I'm a little bit country, but New York's not.

November 24, 2007 7:45 AM

I'm not a pro (and I don't play an instrument...) Where can I go to sing early country music in New York City?

I used to take a great singing/music class ("early country ensemble") at the Old Town School of Folk Music, in Chicago--everyone got together and they'd put together little groups and people played various instruments and sang, etc. and it was just a delight. I've since moved to New York City, and I haven't had a lot of luck finding something like that. The closest meetup I can find is the New York City folk music group, and they tend to sing things more like Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, whereas I'm more of a Jimmie Rodgers and Carter Family kind of gal.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this? I'm not really interested in choral singing, I'm not prepared/inclined to go up and do an open mic thing, and I would pay. Thanks for any suggestions!

posted by supercoollady to media & arts (3 comments total)

Maybe Rodeo at 2nd Ave and 29th St.
posted by Frank Grimes at 8:26 AM on November 24, 2007

There is a (surprisingly vibrant) country music scene in the city - as a starting point, check out http://brooklyncountrymusic.com/.

In particular, drop by a CasHank Hootenanny Jamboree at Buttermilk sometime (it's a monthly event: open stage, mostly Johnny Cash and Hank Williams covers, although they'll play anything that falls under their 'four chord rule'). I know it isn't early country, exactly...but if you talked to some of the performers, I'm sure someone could point you in the right direction. And, if you did decide to take the stage, they'd be glad to have you!

It's a hell of a party to boot.
posted by a young man in spats at 10:09 AM on November 24, 2007

Hank's Saloon on 3rd ave. and Atlantic in Brooklyn has a country karaoke night on Mondays with three or four people banging away on instruments. Not sure how old timey they get, but it's a lot of fun.
posted by pinto at 2:58 PM on November 24, 2007 [1 favorite]