Overall, I was fairly disappointed with the bands coming into the Manhattan area over the last three months. It seems as though a great number of the more popular indie bands (and I realize that phrase borders on an oxymoron) are opting to play shows in the outer-boroughs and beyond. While September saw a brief resurgence in the number and quality of acts coming into the Big Apple, October, unfortunately, looked fairly grim.
When looking to some up-and-coming venues, however, I was fairly shocked to discover a slew of talent. While theaters like the Capitol in Port Chester and the Paramount in Huntington might be a bit of a commute for the average New Yorker, the sites are absolutely stunning and have been attracting some of the biggest names in the industry. Manhattan stages like Webster Hall, Bowery Ballroom, and others are on notice. These places are grander, nicer, bigger, and oftentimes cheaper.
When: Tuesday, October 9 @ 8 PM
Where: The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY
Price: $49.95
If you missed the NYC version of this reunion at Central Park, fear not. Everyone's favorite piano-based rock trio will be playing a set 40 minutes north of the city. While tickets are a bit pricy at around fifty bucks, this might be the last time to see one of America's most influential modern-rock bands, and their current tour features a strong cadre of new songs from their latest LP, The Sound of the Life of the Mind.
When: Sunday, October 21 @ 8 PM
Where: Terminal 5
Price: $30.00
Unlike the other two bands on this list, these guys are actually playing in NYC. Terminal 5, in many ways, has become the preeminent mid-size theater in Manhattan by offering quality acts at consistent prices and refusing to overcrowd their space. The Darkness, returning from a hiatus of sorts, haven't exactly reattained their previous relevancy, but they still have a few face-melting riffs that most would love to hear live.
When: Saturday, October 27 @ 8 PM
Where: The Paramount Theater in Huntington, NY
Price: $32-75.00
Social Distortion is another classic modern-rock band playing a fair distance away from NYC proper. The Paramount, however, is well worth the 50 minute drive. Boasting a completely renovated space, great acoustics, and an ideal setting within the heart of Huntington Village, this is truly one of the best concert halls I've been to in the last decade. Over the last 8-12 months, the Paramount has been attracting some of the largest names on tour, and, with a heavy-hitter like Social D on the bill, shows no signs of slowing down.
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