Image from Anirudh Koul

Michael Brunnock will be appearing at The Red Lion on July 12 with his brand of folk-rock. An Irish singer/songwriter, Brunnock has been based in New York since 2003 and has been a regular fixture in Lower East Side venues since then. Having supported acts such as The Frames, Stand and Paddy Casey in New York over the past few years, he has garnered quite the loyal following. His music offers a great rock sound with folk and country influences; his use of the banjo lend his sound a bluegrass edge, the fiddle betrays his Irish roots but it is his powerful lyrics and vocals, which are somehow both delicate and strong which expresses the true talent of this artist.

Beirut –  July 15 @ Guggenheim Museum NYC as part of Dark Sounds Concert Series

Beirut’s indie rock / world music will make for a perfect addition to the Guggenheim’s Dark Sounds series. Originally from New Mexico, Beirut, is essentially composed of Zach Condon leading a rotating band of musicians playing mandolins, violins, accordions and ukuleles to create a distinctive background to Condon’s storytelling songs. Having dropped out of school to travel Europe when he was 16, Condon, has been influenced by a Eastern European music giving his indie rock sound a unique Balkan tinge. In a world of over polished and over produced acts, Beirut provides a refreshing alternative.

Buzz Universe – July 16 @ Rocks Off Concert Cruise

BuzzU will be making their annual appearance at the Rocks Off Concert Cruise on July 16 with their psychedelic, latin and jazz grooves. This promises to be a fun evening as the party sets afloat on a two level boat which will cruise from east midtown to the Statue of Liberty and return under the Williamsburg and Brooklyn bridges. It is a pretty great experience watching Manhattan skyline while cruising along, having a beer and listening to some great music. Perfect summer Friday in store here folks!

The Jaguar Club  - July 17 @ Glasslands, Brooklyn, NY
I was fortunate enough to see The Jaguar Club play at the Stereoactive Showcase at the CMJ Festival last year and have been a convert ever since. Hailing from Brooklyn, The Jaguar Club are a little bit hipster, a little bit new wave and a whole lot good. The new wave element, I think, can be attributed to lead Will Popovic’s vocals which are reminiscent of an Ian Curtis or even the Cure. With stirring and intuitive bass guitar by Yoichiro Fujita and Jeremiah Joyce on drums The Jaguar Club create an energetic, upbeat sound with soulful vocals.  These guys put on a great live show. See them now so that when they hit the big time you can say you saw them way back when.

The Swell Season  - July 30 @ Prospect Park Bandshell – Free Gig!
Arising out of the Oscar winning film “Once,” The Swell Season have been doing the rounds for a few years now. The Swell Season is essentially composed of my all time favorite band ‘The Frames’ with the addition of the hugely talented Marketa Irglova.  Marketa together with Frames frontman, Glen Hansard put on a great show backed up by members of the Frames. They offer the audience a mix of thundering rock sounds interspersed with gentle soulful songs in which they pour their hearts out. Currently promoting their most recent album Strict Joy, they are playing this free show in Brooklyn as part of their tour of the US and Canada. Prepare yourself for an evening of storytelling and fantastic music.