Getting down with the Wellington Papers

The Wellington Papers are an amazingly energetic and seriously funky band that dress in snappy attire, and come across as something like an amazing house band for a super swinging underground club whose name is whispered to those in the know. There shows are quite anticipated around New York, with a loyal fan base and they continue to win new fans with each performance thanks to a blistering live show. My buddy Grieg is the front man, and I’ve had the chance to work with him on a fashion project. It was with pleasure that I was able to document the energy of their recent gig at the Lower East Side’s Mercury Lounge with some high contrast black and white. Make sure you check them out. Click on an image to see a larger version…

Punk poet legends

Last night was one of those moments as a music fan that you really do give thanks to be living in New York where some of these absolute legends started a music revolution through words and instruments. As part of Steven Siebring’s exhibition opening at Milk Studios honoring the various punk music poets of the 70′s and 80′s, the lady herself, Patti Smith read a devastating series of poems, including a moving piece about the first day of America’s invasion of Iraq that made one think how the bombs that fell affected the simple things in life for the innocents of Baghdad. But back to the music, Patti was joined by members of the legendary Jim Carroll band, her own band, her daughter on piano and Michael Stipe for an incredible rendition of Everybody Hurts (due to, by her own admission, that she forgot the words!) She honored the past of New York’s poetry and punk scene by either reading or singing songs by REM, Joey Ramone (a great acoustic version of Blitzkrieg Pop followed) and Jim Carroll. It was one of those nights you’d remember for years to come. Click on an image to see a larger version.