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.
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. One reviewer said, "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)
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)
Erik Balkey: The music of Erik Balkey is reflective, intelligent, tasteful, finessed, and 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)
Jenni Alpert: Jenni Alpert is a powerful sultry voice, an eclectic-soul artist based out of Los Angeles. Built on a foundation of soul, jazz and folk, Alpert has fresh musical ideas with a unique vocal style. Her work has been featured in independent films shown at Sundance Film Festival, UCLA and USC. (http://www.jennialpert.com/)
Marc Douglas Berardo: Marc Douglas Berardo's songs combine a novelist's eye for detail, with a poet's passion for words that sing. As a performer, Marc infuses a deep feeling for his subject matter along with a humorous warmth that comes across as familiar, pertinent and most of all, engaging. He writes about the people that he knows, the places that he has been and the impact of it all on his soul. (http://www.hayloftrecords.com/mdb/)
Scott Harris: Scott Harris explains his songwriting style as "accidental and inspired." Unassumingly catchy melodies join with honest lyrics to create a real spectrum of rootsy, blues, pop and rock-influenced songs.� Claiming influences of Motown, British Invasion Rock, American Classic Rock, and 80's pop radio, these tastes meld into an acoustic-driven sound unmistakably his.� (www.scottharris.net)
Tom Conlon: Since 1993, this native of New York has been defining diversity with new depths of folk music combining elements and influences of traditional folk, blues, deep soul, and black gospel into an engaging and emotional recipe. His vocals and guitar enchant audiences with some of the richest poetic lyricism and musical composition progressive folk music has to offer. (www.tomconlonmusic.com)
Rachel Rossos: Rachel, a student at Columbia College, describes her music as a fusion of poetry and folk rock, driven by vocals and a rich voice that carry her listeners through a large range of emotions. Rachel's primary influences include Tori Amos, Eric Clapton, and Melanie Thornton.
Jodelle: By relying on her classical piano training and pop, folk, and rock influences, Jodelle has created a truly unique contemporary pop rock sound. In a genre typically dominated by guitars, her use of piano distinctly stands out. (www.jodelle.net)
Sistermonk Harem: SisterMonk Harem is fiery, original, 'acoustic world' music. Djembe, guitar, didgeridoo, dumbek, flute and stirring vocals create this spirited 'gypsy-funk' ethnofusion. The line-up includes Djembe-player and vocalist, Kathleen Deane; Joseph Sanchez with percussion, didgeridoo, and flute; and guitarist Jody Rubel. (www.sistermonkharem.com)
Molly Pitcher: Molly Pitcher is the space where two women from different countries, backgrounds and religions meet in a recipe for sweet musical harmony, each bringing her own style and influences to the table. Together, the two are that very rare combination of honesty and electricity; direct and approachable, yet thrilling to hear. (www.elizabethrecords.com)
John-Flor: John-Flor's music combines soaring Brit-pop melodies with introspective image-adorned lyrics. His songs tackle subjects ranging from humbling life experiences to spiritual malaise to the under-world of today's dating scene. Fans say his guitar based songs are uplifting pop gems, while his piano based songs often showcase his vulnerability and humility. (www.john-flor.com)
Butch Ross: A crypt favorite, 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)
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. The three members of Girlyman, Tammy Greenstein, Doris Muramatsu, and Nate Borofsky, describe their music as "One part the B-52's, one part Cry Cry Cry, a pinch of Destiny's Child, a pat of the Story, a measured Tablespoon of Gillian Welch, beat in some moptop Fab Four, and add Lyle Lovett and his Large Band to taste." (www.girlyman.com)
Kyler England: What is truly unforgettable about singer-songwriter Kyler is her ability to peel back all the layers, holding nothing back. She mesmerizes listeners with a voice that has been described as "breathless and fragile at times and then it catches you off guard and pins you to the wall." (www.kylerengland.com)
Michael McNevin: Michael McNevin's songs read like short stories; sometimes familiar, sometimes strange, but always vivid, with a pure eye for Americana. The youngest of four brothers, Michael grew up in the rail town of Niles, California, where many of his songs and stories are rooted. (www.michaelmcnevin.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)
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. (www.wigginssisters.com)
