This Week’s Must-See Shows in NYC

Sure, there may still be a frozen chunk of snow holding down the fort on my Brooklyn block’s sidewalk, a chunk that I fear will never thaw because of the long and oppressive winter. Sure. But, that won’t keep me from believing in better days to come. Warmer days. “Oh-shit-I-left-the-house-without-my-sunscreen” days. And one of the first indicators of their arrival? Weeks like this that are filled to the brim with shows – a fact that screams (or indifferently mutters), “Bands are coming out of hibernation.”

Of note, Abigail Washburn will appear at Joe’s Pub thrice over the latter part of the week, performing a stage piece called Post-American Girl. As she’s (objectively) one of the most skilled banjo players in this great land (and happens to be married to Bela Fleck), there shouldn’t be much more incentive needed to dole out the $15 that a ticket requires. But, we’ll give you a kick in the rump anyway:

ALSO, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers play Bowery Ballroom on Wednesday. This is particularly relevant for anyone with an obsession with Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, et. al. While I’m not too familiar with her “Gramblers” lineup, Bluhm’s recent duet album with husband Tim was one of my favorites of the past couple years. Go see ’em.

Check out a musical sample, below:

Plus, more must-sees:
Tuesday, March 26
8:00 p.m. — Sara Watkins / Field Report at City Winery

Wednesday, March 27
8:00 p.m. — Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers at Bowery Ballroom
8:00 p.m. — Mason Jennings at City Winery
9:30 p.m. — Lapland / Tall Tall Trees at Mercury Lounge

Thursday, March 28
7:00 p.m. — Abigail Washburn at Joe’s Pub (first of three dates – 3/28, 3/29, 3/30)
8:00 p.m. — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds / Sharon Van Etten at Beacon Theatre

Friday, March 29
8:00 p.m. — Boy / Plume Giant at Bowery Ballroom

Saturday, March 30
6:00 p.m. — Chuck Ragan / Dave Hause / Rocky Votolato / Jenny Owen Youngs at The Bell House
8:00 p.m. — Caitlin Rose / Andrew Combs at The Bell House
8:15 p.m. — Denison Witmer / Noah Gundersen at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2

Monday, April 1
6:30 p.m. — Caitlin Rose / Andrew Combs at Mercury Lounge