye for genuine detail and honest insights. MacAllister crafts character portraits and stories that charm with authenticity. The Bergen Record says, "MacAllister writes impeccably detailed songs of longing and redemption, and backs them up with with a clear, achy-yet-defiant voice."
Erik Balkey: Dirty Linen says, "(Erik Balkey's) confident delivery frames the songs with uncommon poise." A Philadelphia-based troubadour, Balkey's delivery employs an engaging mix of honsety, intimacy and humor. His songs feature thoughtful lyrics presented with an agile voice and accompanied by sparse and deliberate guitarwork. More about this artist
Danzig and Woolley: Kevin Danzig and Cat Woolley have been performing together for the last five years. Kevin's songwriting, lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and tambourine accompanied by Cat's mandolin, bells, and harmony vocals. Their music is a mixture of styles that they call Dysfunctional Folk. Often rhythmic and uplifting, the lyrics can be thought provoking at times, humorous at others, but always crisp and clear. More about this artist
Ina May Wool: Ina May's simple images and emotions are universal, and she is finding an audience all over the world. Besides clubs in her own NYC back yard, she's toured the U.K. and performed in festivals in Scotland. Ina May has been a Postcrypt favorite for several years now and we're delighted that she's back again this semester. Catch her while you can! More about this artist
KJ Denhert: The manager at The 55 Bar in NYC declares, "From time to time, we are lucky enough to run across an artist that has such an immediate impact on our audience that people are constantly asking when they'll be back. One of these is KJ Denhert. She describes her music as Urban Folk and Jazz, but we know she can get funky with the best of them." We're thrilled to have KJ at the Postcrypt. More about this artist
*** OPEN STAGE ***
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
Kyle Shiver: Performing songwriter Kyle Shiver has been entertaining audiences with his original tunes and huge arsenal of cover songs for a decade. The Cape Cod Times says Kyle is "a master storyteller" while reviewers and fans compare Kyle to Harry Chapin, Townes Van Zandt, and Bruce Cockburn. We've been waiting since last Spring to hear Kyle again-and he's worth the wait. More about this artist
Carl Cacho: Carl Cacho has quickly gained recognition in the competitive Boston music scene with his lyrical, narrative songwriting and disarming performing style. Please shake off your end-of-March-blues by coming out to hear Carl perform tonight. More about this artist
Jack Hardy: Lucinda Williams says, "Jack Hardy has written some of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard." And the Boston Globe adds, "Jack Hardy is one of the most influential figures today in defining the American folk song." You won't want to miss this folk legend tonight! More about this artist
The Wiggins Sisters: Family lore has it they sang before they talked. Mizzy and Casey Wiggins are an acoustic folk and roots rock duo known for their powerful voices and rich sibling harmonies. This captivating duo melds their folk, roots rock and country blues influences into songs full of intimacy, humor and resonant images. More about this artist
Catherine Moon: Catherine Moon is a songwriter whose music veers from ethereal dreaminess to hard-edged soul. She has a unique vocal delivery that is powerfully expressive and sometimes shades into the spiritual. And the Star Ledger declares, "Her breathy, expressive quavering vocals...with her airy, hard-driving, jazz-tinged acoustic guitar... add a searing edge to her dreamy, primal, alternative folk rock." More about this artist
Robert Messore: From New Haven, Connecticut, Rob Messore brings with him a type of instrumental mastery. In response to his entry in the singer-songwriter category of the New Haven Advocate "Grand Band Slam" poll, Rob claimed that he didn't belong there because it was his guitar that did the singing not him. His CD, "Gladys's Glasses," has received positive reviews and airplay. Check out this acoustic guitar wizard. More about this artist
Tim Robinson: Tim is a singer/songwriter from NY, currently living in Brooklyn. Jack Hardy considers him "one of the best songwriters in the country", and Acoustic Live magazine raves, "Tim is flat-out, without a doubt, one of the greatest lyricists around." He prefers songs about something rather than nothing and he is amazed at how hard the former are to find. Having learned that looking underneath and behind small things can work, he's certainly found some keepers. Additionally, Tim is a self-admitted Postcrypt fan because he's no good with wires and he enjoys moist brownies; and hey, that could pretty much describe all of us involved in the Postcrypt! So come on out and experience the unbeatable combo of amazing music and moist brownies.
Lisa Cornelio: New York Magazine declares, "Her literate, rootsy concoctions are pretty much universal in their appeal." And the Village Voice named Lisa "One of the NYC singer-songwriting community's bright lights". We're delighted to welcome this bright light back to the Postcrypt stage.
