Artist Feature
by Stefanie Smith

clippings calendar: This Week’s Must-See Shows in NYC

Whoa, man. Who has a purse full of gummybears, a soft spot for riesling and is super excited to see Sara Watkins live for the first time? Duh. Me. The fiddling singer plays City Winery on Saturday with the highly-praised Bhi Bhiman opening. If you haven’t picked up Watkins’s latest album, Sun Midnight Sun, prioritize it. It contains some of my favorite songs of the year so far, including “Lock and Key” and the inspiring “Take Up Your Spade,” which I tend to listen to almost every morning for a healthy dose of inspiration. For me, however, the most resonating track is “When It Pleases You,” with lyrics that are blunt and haunting and paired with a production that separates it from the rest of the album. Wakins recently performed it on The Late Late Show. Watch it below.

Also, Langhorne Slim at Bowery on Thursday will be a must-see. Caveat: any ladies with ambitions of backing Slim into a corner to sing a private rendition of “On the Attack” as you cry into your sleeve, line forms behind me.

Also also of note (busy week here) is the previously mentioned Spirit Family Reunion album release show for No Separation, which takes place Friday night at Mercury Lounge. Come support these folkers – we love them.

A few more are listed below.

Tuesday, June 12
Hoots and Hellmouth — 9 p.m. at The Living Room

Thursday, June 14
Laura Marling (With Michael Kiwanuka and Willy Mason) — 7 p.m. at Prospect Park Bandshell for Celebrate Brooklyn!
Langhorne Slim, Ha Ha Tonka — 8 p.m. at Bowery Ballroom
Lisa Hannigan (With Joe Henry) — 8 p.m. at Highline Ballroom

Friday, June 15
Spirit Family Reunion Album Release Party — 10 p.m. at Mercury Lounge
Lisa Hannigan (With Joe Henry) — 8 p.m. at Highline Ballroom

Saturday, June 16
Dawes, Kurt Vile and the Violators — 7 p.m. at Central Park Summerstage
Sara Watkins (with Bhi Bhiman) — 8 p.m. at City Winery
Scott H. Biram, Lydia Loveless — 10:30 p.m. at Mercury Lounge
Great Hudson River Revival Music and Environmental Festival — All Day at Croton Point Park

Sunday, June 17
Great Hudson River Revival Music and Environmental Festival — All Day at Croton Point Park