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.
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)
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)
Scott Sylvester-- Scott Sylvester has a talent for writing catchy, lyrically-rich songs. His 1996 debut album, "Sign On," met with rave reviews. And his compelling follow-up, "The Unintended EP," boasts outstanding musicianship. (Scott on cdbaby.com)
Greg Tannen: Born in Australia, raised in Toronto and New York, Greg Tannen is the son of an amateur jazz pianist and the grandson of a traveling salesman and a magician. According to Indiemonkey, "his music is not only defined by the irresistible melodies and some great acoustic playing, but also by the journey his lyrical detail will take you on." (www.gregtannen.com)
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. (www.circanine.com)
Jake Stigers: Just one listen to Jake Stigers and you're a fan. Catch a live show like ours and you're a fan for life. Jake's melody driven, hook-laden tunes will keep you singing for days. (www.jakestigers.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)
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.
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)
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)
Sonya Heller: Sonya started playing guitar at the age of fourteen, and studied voice with Julliard Alumni Liz Howard. Her music emanates from the streets of NYC and an "old hip soul." She weaves her voice like golden thread throughout her lyrics, delivering her "message in a bottle" gently and powerfully. This has become her trademark. (www.sonyaheller.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.
Dan Smullyan: Dan Smullyan lives and works in the Columbia University community and is a regular performer at the Postcrypt Open Stage. He has written nearly a thousand songs over a forty year period, ranging from blues to country to folk to many that defy categorization. But in all of them there is an uncompromising lyric clarity and attention to song craft that makes it impossible not to be drawn in to the stories he tells. Although a veteran performer, Dan rarely performs a full set these days, so this is great chance to catch him.
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)
Mark Holden: Mark is the founder of the band Head Cleaner. His vision was to form an acoustic band that would bring together varied musical styles and sensibilities to produce an upbeat and wholly original sound. He wanted the music to be organic enough to be played without electricity while reflecting the electric pulse of modern city life. To put it in Mark's words: "Hey, we live in a world of microchips, genetic engineering and the 'Big Mac'. I'm just creating folk music that speaks to that... that sounds like that". (www.headcleanermusic.com)
Lach: The New York Times wrote: "Lach is the mastermind of Antifolk, a loose concept involving acoustic guitars and punk-rock attitude, like a Lower East Side rendezvous of Bob Dylan and Patti Smith. Like black snow, stalled subway cars and random violence, Lach is a Manhattan institution." (Lach at antifolk.net)
Adam Brodsky: Recently named "Best Folk Performer" in the Philadelphia City Paper Music Awards, Adam Brodsky is one of the more distinct voices of folk in Philadelphia today. Adam Brodsky sings and strums the same way he writes -- relentlessly and without compromise -- saying what everyone else wishes they could say. His music is a voice for oppressed rights, oppressed cubicle workers and oppressed boyfriends everywhere, writing with a brash sense of humor and a healthy respect for the roots of American Folk Music. (adambrodsky.com)
Jason Rosenbury: Jason frequents the open stages at the Crypt and his songs about diabetes, family, pets and piss have always entertained crowds and staffers alike. His coarse humor and very direct and open conversation make for a combination of standup comedy and funny songs about everyday life in New York City. (http://home.mindspring.com/~jasonrosenbury)
Jen Shankman: Armed with her guitar and a voice that rings out from the caverns of her soul, Jen Shankman will keep you on the edge of your seat. 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, carefully-crafted melodies and a wry sense of humor, Jen will make you want to laugh and cry, and above all, she will make you think. She is a force to be reckoned with, a performer who has truly learned to stand on her convictions. (www.jenshankman.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)
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)
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)
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)
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. (www.jerree.com)
