Lifting the Sail at Cornelia Street Cafe

Music and storytelling lifted the sail at Cornelia Street Cafe last night. The packed house cheered. I thank you all for coming inside on a lovely summer evening.

Thank you, Robert Conroy, Michael Harren, Claire Jeffreys, Garland Jeffreys and Savannah Jeffreys for a rich melodic cruise through your telling and song. Thank you, Jon Calvert for capturing the event on film.

The Jeffreys Family night was a long time in the making and Robert and Michael's set was a perfect compliment to the evening's mood. Robert's gorgeous song, "Gloria Grahame," about the ghosts in film reminded me of the images in Garland's "35 Millimeter Dreams." Michael's piano playing was outstanding. Claire's story was wonderful, true and from the heart. Savannah's talent, voice and confidence reminds me of a young Carole King mixed in with Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse. Her songs lyrics reflect an old soul.

Garland Jeffreys more than any other artist captures best the thematic spirit of "City Stories: Stoops to Nuts" storytelling. You cannot top a New York City lyric like  -- "I used to live down on Ludlow Street, 1964, then I was so innocent, but now I know the score." Garland explores and takes apart neighborhoods, stoops, characters, nuts in each of his poignant compositions. Two of his selections last night, "New York Skyline," and "Coney Island Winter" are touchstones that make your New York heart leap. His new record, "The King of In Between," one of his best.  Garland is alive!

Thank you, Steve Northeast, for your generous hosting, professional service and technical expertise. Everybody sounded terrific. Paul, thank you for keeping the customers satisfied. Robin, Angelo and Josh, thank you, for your warm support.

photo by Jon Calvert

photo by Gordon Balkcom

Sailing to Cornelia Street

Tonight, August 14th @ 6pm, I'm sailing from Yorkville to the West Village the long way to see Garland Jeffreys—one of my songwriting heroes — perform at City Stories: Stoops to Nuts at the Cornelia Street Cafe. It’s a family affair: Garland, Claire, and Savannah Jeffreys will take the stage along with Robert Conroy, one of my favorite artists from the Loser’s Lounge.  Come out and beat the heat with a cool summer in the city show. Admission is $8 and that includes one free drink.

Garland Jeffreys Takes Away the Pain

Last night Garland Jeffreys and his band rocked the Rodeo Bar for two hours with rich new songs and a dozen gold standards.

I was spiritually lifted despite the fact my back is out. Feels like Boog Powell swung through a fast ball and whacked me as I foolishly stood too close to the batter's box watching. On top of that, can't walk right, I have a Spauldeen size spasm in my calf. For two hours, Garland took away the pain.

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This coming Tuesday, August 14th, Garland Jeffreys—one of my songwriting heroes—will perform at City Stories: Stoops to Nuts at the Cornelia Street Cafe. It’s a family affair: Garland, Claire, and Savannah Jeffreys will take the stage along with Robert Conroy, one of my favorite artists from the Loser’s Lounge. 

bar food

rocking

Jeffreys Family Affair @ Cornelia St. Cafe @ Tues, Aug 14th @ 6pm

photo by Ellen Watson Photography

Next Tuesday, August 14th, Garland Jeffreys—one of my songwriting heroes—will perform at City Stories: Stoops to Nuts at the Cornelia Street Cafe.

It’s a family affair: Garland, Claire, and Savannah Jeffreys will take the stage along with Robert Conroy, one of my favorite artists from the Loser’s Lounge.

Jeffreys is a New York City treasure. Please do yourself a favor and see the man up close next Tuesday at 6 PM.

Here is my new Ask A New Yorker column about Garland: "Twenty Two Stops to the City."

Yorkville Girl Watcher Settles In On Third Avenue

Early yesterday I spied the Yorkville Girl Watcher settling in for the day on Third Avenue and 79th Street.

Sitting comfortably on the crossing box, Ralph leaned his green head against the light pole, sighed and whispered, "Life is good." 

Next "City Stories: Stoops to Nuts" show is Tuesday, August 14th @ 6pm @ Cornelia Street Cafe. Our guests are Robert Conroy, Claire Jeffreys, Garland Jeffreys and Savannah Jeffreys.  Admission is $8 and that includes a free drink. It's a Family Affair of NYC storytellers and songsmiths.

Monsoon Summer Night in NYC

My intention last night: walk from Yorkville to Canal and Hudson St. Paying the piper for my large Hellman's mayo consumption. The sky looked funny around 75th St. and 2nd Ave. Near Park Ave. in the low 50s it was evident this trip would go underground sometime soon.  At Times Square, Cecil B. Demille took over direction of the sky and the weather.

As I crossed Broadway it got biblical on me. Crayola colors circled the air. It was time to seek shelter and I dropped into the 7th Ave line.  Took the local to Houston Street figuring the crazy stuff was over.  Up the subway stairs I saw the show still ongoing. Went back down, paid another fare and travelled one stop to Canal St. Above things had lightened up. But I was an hour early for the event because my walk was cut short.  I strolled with my broken umbrella up and down the streets near the Downtown 92th St. Y on Hudson St. Found cobblestone eye candy on Collier and Laight Sts.

Eric Vetter and company put on a great No Name & A Bag of Chips show.  The monsoon summer night turned out just right.

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Next "City Stories: Stoops to Nuts" show is Tuesday, August 14th @ 6pm @ Cornelia Street Cafe.

Our guests are Robert Conroy, Claire Jeffreys, Garland Jeffreys and Savannah Jeffreys.

Admission is $8 and that includes a free drink.

It's a Family Affair of NYC storytellers and songsmiths.

Stoops to Nuts July Swim on Cornelia Street

Thank you, Tricia Alexandro, Julia Greenberg, Jim Hawkins, Lisa Kirchner and Debby Schwartz for bringing your best to the  "City Stories: Stoops to Nuts" show at Cornelia Street Cafe last night. It's a pleasure to sit back and enjoy your terrific talent. Please come back soon.

Thank you, Steve Northeast and Paul for making us feel at home.

Our next show is August 14th. Our guests are Robert Conroy, Claire Jeffreys, Garland Jeffreys and Savannah Jeffreys.

Here are photos from the Stoops to Nuts show and the West Village on a perfect summer night.