During my recent two week trip to New York, I spent a lot of time at (Le) Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village. The venue, a self-proclaimed “multi-media art cabaret” founded by musicians on the site of the historic Village Gate, prides itself in offering the “highest quality eclectic programming”. One look at (Le) Poisson Rouge’s upcoming events listing will surely illustrate that they aren’t just blowing smoke up one’s arse when it comes to offering “eclectic programming”. They back it up pretty darn good.
During my many visits there, I sat in on The Soundtrack Series (a Time Out New York “Critic’s Pick”) where five artists (writers, comics, actors and musicians) tell the stories they forever connect with songs from their past.
I checked out “the longest running weekly Friday night dance party in NYC history”, The Freedom Party.
I witnessed the kooky fun of Le Bingo! hosted by celebrity drag queen Linda Simpson.
I enjoyed a warm and fuzzy sold-out live performance by Australian songbird Missy Higgins…
and got turned on to the funky Latin sound of Los Amigos Invisibles.
Los Amigos Invisibles were formed in Venezuela over 20 years ago and currently call Brooklyn their home. The band combines funk, salsa, rock, disco, and house music to create what they call “The new sound of the Venezuelan Gozadera”. The band was signed to David Byrne’s Luaka Bop records in 1996 and have recorded seven studio albums since then, winning a Latin Grammy for “Best Latin Alternative Album” for their 2009 album “Commercial”.
Their high energy live set at (Le) Poisson Rouge had the crowd moving from the opening notes. Definitely check them out if they come to your town – you won’t be sorry. Enjoy a few pics taken by “yours truly”…
Here’s a video for “Mentiras” from their Latin Grammy winning album “Commercial“
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