It was only a week ago but already the memories come rushing back in a wave of nostalgia, five days that shook my world otherwise known as the CBGB Festival 2013!!
On October 10th, 2013 CBGB the movie had its premiere. Some people loved it, I thought it ws a bad movie and not because it was accurate. However, those who went to the opening night had a great time, thronged by kids wondering how authentic it was. “I didn’t have the heart to tell them.” Said Jahn Xavier.
The night before Duff McKagan’s daughter Grace McKagan performed with her band Pink Slips at Arlene’s Grocery . According to the PR company who I am more than happy to let me do my job: “It was a family affair on stage tonight, as proud Papa Duff McKagan introduced the worldwide debut of Pink Slips, featuring his daughter, vocalist Grace McKagan and guitarist Jamie Brooks, both 16 years old. Pink Slips chose the CBGB Music & Film Festival for their first ever public performance. In this intimate setting, the group presented their adaptation of several covers in their own dark acoustic translation. The set consisted of songs by First Aid Kit, Death Cab for Cutie, Amy Winehouse and Disclosure performed by the duo. McKagan jumped on stage and joined the band for their final song, “Oblivion” by Grimes. Duff said of the night, “I think it was in the true spirit of punk rock that CBGBs Fest let my daughter and her friend play their first gig ever at this huge monstrous event. They weren’t really sure what they were getting themselves into. Grace added, “Tonight I played my first concert and was really nervous. But as I started singing I got a lot more comfortable and loved doing it.”
By the time you reach Thursday. Duff gave the keynote speech and the highlight of the five days occurred, the Bowery Electric class reunion and of course Roscoe’s excellent curated evening at Sullivan Hall.
Friday you had your choice of Ginger Baker at Iridium or Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr at Irving Plaza. Oh… and … Puss N Boots – 9pm, Bowery Electric featuring Norah Jones, Sasha Dobson (Willie Nelson), Catherine Popper (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals).
Of course, it is all building to a chockablock Times Square free concert starring My Morning Jacket, Grizzly Bear and Divine Fits. Maybe you should have made your way back to Bowery Electric and seen Arto Lindsay?
Enough memories for one week, until next year.