Ah, well it looks like winter, despite starting over a month ago, is finally here. As in, there's no escaping the puffer coats, and especially the snow boots, if you want to avoid walking around with wet socks all day.
We'll concede that New York City post-holiday season can be pretty damn gloomy. They put up the lights for the tourists, not for us.
One of the best ways to pass a grey, slushie evening is settling into one of NYC's amazing music venues for some amazing live music.
We have too many venues to count, and even more dope musicians to list.
Lucky for y'all, we've put together a list of the best intimate live shows around the city this February. Bring a friend!
1. Freddy Cole Quintet: Songs For Lovers (February 10th- 12th)
Looking for some last minute V-Day weekend plans? What's more romantic than some amazing live music, at the intimate Dizzy's Club? Freddy Cole (the brother of the legend Nat King Cole, but a prolific artist in his own right) is one of the best contemporary crooners, and the perfect artist to serenade an idyllic night. Purchase your tickets here.
2. Annual Valentine's Day PPNYC Benefit: VILLAGE OF LOVE (February 14th)
Do you hate women? No? Awesome, please support Planned Parenthood. Here's an opportunity right here, to contribute funds to this extraordinarily important nonprofit at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, while also listening to some dope music. Purchase your tickets here, they're $5 bucks cheaper in advance.
There will be special performances by Mac DeMarco, Boss Hog, Kevin Morby, Kid Congo, Skaters, Delicate Steve, Joseph D'Agostino (Cymbals Eat Guitars), Saint Rich, Cassie Ramone (Vivian Girls), Juan Wauters, Mutual Benefit, Alana Amram, Laura Gibson, Mark Eitzel, The Mystery Lights, No Eagles & more!
3. New Orleans Mardi Gras Brunch (February 15th)
Don't have time to take a trip down to The Big Easy (even if we send you and a friend for FREE?!)? Well Blue Note Jazz Club is throwing a classic NOLA brunch with "Hot Lips" Joey Morant & Catfish Stew. Morant is a dynamic trumpeter who has performed with greats from all genres, including Ray Charles, James Brown, and Paul McCartney.
A ticket includes brunch, the live music, and a drink. Pretty sweet deal, if you ask us. Buy yours today.
4. RZA & Friends at City Winery (February 18th)
Unless you're one of those people that "just doesn't really like music" or something, you myst be familiar with the legendary hip-hop producer, RZA, of the Wu-Tang Clan. This night at the beautiful City Winery is his first show in a while– don't miss it!
The "& Friends" list is being kept very hush hush, but we have a feeling it will be a legend-we're-not-going-to-wait-for-it-ary night. You can read more about RZA and purchase your tickets on City Winery's website.
5. AFROPUNK The Takeover (February 21st- 25th)
ICYMI, Afropunk is taking over Harlem for Black History Month with panel discussions, comedy shows, film screenings, and of course, live musical performances. Like "A Kick in the Head," a punk rock showcase, on Tuesday, the 21st. Or The Shed, an open jam session at Gin Fizz Harlem. TBH, all their programming sounds dope, it's hard for us to just stick to the music.
Check out the full schedule of events and snag your tickets (quick, before they're all gone!) on their website.
6. An ACLU Benefit with Sam Cohen, Scully, Dark Tea (February 22nd)
We're seriously suckers when it comes to great music for a cause? Isn't everybody? This indie show's going down at Union Pool in Brooklyn. Read more about the musicians performing and purchase your tickets here.
7. Galactic Gala (February 25th)
Sneaking another way to show you stand with Planned Parenthood in here, don't mind us.
The Wild Honey Pie presents this outer space-themed event featuring the bands Jukebox the Ghost, Rubblebucket, and pronoun– if you judge the groups by their names (as we all do sometimes, don't lie), aren't you kinda intrigued?
It's going down at LightBox-NY, which you might recognize as the home to music videos by Beyonce and Lady Gaga– speaking of the Mother Monster, "semi-formal attire with a splash of outer space flair" is suggested, so we recommend channeling her. Grab your tickets on eventbrite.
8. Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Madness Crawfish Boil (February 28th)
Would you rather celebrate Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday itself? Look no further than The Hall at MP in Brooklyn for this epic crawfish boil. There will be a happy hour from 6-7 p.m. with amazing drink specials, NOLA beer, and Craft Cocktails.
The seating is first come, first served, but there will be standing room for dancing all over the place for everyone else! Milo Z & the Z Funk Band will be performing "Razzimofunk"– what he's dubbed his fusion of rock, rap, jazz, blues, & funk. We dig it. Snag your tix here.
[Feature Image Courtesy FrancisDelapena]