Music, films & folklore at Barbes

We’re returning to Barbes on Friday November 11th for a special evening of music & films that will somehow come together to present a Coherent & Complete Vision of American Folklore. Joining us will be The Weal and the Woe at 8pm. Then The Weal and the Woe’s Russell Scholl will present folklore-related rare films from his collection. Then a film I fell in love with at Sundance, Pioneer, starring Will Oldham and directed by David Lowery, about the most epic bedtime story of all time. Then of course Pinataland will emerge from our slumber clutching songs new and old, with Doug Stone & Robin Aigner, Bill Gerstel, Gerald Menke, Josh Camp, Ross Bonadonna and Brooke Watkins.

WHERE: Barbes, 376 9th street @ 6th Avenue, Brooklyn New York
WHEN: Friday, 11/11/11, 8 p.m – midnight
WHAT: Americana Folklore Night, an evening of music and film with Piñataland, The Weal and the Woe and a short films including “Pioneer” by director David Lowery.
HOW MUCH: $10 suggested donation
SCHEDULE: 8:00 pm., The Weal & The Woe
9:30 p.m., Short films including “Pioneer” by director David Lowery.
10:00 p.m., Piñataland (Doug Stone, David Wechsler, Robin Aigner, Bill Gerstel & Gerald Menke) perform tunes from their new album, “Hymns for the Dreadful Night”.

Speak, Music Critic

Our new collection of songs “Hymns for the Dreadful Night” has been out a short while, here are some thoughts people are typing about it.

“Their new album Hymns for the Dreadful Night…their hardest-rocking effort to date, their least opaque and by far their best…the driving rhythm section of Ross Bonadonna on bass and Bill Gerstel on drums give the louder songs here a mighty majesty – there are plenty of warmly inviting string-driven pop bands out there, nobody who attacks those songs with as much verve as Piñataland. Violinist Deni Bonet is a one-woman orchestra, showing off sizzling Balkan, country and classical chops, frequently contrasting with Dave Wechsler’s pensive, rain-drenched piano and organ. Robin Aigner, who lights up many of these songs with her harmonies, knocks one out of the park with her lead vocal on the lush countrypolitan shuffle Border Guard….” Lucid Culture

“4 1/2 stars (out of 5) Tremendous.” Jeffrey Sisk, IN TUNE, Daily News, PA

“First of all, let me say that it takes some real right-side brain activity to think of a concept like this, but then to actually write lyrics and arrange music around this concept takes pure genius. That is what this record is, pure genius.” ‘Rebel Rod” From Under The Basement

“So this is what it sounds like when The Decemberists, The Pogues and Gogol Bordello are put in a blender.,,,this is a rare and exceptional record which, from conception to execution, is nothing less than total perfection.” Scott Baxter, Americana UK

“Hymns for the Dreadful Night is the best ‘live’ album recorded in a studio format. Pinataland has been around for a few albums and, based on the strength of Hymns for the Dreadful Night, I’m going to need to give [their other albums] a listen.” Dw. Dunphy, Popdose

“Modern day orchestral Americana with a Celtic twist. Stone and Wechsler are superb wordsmiths and the music is mostly joyous with just a hint of danger lurking underneath, more often than with a jubilant violin riding on top.” Hans Werksman, Here Come The Flood

“The music is a fascinating mixture that serves the lyric well, and it is a tribute to the band’s talent that it all holds together and makes a powerful impression.” Oliver di Place

“I have no idea what they are on about but I like the way it sounds.” 27 Leggies

Greta Gertler, see her.

We’re thrilled to have Greta Gertler open for us on August 26th at 10pm. She’s a singer songwriter from Australia who makes really great orchestral pop.

an upcoming show, & a couple reviews

We’re excited to be performing at Barbes (9th Street and 6th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn) on Friday, August 26th at 11pm. Greta Gertler at 10:00pm! This show will feature our current mighty lineup of Doug, Robin, Ross, Deni, Dave and Bill. Songs from “Hymns for the Dreadful Night”, old tunes, and possibly a brand new one.

Speaking of the new record, here are some thoughts from a couple of music writers:

“…well-crafted, absolutely gorgeous, memorable chamber-pop songs….wonderful tunes… If you’re a fan of Americana, accordions, fiddle, or just plain beautiful things that aren’t wispy and sentimental all the time (!), “Hymns for the Dreadful Night” should be on your shortlist.” – Stephen Carradini/Oklahoma Gazette

“Piñataland’s lyrics and melodies are the kind you find yourself humming days after you last heard the disc.”- Justin Vellucci, Brooklyn Rail