Sam Bisbee: Sam Bisbee is a brand new, grizzled, wide-eyed, ten-years-in-the-making, overnight, veteran newcomer whose Vehicle has finally arrived. The Boston Globe described Bisbee as "a newcomer in the Ron Sexsmith/Rufus Wainwright vein who writes wry pop songs that have a cerebral twist." (www.sambisbee.com)
Mark Berube: Berube is an old French name that means "the guy who ordered the tuna melt." This means nothing to you. What's important is that you listen to him, and believe me, he'll make you (even if you'd rather not) as he sings his quirky, catchy tunes about people he hates, people he tolerates, sex, insects, cheese, matzoh, and the beeper in his pants. (www.elizabethrecords.com)
Doug Walker: Doug Walker's upbeat, fast, and energetic guitar playing goes from comic speed to romantic slows within minutes. His voice is sometimes reminiscent of Elvis as in "Backseat Driver" and sometimes sounds very earnest and emotional. (www.neatness.com/dougwalker/)
Kristin Diable: Kristin Diable is a 19 year-old songstress who defies the stereotype of "female singer-songwriter". You won't be hearing any three-chord songs or cliched lyrics over petty love issues with this girl. Her knack for complex guitar structures and intelligent lyrics to complement them has struck a chord with equally large male and female fan bases. (www.kristindiable.com)
Will Hawkins: Will Hawkins was born in a small upstate New York town on the Hudson River called Sleepy Hollow, home of the infamous Headless Horseman and a General Motors factory. Sleepy Hollow has a rich history in storytelling and Will continues that tradition telling his own stories of redemption and hope as witnessed in back alleys, rooftops, dimly lit bedrooms, and smoky taverns of New York City. (www.willhawkins.ws)
OPEN STAGE
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
Special Guest: Trust me: you won't want to miss this one!
Bob Hillman: Though Bob Hillman may like to have fun with words and employ irony and humor, he above all tries to say something interesting about the way we live now. 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."� (www.bobhillman.net)
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. (www.timrobinson.cc)
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. (www.joerathbone.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)
Rod Picott: According to Fish Records, Rod Picott is "an Americana singer/songwriter in a similar mould to Slaid Cleaves (with whom he wrote the massive hit 'Broke Down', and they share two writing credits here), but he has an individual style all of his own. His gravel-tinged vocals are smooth and effortless, the musical backing is varied and dynamic, and the overall sound is elegant and sophisticated." (www.rodpicott.com)
Jenn London: According to Tom Semioli of VH1 Online, "Jenn London is a superb singer songwriter who weaves hypnotic melodies around captivating lyrics. She'll undoubtedly draw comparisons to such acclaimed female artists as Bree Sharp, Aimee Mann, Juliana Hatfield, and Kristin Hersch, among others. Her cool blend of folk, rock, pop, and alternative is a welcome breath of fresh air." (www.jennlondon.com)
Jonathan Byrd: Jonathan slides easily from bluegrass into country, and then country blues. Gorgeous acoustic instrumentation and his unique voice evoke the ghosts of traditional southern music, like a young man exploring a haunted old house. One critic in Austin called Jonathan "the Alison Krauss of the male gender," for his soaring neo-traditional sounds. (www.jonathanbyrd.com)
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. (www.karaughbrown.com)
OPEN STAGE
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
"SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND" FORMAT, WITH:
Open Book: The duo of Michele Rubin and Rick Gedney, has drawn many to their beautiful melodies, harmonies and honest, hopeful lyrics. Their live show is intimate and compelling, where their individual writing styles, guitars and voices weave seamlessly. Hugh Blumenfeld writes of their midway performance at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, "You don't hear such careful attention to the sounds of words very often in folk music, and they were fine musicians to boot." (www.openbookmusic.com)
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. As Jennifer Layton said, "her songs celebrate life through all the dark times. The instruments include the mandolin, accordion, harmonica and violin, which often give the songs a fairy tale feel." (www.inamaywool.com)
Dan Bonis: Dan Bonis is a multi-instrumentalist who plays resonator guitar, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, weissenborn Hawaiian guitar (played on the lap). Dan's slide instrumentals range from moody intricate fingerstyle to offbeat and insightful musings.
