Hank & Cupcakes at Santos Party House

Wednesday night could have been described as “bass and electronics” night at Santos Party House, as that was the focus (with the exception of one band). No complaints here, because it gave me and the rest of the audience a chance to dance the night away. The first two bands were also just as much about visual presentation as they were about the music, the difference being that Mother Feather seemed to use flashy costumes to get the viewer’s attention, where as Dolchnakov Brigade seemed to have an image they were trying to project. I’m more familiar with Dolchnakov, however, so that might influence how I viewed them. Regardless of the purpose, both bands did an excellent job of catching my attention and leaving me in wonderment of what I just witnessed. This is neither good or bad, just different (which I guess in itself is a good thing in a sense).

The main event for the night was Hank & Cupcakes, a two piece with the power of ten. The two members did a splendid job of turning a bass and drum kit into a symphony of beats that called the audience to movement. From the first note to the final echo, Hank & Cupcakes will make you want to get up and dance. Seriously, anyone who wasn’t dancing during their set was probably a robot. The night was a perfect antidote for the mid-week doldrums of life. If you missed the show on Wednesday, then I am sorry for your loss. The next opportunity to see them probably won’t be for awhile. Definitely keep your ears open though, because you are not going to want to miss them again.

Parry Adams at Webster Hall

When trying to decide what to say after seeing Parry Adams open for Lucy Woodward at the Studio at Webster Hall, it was hard to form complete sentences. Words definitely came to mind, even full phrases, but I couldn’t string them together into sentences that flowed together into anything that would give you an idea of what this show was like and make you immediately plan to attend her next event. Maybe a little mystery is good, though. Maybe it will make you even more intrigued, make you want to go even more.

So where to begin?

Maybe with the crowd. It was silent and attentive. It only spoke when appropriate. It clearly loved her. True, some of them were likely friends, but others were friends and fans for the other two performers. They still respected her, still gave her the attention she deserved, and some even went to speak to her after the show and share just how much they enjoyed her set.

And how about that set?

I’ve seen Parry both solo and with a band. Both are different experiences. One thing that always stands out is her voice. It’s strong and amazing. She might have been charmingly nervous in between sets, but her singing was always strong and confident. (And if she rambled any on stage, like I said, it came off as charming).

I’ll have to admit, I haven’t listened to the album yet, but I plan to after tonight’s performance. Might even write a review for that too. Who knows? And I will definitely be going to another show, if the opportunity presents itself. I recommend that you plan to as well.

(Parry Adams does ocassional uStream concerts, where you can get the live experience from the comfort of your own home. Her next one is March 22nd.)