High Waisted at EWEL (photo by Kate Hoos)
All hail the mighty DIY space! No matter where I go to see shows, no matter how big the room, my favorite and most loved type of venue to see a show in will also be a DIY space, end of story. And as far are DIY spaces go, EWEL is among the most loved and well cared for spaces I’ve experienced. (Because as all who frequent these spaces know, they are always loved, but many of them are in a constant state of disrepair due to any number of factors, usually from a lack of funds or outside interference.)
EWEL was the setting for the recent release party (among a few) for the release of the Bands do BK oral history book by BDBK founder, Sam Sumpter who spoke between sets to express her gratitude for the space, the community, and the support the book has gotten. BDBK is a vital lifeline in the Brooklyn music community for bands and a well loved presence in the local music scene. The mood was jovial and everyone was in high spirits to be at the show, myself included. I had originally been scheduled to work and I was more than happy when it was canceled so I could be at this show.
Sam Sumpter of Bands do BK at the book release party
The vibes were awesome throughout the night, an air of excitement permeating the room. I often look at these shows, and their audiences, as family affairs because the bonds in the community are that close knit and often times the biggest fans of the bands on the bill are the members of the other bands sharing the bill with them or nerds like me who just love to go see live music whenever and however they can so we know and love the band members on a personal level too. This isn’t the sometime almost clinical feel of filing into a large room, observing some people playing songs on a stage, and filing back out a few hours later, this is family. That feeling was certainly heightened on this night even more so because of the special occasion of the book’s release.
On the bill were some of my local favorites, snarky riot grrrls, Nevva, fuzzy indie arty shoegazers, Kissed by an Animal, both of whom I love any chance I can get to see. They were joined by surfy sunny 60s girl group inspired rockers, High Waisted, who I had actually not yet seen before, but who I loved watching play. Towards the end of KBAA’s set, when they played the bouncy “Lemonade,” the floor in the room did indeed begin to bounce as everyone joined in to bop and dance along to the infectious song. And in that moment I knew this wasn’t just family, this was home.
Scroll down for pics of the show (photos by Kate Hoos)
NEVVA
KISSED BY AN ANIMAL
HIGH WAISTED
