Everybody in New York City knows that the place to stumble across a strange and wonderful book is the goliath, indie bookstore STRAND. However, there is another untapped resource hidden behind the dusty shelves: talent. Most of The Strand’s employees are leading a double life, moonlighting as writers, artists and musicians. Tonight a handful of the Strand’s many bands will be playing at favorite Alphabet City venue, The Sidewalk Cafe. The show is actually Strand Bands II, following up on a very successful first show. Tonight’s lineup includes The Amelia Earharts, Stewart. Greywolf, The Human Engine, The Marsh Hens, and The Allston Highschool Wolf Spiders.
Musical employees are actually a longstanding tradition at STRAND, where Patti Smith and Tom Verlaine both worked in the 70’s. STRAND also employed Robin Crutchfield, member of the innovative No-Wave band DNA. Others are noticing the Strand musician phenomenon as well. French music magazine Vox Pop ran a three-page article about undiscovered musicians currently working at STRAND, many of whom belong to the same bands playing at Sidewalk tonight.
-Emma Onstott
special thanks to Davis Dunavin for background information, Davis is pictured above in his photo for Vox Pop, he will be playing tonight in his band the Amelia Earharts.
Come see Strand Bands II playing tonight, Saturday May, 9th, Show starts at 8, no cover, 2 drink minimum, Sidewalk cafe is located on 6th st and Ave A
