Richard Barone & Glenn Mercer: Hazy Cosmic Jive
Richard Barone of the Bongos and Glenn Mercer of the Feelies join forces for a rare duo performance of a curated set of music from the progressively glam universe of the mid-1970s — a particularly fertile period of rock experimentation. Barone and Mercer will explore songs from historic albums by David Bowie, Brian Eno, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, T.Rex and others that inspired their own future work. They will be joined by Feelies percussionist Dave Weckerman, bassist Bob Torsello (Slambovian Circus of Dreams), and special guests
NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED // Full dinner menu from 7-9pm. Bar menu 9-11pm.
Richard Barone & Glenn Mercer
"Hazy Cosmic Jive"
Richard Barone is a recording artist, performer, producer, and author. Since pioneering the indie rock scene in Hoboken, NJ as frontman of The Bongos and then helping to launch the chamber pop movement with his solo debut “cool blue halo”, Barone has produced countless studio recordings and worked with artists in every musical genre. His list of collaborators includes Tony Visconti, the late Lou Reed, and folk legend Pete Seeger. He has scored shows and staged all-star concert events at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and SummerStage in New York’s Central Park. His latest book, Music + Revolution, chronicles the 1960s music scene in Greenwich Village NYC, where Barone lives. He is a professor at The New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music, has served on the Board of Governors of The Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), serves on the Advisory Board of Anthology Film Archives, and hosts the “Folk Radio” show on WBAI FM New York.
Glenn Mercer started on his musical path playing bass guitar with friends in various neighborhood bands. While studying art in college, he switched to guitar and helped form the “Out Kids,” with fellow Feelie Dave Weckerman on drums. Playing covers of semi-obscure garage bands from the 60’s; they soon began writing original material and playing shows in NYC. Bill Million was soon brought in as a replacement for the original bassist player. When the Out Kids broke-up, Glenn, Dave and Bill decided to stay together; Glenn took over lead vocals and Bill switched to 2nd guitar, and they chose the name “the Feelies.” They released three records in the 80’s (including the classic Crazy Rhythms), before disbanding. Glenn and Dave soon formed the band Wake Ooloo that put out three albums in the ‘90's. Glenn also began playing with other locals such as Sunburst and East of Venus, then put out Wheels In Motion. In 2008, he reunited with the Feelies for ongoing live performances, and released Here Before in 2011. The Feelies have continued performing at strategic intervals ever since. Their cover of "Paint It Black" appears in the latest Jonathan Demme movie, Ricki and the Flash.