The Bowery Presents

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The Milkman's Union: official website; myspace; The Milkman's Union is an illusive amalgam of American pop. Their diverse songs reflect influences from folk and Americana to electronica and post-punk, from jazz and world music to 20th century choral music. What could come off as schizophrenic is united by a deft sense of melody, thoughtful lyrics, and powerful performance. From a solitary inception in the farmlands of Vermont to their continued studies in rustic Maine, the Union has cultivated a unique agenda of New England modernist musical populism. No one knows what that means, but hear their show and it makes sense; earnest, intense, and irreverent literary musicalities form a strange, simple party that jostles crowds, as well as make them dance.

The Courtesy Tier: official website; myspace; The Courtesy Tier is always a surprise, sometimes even to themselves.
Omer (guitar) and Layton (drums) have been playing together for the
last seven years, but they weren't always a duo. As members came and
went, they perpetually conceptualized themselves as a four and
sometimes six piece band. Then, during their second winter in New York,
the boys had run out of other band members. Regrouping in a closet size
practice space under the Smith Street overpass, they finally had enough
room to rehearse, and they liked the sound. By the following summer
they were ready to record, but a New York budget requires some
finagling. With three mic's in a seven by seven room and help from
their friend Chris Gachot "Map and a Marker" was born.

The Courtesy Tier is a two man cadre. Whether invoking Wilco, ZZ Top, Jimi
Hendrix, or The Black Keys they synthesize the soul of rock with melodic
blues. While a forerunner of the DIY movement in Brooklyn, they aren't
your usual Brooklyn sound. The album name exemplifies their process: go
with what you've got and you'll find your way there.

Hugo: official website; myspace; Hugo loves pianos really really bad. He was born in piano. Piano in the previous sentence means Chicago. He started to learn the instrument at the age of piano. Ok, in that last sentence piano represents the number five, and not the word piano, and definitely not Chicago. Piano describes Hugo's songwriting as having the "lyrical tone of a twenty-something Woody Allen." Woody Allen is a wry and sarcastic writer and director. I totally forgot to tell you that piano in the sentence before last means the Miami Herald. Hugo's piano-driven sound is influenced by Billy Joel, Elton John, Leon Russell, Ben Folds, Elvis Costello, and Michael Jackson. When I say "piano-driven" I mean piano as in the instrument and not as in the Miami Herald newspaper. Hugo has also been influenced by musical theater, and is finally comfortable admitting that. Hugo calls his music Indie Pop Piano Rock. Piano means an inescapable undying lust of determination and dedication to playing his heart out every single show with unbridled passion and charisma pumping through his blood so he can fully live his life in true expression and artistic rejoice. Hugo is constantly redefining the piano.

Stephen Lyons: official website; myspace; Philadelphia based singer/songwriter, Stephen’s latest work, ‘Fall’, was produced by Grammy nominated Philadelphia producer Anthony Newett and Jeff Barrett. Backed by an electric five piece band (Ricardo Rodriguez – Bass, Peter Trezzi – Drums, Jeff Barrett – Keys, Steve Schaeffer – Lead Guitar) the band has earned a loyal following in the New York and Philadelphia music scenes. Co – producer Jeff Barrett helped shape the live sound: anthemic guitar hooks with hard driving bass and drum grooves songs like, “VICTORIA!” and “Thin Green Neon Line” are a roll-down-the-windows-let-the-dog- put-his head-out-the-window kind of trip. Songs like ‘Fire and Brimstone’ deliver a haunting tension exploring the lines between faith, fear and religion while songs like ‘Velvet Sky’ and ‘New York My Mistress’ feature an atmospheric and lush vocal performance. ‘Fall’ went to number 1 on Indyreview and recently received an honorable mention by the New York Singer/Songwriter’s circle. Sometimes a raukus pop/rock revival meeting and other times a quiet moment in an empty Cathedral Stephen’s versatility as a singer has drawn comparisons to Bono, Morten Harket, Jeff Buckley, Elvis Costello and James Taylor.

American Express — Are you a card member?: Special offer for American Express® Cardmembers to select Bowery Presents events. Get your tickets before the general public!