Michael Troy: Michael spent most of his life as a mill worker, fisherman, laborer and carpenter, and most of his adult years as a husband, father and grandfather. Recognized as a magical storyteller with a gift for melody, a deep rich voice, excellent finger-pickin' skills and the ability to compose outstanding stanzas of substance, Michael's accolades include being named the 2002 Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Competition winner and being selected for the Emerging Artist Showcases at the 2003 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. (www.folkmichaeltroy.com)
Erik Balkey: Balkey's debut album, "Negotiations & Compromise," has been heard on over 100 radio programs across the country including WFUV -- 90.7 FM Sunday Morning City Folk. Michael Tearson of SingOut! Magazine wrote, "...literate, exacting portraits in amber... this is a very rewarding album." In 2003, Balkey earned finalist honors at Wildflower Songwriter Contest (TX), the Mountain Stage NewSong Festival Songwriting Contest (WV), and the Unisong Song Contest. (www.erikbalkey.com)
Girlyman: Imagine the Indigo Girls got together with Paul Simon and created Peter, Paul & Mary - only sexier and quirkier. Now, with that creative, gender-confused nostalgia in mind, get ready for Doris Muramatsu, Tammy Greenstein, and Nate Borofsky. Together, the three award-winning songwriters in Girlyman create a rich, poignant, playful sound that crosses genres and genders. Writes the Hartford Courant, "Girlyman is an infectious combination of rock music, folk songs, classical roots, punk sensibilities and just plain fun." (www.girlyman.com)
SPECIAL COLUMBIA OPEN STAGE
This is something really special. A certain booking entity at the Crypt has decided to make this an opportunity for any Columbia / Barnard student who wants to get booked to get just that. The booking person will be there that night and pick his three favorite performers for a show on April 10th. Anyone from the school can play, here's how it works.
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: Joe Rathbone is an edgy, roots-rock/pop tunesmith whose new record, "I Can Hear the Windows of Your Heart Breaking," is already getting national attention, including an upcoming appearance on Mountain Stage and airplay on AAA radio stations like WFUV in NYC. Joe's tunes combine classic American sounds with hooky, poetic, and Beatles-esque melodies. Critics like The Village Voice often compare his songwriting to legends like Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, and World Party. Joe's a great guitarist and a fixture on the modern singer-songwriter scene, touring the U.S. relentlessly. (www.joerathbone.com)
THE CRYPT WILL BE CLOSED FOR SPRING BREAK OVER THE WEEKENDS OF MARCH 12/13 AND MARCH 19/20
Dave Murphy: According to the Fairfield County Weekly, "Murphy is a natural storyteller who uses both image-rich lyrics and compelling melodies to illustrate his tale. His music, at once thought-provoking and an easy listen, graciously rides the fine folk-Americana line." "Chasing Ghosts," his latest LP, is receiving radio airplay nationwide. (www.murphyworld.com)
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." (www.lauriemacallister.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)
"SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND" FORMAT, WITH:
Special Guest: Did you miss the last one? Then you won't want to miss this one!
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)
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)
OPEN STAGE
Anyone can play, here's how it works.
Kay Ashley: Kay Ashley is a rare find indeed -- a confident singer-songwriter, a musician's musician and singer with a voice of spun gold, equally comfortable on acoustic guitar or piano. Raised in the pristine beauty of Maine, Kay now makes her home in multicultural Brooklyn, where a rich and diverse palette of music is available to the ears of a willing listener. (www.kayashley.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)
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)
Chip Robertson: From the mean streets of Keansburg, NJ (actually, it was a lovely 4 bedroom home with a nice big yard) to the stately suburbs of Bergen County, it has indeed been a long strange trip for Chip. (www.chiprobertson.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 of 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)
Special Columbia Night
On this night, three lucky performers from the March 5th open stage will be playing full sets:
Charles Liu: Strumming his guitar with closed eyes, Charles Liu will carry you to his world of emotional lyrics and mellow vocals. His musical style will capture you with his first note. As a singer/songwriter, Charles now exposes his personal life to a devoted NYC audience through his soulful lyrics. His energetic guitar rhythm sets the stage for his soothingly addictive baritone voice, and you'll be hooked!
