Rockin’ for a cause at Maxwell’s
A very decent crowd for a cold Sunday night showed up at Maxwell’s (1039 Washington St, Hoboken), especially with it being last day of a long holiday weekend. Considering the reason for the show—as well as the performers—I cannot say I’m all that surprised. This night was benefiting the Daniel Knepp Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The fund was named after a Hoboken native and a 22-year-old junior at New York University who died tragically in 2004 from injuries sustained in a fall. Its purpose is to raise money for scholarships awarded to deserving Hoboken High School Graduates. Tonight, some of the area’s coolest got together to rock out for the cause. Comedienne Melissa Surach, The Coffin Daggers, Billy Pilgrim (or whatever they decide to call themselves) and WJ and the Sweet Sacrifice.
As usual I was running late and missed the comedy of Melissa Surach but I heard good things about her set. The first band up was The Coffin Daggers. Psycho surf instrumentalists, they never fail to please as they transport you to a strange place where Annette and Frankie are playing Beach Blanket Bingo with Dracula and The Mummy. Up next was a band that has had the worst luck picking a name.
They would come up with a cool name like Billy Pilgrim or Jump the Gun or some other such thing only to discover it was already taken. No matter the name, the songs are original and tonight their nervous energy bubbled over. This was the first show outside of the safe haven of their private loft space. Take equal parts Rolling Stones, Frank Zappa, dreams of life in outer space and sour mash. Mix briskly, serve straight up.
Last but certainly not least was WJ and the Sweet Sacrifice. In your face, gritty alt country rock, they got the crowd jumping. Their enthusiasm didn’t just show itself; it leaped from the stage. Like cowboys in pickup trucks rampaging thru the streets of a city, they wrangle fans instead of cattle. Their lasso is a no-nonsense sound that grabs you by the neck and yes it is true; they will rip your face off.
See Also:
Melissa Surach
The Coffin Daggers
Billy Pilgrim (or whatever they decide to call themselves)
WJ and the Sweet Sacrifice
Maxwell’s
Photo Gallery
