I went to see Justin Nozuka at the Hiro Ballroom in NYC last night. I arrived a bit early to a line around the block to get in. I already had a ticket at will call so I wasn't worried that I might not but this is an 18+ venue...that means that there were A LOT of college kids there. Someone please tell me why 1/2 of them were wearing Elvis Costello style glasses cuz I don't get it.
So, I immediately spiked my drink (because carrying a flask is more financially responsible for me than not) and I was better able to deal with the overwhelming college mentality around me.
This is a really interesting space. I'm in love with Asian decor and this place does it well except that there's a HUGE disco ball in the middle of the ceiling. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE DISCO but this just threw off the whole vibe of the room. There's no way that I wouldn't've noticed it but maybe it only bothered me because there was a delay in the performance by 1/2 an hour, feet & knees were killing me, & my phone was almost dead so I had nothing to do but look around a lot.
I was pleasantly surprised by the opener, Alpha Rev. I saw them getting ready. They were almost all dressed in some form of dress-shirt-tie-suit-combo which only made me think "pretentious" and "ew, really?" because this usually indicates to me that the band is going for a look not so much as going for talent. When they started playing, I was then able to accept their apparell with more grace because they kicked some serious ass. How many bands contain 2 left-handed guitarists?! I noticed that first. Next, I noticed that they reminded me of Coldplay but less melancholy. So, check them out if you get a chance. (link above)
Justin was awesome as ever. I've seen him do live performances on tv and web before (he was on Letterman on 4/20 & you can check out that performance here) but this was my first live & in person performance. I couldn't have been more impressed. As many of you know, I value a quality live performance above most things as far as artists are concerned. I was introduced to Justin's music through my friend, Brooke, who happened upon him while scanning the radio stations in Jersey. Thanks, Brooke! :o) He's got such an amazing, soulful voice (& he's not bad to look at). You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you don't check him out...Justin Nozuka...
much love,
Parry ;o)
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