Looking to catch a gig? There are tons going on every night in Manhattan. DNAinfo has sifted through them and come up with some of the best for the coming week.
By Daniel Jumpertz
Special to DNAinfo
Wednesday December 21
Asher Roth first got into hip hop in '98 and counts Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life" as a primary influence. Often compared to Eminem, Asher was born and raised in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, a small town about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. His second full length album (and first on Def Jam) "Is This Too Orange?" is due next year. At B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.
Thursday December 22
Sultry Virginian singer-songwriter Rachel Yamagata has released three albums since her debut solo album in 2004. Prior to that, she spent six years as the singer for Chicago band Bumpus. She has collaborated with Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams, Toots and the Maytals and Ray Lamontagne. At City Winery with Mike Viola in support.
Friday December 23
Hip-hop DJ, rapper and producer Funkmaster Flex hosts a night of old school hip-hop artists featuring the first commercially successful rap artist, Kurtis Blow, (his first hit song "The Breaks" holds up pretty well), the Bronx's Cold Crush Brothers and the Sugarhill Gang. At B.B. King Blues Club & Grill at 11:00pm
Saturday December 24
This "Nittle Nacht (Xmas Eve) Radical Jewish Culture Blow Out" benefits the Center for Jewish Arts and Literacy. Featuring one of jazz's sonic explorers, John Zorn & the Aleph Trio and Cyro Baptista's Banquet of the Spirits. At the Sixth Street Community Synagogue, 325 E. 6th St.
Sunday December 25
Shake the family-induced Christmas blues away. Be You-Elf! with New York DJ and producer legend Danny Tenaglia at mega-club Pacha.
Monday December 26
Les Paul Mondays are this week featuring Arlen Roth with The Les Paul Trio. Known as "The Master of the Telecaster," Arlen Roth has played with John Prine, Phoebe Snow, Don McLean, Janis Ian, Pete Seeger, Jack Bruce, Duane Eddy and James Taylor. He’s also considered the single-most important influence on learning to play the guitar and other instruments around the world. At the Iridium Jazz Club.
Tuesday December 27
Frank London's Klezmer Brass Band Allstars has toured the world, bringing over the top exuberant energy to traditional Jewish roots music. Their CD, Carnival Conspiracy, was voted Rolling Stone magazine’s top non-English recording. At The Jewish Museum, 7.30PM.