Bob Hillman: According to MUZE magazine, "The world needs wise guys to keep a proper perspective on things and deflate rampant pretensions. Like Elliot Smith or Elvis Costello, Bob Hillman is a skilled singer-songwriter whose music bears touches of Beatles-descended power-pop, and he's smart enough to play the wise guy only when it's called for." It's been awhile since Bob has graced our stage-please welcome him back! More about this artist
Fuzzy Comets: Evolving from the basement recordings & the fierce desire of two talented young women, Christine Carnevali and Melissa Ippolito, the Fuzzy Comets ignite & delight audiences with their own breed of groove laden musical poetics. Prompting comparisons to Patti Griffin, the Brand New Heavies, and K's Choice, the Fuzzy Comets are charting their own course. More about this artist
Matt Turk: Turk has performed with such performers as Fiona Apple, The Band, Blues Traveler, Jeff Buckley, Dave Matthews Band, and Pete Seeger. Matt sings what he sees and in the process creates a connection with the listener which is palpable and true. Come feel that connection tonight! More about this artist
Allette Brooks: With her third release, Swim With Me, Allette continues with her thoughtful, intelligent and compassionate lyrics and soothing folk style. Please welcome Allette to her Postcrypt debut. More about this artist
The Garden Verge: The Garden Verge may have met by accident in the second grade, but Tammy Greenstein and Doris Muramatsu's rave reviews are no accident at all. Brooke Primon of BMI says, "Shadow of a Habit" blows my mind. The Garden Verge is on the verge of many great things." More about this artist
Nate Borofsky: Simply enough, Metronome Magazine says that "Borofsky is unquestionably a rising star that should be heard...Superb!" With influences ranging from classical composers to popular favorites, his diverse music is intelligently written and deftly performed. More about this artist
Angela Motter: As expressed on her website, "if you haven't caught Angela Motter live, you haven't been touched by the sexy butchness of a tender gender bender who can stand right up there with Bonnie Raitt and Ellen [McElwaine]...as she rocks your world with a slide guitar and a heartfelt song narrative...". Lucky for you, you can catch her live at tonight at the Postcrypt! More about this artist
Kyler: Kyler's songs are stark, honest, and sometimes uncomfortably real, and they are also musically rich. Kyler possesses a beautiful, clear voice and uncanny sense of timing. We adore Kyler and you will, too! Don't miss this incredible performer. More about this artist
Adrianne: Winner of this year's USA Songwriting Competition for her song, "Say 'Em Strong", singer/songwriter Adrianne is one of the top rising talents on the Boston music scene. Performing Songwriter Magazine called her "a ball of intensity and emotion and 'tude", and described "her deep, throaty voice and acoustic guitar grooves" as "refreshing and unique". More about this artist
Emily Curtis:
*** OPEN STAGE ***
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
Pamela Means: Ani DiFranco, the muse of the Postcrypt, writes this about Pamela Means: "You've got such a deep groove...I can't get out. And I wouldn't want to." Enough said. More about this artist
Terry Kitchen: Richard Middleton of Victory Review writes that "Terry Kitchen's songs are portraits of ordinary people and emotions, captured with extraordinary compassion, honesty and humor." And musician Vance Gilbert describes Terry as picking up "where Elvis Costello and Tom Waits merge and leave off." More about this artist
Andy and Denise: Andy and Denise combine strong songwriting and singing of original works with heartfelt pop song covers to knock audiences' socks off. If you're lucky, they'll tell you how they met! More about this artist
Edie Carey: Armed with her graceful, soaring voice, and her undeniable skill for carving out everyday images in almost startling detail, Edie Carey grabs hold of her audiences and doesn't let go until she steps off the stage. She has amazed past Postcrypt audiences and you won't want to miss her return to Columbia on this season's final night. More about this artist
Teddy Goldstein: Starting as a street and subway musician, Teddy has seen his career grow to headlining club dates as well as opening and/or sharing the stage with the likes of Ellis Paul, Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell, Catie Curtis, Willie Porter, Kelly Joe Phelps, Cliff Eberhardt, and Marshall Crenshaw. Teddy is one of the Postcrypt's most popular performers, and we're sure he'll knock your socks off tonight, as always! More about this artist
Anne Heaton: Anne O'Meara Heaton is a classically trained pianist who dabbled as a front woman vocalist in college rock bands. Now as a performing songwriter, Monica Kendrick of the Chicago Reader calls Heaton "a new age Ricki Lee Jones." According to Chris Smith, former writer for Performing Songwriter, "Heaton is one of the finest writers and performers I've come across in years - she is one of the standards by which I measure talent in the New York music community. That she is not on a major label is nothing short of criminal." More about this artist
Please call 212-854-1953 to confirm performers and times.