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Jeffrey Lewis and the Jrams + Seth Faergolzia + L.A. Boobs: Jan 20 at Rough Trade NYC
Born and bred New Yorker Jeffrey Lewis writes songs that are at once funny and poignant, playing with an instinctive understanding of the connection between punk rock and folk. Constantly collaborating and starting side projects, Lewis and his new backup band, the Jrams, have performed unique pieces that include a ditty about the history of Communism and a subdued ballad about his birthday party. Freakfolk leading man Seth Faergolzia opens. Tickets are on sale Friday, Jan 9 through Ticketmaster.
Baby Dayliner + Newborn: Jan 31 at the Mercury Lounge
Local postlounge crooner Baby Dayliner offers one of the city's most pleasurable and eccentric pop experiences. Sure, his beats are funky and fun, but his lyrics have a disarming core of self-reflection that makes for a wry, sophisticated whole. His last record, the brilliant Critics Pass Away, came out in 2006, and he's been strangely quiet since. Tickets are on sale Friday, Jan 9 through Ticketmaster.
Rock On Foundation Presents Alt Star 2015 featuring The Hold Steady: Feb 13 at the Bowery Ballroom
What better way to raise money for a worthy cause and a great foundation than with incredible music? Following the release of their new album Teeth Dreams and new EP RAGS, the critically acclaimed rock band the Hold Steady join New Hampshire–based nonprofit Rock On Foundation to support the artistic and athletic endeavors of underprivileged communities. Hosted by NBA Champion Matt Bonner with DJ sets from Arcade Fire's Win Butler, Vampire Weekend's Chris Tomson and more, the night is sure to be a good time. Tickets are on sale Friday, Jan 9 through Ticketmaster.
Har Mar Superstar: Feb 14 at the Mercury Lounge
Famous for stripping down to his tighty whities and his '70s-era croons, the best genre to describe Minneapolis-born treasure Har Mar Superstar would be electrosleaze. Dealing in equal parts soul and sex (by way of a Ron Jeremy–esque frame), his ilk is an increasingly rare breed in 2015. Tickets are on sale Friday, Jan 9 through Ticketmaster.
Will Butler + TEEN: March 5 at the Bowery Ballroom
The multitalented Will Butler, a core member of Arcade Fire for the last decade, unveils his first independent musical undertakings with the new album Policy. If the first single "Take My Side" serves as any indication of what's to come, the record will be a raucous mix of emotions and musicality. TEEN kicks off the show with music from its 2014 R&B-influenced LP The Way And Color. Tickets are on sale Friday, Jan 9 through Ticketmaster.
If you're looking for one of those only-in-New-York events (with a price tag to match), make sure to grab tickets for this year's Tibet House US Benefit Concert featuring The Flaming Lips, Phillip Glass and Laurie Anderson on Mar 5 at Carnegie Hall before they sell out. For 25 years, the annual fund-raiser has brought together big-name musicians around for an honorable cause, and this year will be no different. Tickets are on sale through the Carnegie Hall website.