So, this past weekend I went up to Woodstock and caught a show in the basement at Big Pink.  Let me repeat that:  I HUNG OUT IN THE BASEMENT OF BIG PINK!  There, that’s better.

The occassion was the launch of a new series of intimate concerts being filmed there, and the pilot episode featured Dawes, who were awesome.

I had been to Big Pink once before.  My wife surprised me by taking me there for my birthday about ten years ago.  This was in the pre-GPS days and we made a couple wrong turns before finding the place (it’s on a gravel road, off a backroad etc.etc.).  But once you round the bend of the driveway, there it is, looking pretty much the same as it does in this ca. 1968 photo.

But, seriously, I never thought I would set foot inside the basement!  There are cool/odd artifacts everywhere.  Those piano guts hanging from the ceiling, did they once live inside a piano that Richard Manuel played?  Dawes singer Taylor Goldsmith commented that his band probably wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for that basement.  I’m sure a lot of his peers feel that way too.

I grew up on the music of Huey Lewis, so naturally I jumped at the chance to see Huey Lewis and The News play live. And as familiar with him as I am, there were plenty of surprises. Here are a few things I learned:

1. Huey Lewis is a mean harmonica player.

Hard to tell in this action shot (ok, blurry shot), but trust me, he is WAILING. He told me and my fellow Shore Fireite Brendan backstage that being invited to play harmonica on a Rockpile track started the chain of events that lead to his record deal. Woah!

2. The News take an a capella break at every show.

With Huey on lead, the band surprised the audience and became a true barber shop quartet. Looking sharp and sounding FANTASTIC.

3. Everybody loves Huey

Not only did one politically-minded fan shout out “Huey for President” (which Huey humbly declined) but some hard partying bros danced up a storm in the back while the ladies swooned as Huey passed through the aisles.

4. Love is still a very powerful thing.

As Huey said, in so many words, they had no idea that when they wrote this song, they’d be playing it every night for the rest of their lives. Here’s to the “Power of Love!”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFaXTcR4dtE]

Here it is, the Go To Tuesday, on this incredibly muggy afternoon. If you’re in New York and not stuck to the vinyl couch come out and say hi, this is where we’ll be.

Tuesday, July 13
Jukebox The Ghost- 92Y Tribeca

Thursday, July 15
Viva DeConcini- Rock & Roll Burlesque Hudson River Boat Cruise

Friday, July 16
Zac Brown Band w/ Dave Matthews Band- Citi Field
Fred Hersch- Kitano

Saturday, July 17
Zac Brown Band w/ Dave Matthews Band- Citi Field

If you missed Jukebox The Ghost's five borough piano tour, catch them tonight at 92Y Tribeca!