Lisa Bastoni: In the words of Janet Feld, "Lisa inspires folks to listen twice. Her music is intelligent and engaging. Her music is sweet and is offset nicely by some sharp lyrics." Her music continues to reflect the warmth and simplicity of the folk songs she first strummed--with an extra dose of her own unique blend of bittersweet humor, honesty and subtle drama. (www.lisabastoni.com)
Terry Kitchen: Terry Kitchen is a performing artist who's as much a storyteller as a musician. Richard Middleton of Victory Review writes that his "songs are portraits of ordinary people and emotions, captured with extraordinary compassion, honesty and humor. " (www.terrykitchen.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, Germak's writing is representative of the dynamic world in which we live. (www.andygermak.com)
"SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND" FORMAT, WITH:
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."� (www.kristincifelli.com)
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. (www.danielbarrett.com)
Sean Nolan: According to More Sugar, a Westchester entertainment magazine, "Sean Nolan's songs jump out and hook you from chord one with lyrics, melodies and grooves that are undeniable. With a soulful, honest voice, this NYC native delivers songs that range from poignant to downright funny. Songs like "I Can't Stand L.A." and "10 O'Clock Girlfriend" will be stuck in your head after the first listen....Don't miss an opportunity to catch him live". (www.mp3.com/seannolan)
Mieka Pauley: Her voice ranges from haunting, delicate beauty to an explosion of shattering, soaring soul. Her lyrics bloom from a place of uncompromising honesty and naked emotion, aimed straight for the heart. Her roots are the blues, classic soul and R&B, gospel and folk and the result is a sound that blends and transcends these genres into a unique and personal brand of pop music all her own. (www.miekapauley.com)
Teddy Goldstein: Teddy Goldstein is known as much for his clever songs - whether sensitive or comedic - as for his energetic and unpredictable shows. A master of both songwriting and theatrical timing, he keeps his performances fresh with hysterical ad-lib lyrics and improvised musical solos within the tight structure of his well-crafted songs. (www.teddygoldstein.com)
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. While her songs are what first draw listeners in, it's what she says in between them that keeps them there. (www.ediecarey.com)
Sean Smith: With his skillful artistry and musical style, Sean Smith has captivated the ears and minds of audiences across America. His musical career stems from his love of writing and acoustic folk music.� His talent as an acoustic folk poet is demonstrated in the variety and depth of his original songs. (www.seansong.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)
Jessica Owen: Jessica Owen is a compelling songwriter with an unmistakable ability to draw you into her explorations of life and the human experience. In the same vein as storytellers Ani Difranco and Sarah McLachlan, Jessica's beautiful voice journeys through her unforgettable melodies and powerful acoustic guitar playing. Whether it's an infectious groove or a heart-breaking confessional, Jessica always delivers with exquisite style and honesty. (www.jessicaowen.com)
OPEN STAGE
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
"SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND" FORMAT, WITH:
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. (www.tinavero.com)
Paul Brubaker: At a benefit concert at Fordham University, Natalie Merchant pulled him up on stage to share a vocal. Now Paul Brubaker has a stage of his own to showcase his brand of acoustic pop. Brubaker's show mixes his edgy, backhandly romantic tunes with some off the beaten path covers from the likes of Weezer, Fuel, Ben Folds Five, They Might Be Giants, and Elvis Costello. Don't mistake Brubaker as an imitator, though. (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. His music draws stylistic inspiration from a myriad of distinctly American influences, including Steve Earle and Neil Young. (www.murphyworld.com)
"BEST OF SAN FRANCISCO" ARTIST SHOWCASE TOUR:
For over five years, the "Best of San Francisco" Artist Showcase has provided a free showcase on Monday nights in a San Francisco Laundromat, and has subsequently become one of the most successful live-music series in the city's history. The goal is to create a non-competitive, collaborative space where musicians can experiment and where audience participation is encouraged. As an outgrowth of these hootenannies, over $100,000 has been raised for local charities through events such as the free Green Day rally that was featured in the December 2000 issue of Rolling Stone magazine, and a free Fugazi/Sleater-Kinney concert in the Summer of 2000 that attracted nearly 15,000 people.
This evening's performance is the first stop on their Spring Tour, and it will feature a large variety of, and quantity of, musicians.
Deirdre Flint: The cast of characters that make an appearance during an evening with Deirdre Flint says it all. Songs about narcoleptic hand models operating chippers, polygamists and deadbeat boob fairies all make an appearance, establishing this former elementary school teacher as one of the funniest dames on the folk music circuit these days. (www.deirdreflint.com)
Andrew Vladeck: A slow-moving cab hit Andrew Vladeck's mother when she was pregnant with him and his twin sister. She was carried on its hood several blocks down 2nd Ave until the cabby, who was fighting with someone in the front seat, finally stopped the vehicle. This might or might not explain anything about Andrew Vladeck. (www.andrewvladeck.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 set tonight.
Please call 212-854-1953 to confirm performers and times.