Jam of the Day – Everybody Come Outside Tonight

Tonight marks the first night of Fashion Week in NYC. In a bid to make it all seem a little less incongruous to be flaunting terribly expensive, high-fashion clothing and attending exclusive VIP events in the midst of a recession, the first night this year is being billed as Fashion’s Night Out, an event conceived by American Vogue, NYC & Company, the City of New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America “to enliven again the consumer spirit that churns the economy and boosts the local industry of America’s fashion capital, New York City.” The main point of the evening, of course, is to get people excited to spend money on fashion (and then actually part with the cash), and about 700 retailers and designers across New York City are confirmed participants in the event. These stores will stay open until 11:00 PM, and have been encouraged to provide “creative customer experiences” for everyone walking around and enjoying the fashion. Maybe you’ll see Diddy! Or Anna Wintour! But probably not.

As part of all the festivities this evening, one of our favorite bands, Bear Hands, will be playing a free show tonight in Rockefeller Center, right where the tree usually goes. The show kicks off at 6:30 with a set from Savoir Adore, and Bear Hands goes on last, from 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Joining the line-up, and hitting the stage at 7:45 PM, are Cincinnati-based “art-pop” foursome Pomegranates. Their music has been described online as hinting at early Modest Mouse or Death Cab for Cutie (the later seems more relevant), but they sort of sound more like American Football or early Piebald to these old-emo-loving ears. No matter how you slice it (it’s a fruit, get it?!), I’m definitely feeling this band. And from what I can hear online, they sounds great live. Check out their session at Daytrotter and you’ll hear what I mean. So come on out tonight and support some great bands (and fashion)!

If you aren’t able to make it to Rockefeller Center by 7:45, don’t fret! Pomegranates are also playing tonight at Bruar Falls, in Williamsburg, around 10:00 PM, and at Union Hall, in Park Slope, tomorrow night.

The jam today is a live video of the band playing “In the Kitchen,” from their debut LP, Everything Is Alive, released in May, 2008. Their most recent release was this spring’s Everybody, Come Outside!.

Pomegranates – In the Kitchen:

-Drew