Liz Moore: Liz Moore is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter currently attending Barnard College. Her songs reflect a unique lyrical take on the everyday and a gift for melody. Liz is now performing regularly in New York and is quickly making a name for herself on the independent music scene, winning praise from the likes of Edie Carey, who says "A wonderful demo--I was truly impressed". (www.lizmooremusic.com)
Matt and Brad: Forced to flee the creative joys of music and literature for a gleaming false idol, Brad Bedingfield and Matt Hoffman struggle to rescue their souls from beneath the crushing weight of the Law. They met in the Crossroads, down on the bayou, at 116th and Amsterdam, where a well-placed bargain has revived their musical talents, and lent fire to their latent songwriting abilities.
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)
Pat Wictor: We've all heard the story: an old lost guitar, which family members had wondered about, is discovered in the attic after decades of neglect. It turns out to be a priceless masterpiece. The guitar is taken to a master craftsman, restored with care, and becomes a valued family inheritance. Passed down from one generation to the next, the guitar has a story, waiting to be told by a sympathetic musician. Pat Wictor wrote the songs on his latest CD, Temporary Stay, on just such an instrument, a little 100 year-old heirloom guitar with a big sound and stories to tell. (www.patwictor.com)
Aviv Roth: Fresh on the New York music scene, Aviv is not your standard singer-songwriter. He likes "songs that are unusual, musically interesting or really, really funky." The growing number of people who've had the experience of hearing him play tend to say things like, "smooth", "soulful", "dark, with that off-beat sense of humor" to describe him. Usually they say, "a lot more than you'd expect out of one guy with a guitar." (www.avivroth.com)
Joe Cacnio
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.
Greg Fine: One word comes to mind when describing Greg Fine: soul. His voice is nothing short of angelic and his poetry is nothing shy of inspirational. His sense of both melody and harmony are in a word: beautiful. Greg is an artist who will undoubtedly uplift all who listen and will surely be appreciated by a universal audience. (www.gregfine.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)
CC Railroad: Carolann, Cheryl, Ryder and Rich met each other in the Summer of 1999 at the Tuesday night open mics at the Sun Music Company on New York City's Upper East Side. Originally solo singer/songwriters sharing a New Artist showcase, they thought it would be fun to back each other up on a few songs. After the show, audience members insisted they form a band. Hey, we aim to please! (www.ccrailroad.com)
Rick Ilowite - Rick Ilowite is one of the premiere fingerstyle guitarists on the folk scene. His repertoire consists largely of the blues, ragtime and gospel music of such legends as Blind Blake and the Reverend Gary Davis. Every Ilowite performance is a unique musical event: a rollercoaster ride through blues classics and original material complemented with a great sense of humor. (www.airtightmusic.com)
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)
Jeff Cannon-- Rich, warm vocals, memorable melodies, incisive lyrics, a thoughtful and beguiling performer: these are some of the things being written about Bloomington, Indiana-based singer-songwriter Jeff Cannon, one of the brightest and busiest voices to have come out of the talent-rich Boston acoustic music scene. But the Postcrypt came before all of that. There aren't too many people who can claim to have been around the Postcrypt as long as Jeff; in fact, there isn't anybody. He grew up here, after his father started the coffeehouse in 1964. He keeps coming back, and we're more than happy to welcome him back. (www.jeffcannonmusic.com)
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)
James O'Brien: According to the New England Folk Almanac, Boston singer-songwriter James O'Brien has a "unique raspy tender/aggressive voice and an aerobic guitar style that guarantees he'll never need to pay dues at a health club." In June 2000, he released his first studio album, Life Underwater. (www.jamesobrien.cc)
Laura Thomas: Laura Thomas, a 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)
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)
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)
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)
Butch Ross: A crypt favorite, Butch Ross calls himself a "self-descriptive artist." He's sharp, irreverent, compassionate and, more often than not, funny. So funny that has just started his own one-man show. 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)
Please call 212-854-1953 to confirm performers and times.