Citysol, an event intended to empower NYC residents “with the vision, knowledge, and reources to attain a more environmentally sound and sustainable future”, was originally meant to include The Dirty Projectors, Dan Deacon, and the world premiere of So Percussion’s 16 Words, a contemporary classical work inspired by the 16 words added to the Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary in 2007. A scheduling conflict forced The Dirty Projectors to withdraw and an airline luggage mishap caught Dan Deacon without any gear (didn’t play). As for So Percussion’s 16 Words… the day’s on-again, off-again torrential rains forced their set to be changed to no longer include the composition. The rain was the real enemy last Saturday. Still, somehow, in the face of all of these adversities, the bands, organizers, and attendees endured to make Citysol 2008 an excellent event.

I arrived late and it had already been raining for a good while. Thus, No Surrender was just taking the stage as I showed up. The trio (plus DJ) had a few technical difficulties getting started, due to the rain, but still brought it in the form of a shortened set that had me thinking of an updated Mantronix at times. The highlight of their performance came when one of the members jumped down from the stage and grabbed his daughter and performed the rest of the song holding her. Check out more EF pictures of No Surrender (from this show) HERE.

To be honest, Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers were one of the two main reasons I went to Citysol 2008 (the other being The Acorn, who I missed due to the show being delayed by rain). I’ve long been a fan of Shilpa’s work with Beat the Devil (RIP) and couldn’t wait to see what she’s been up to lately. Whereas Beat the Devil spent their time on the dirgey/loungey side of things, this band’s songs were more lively and outright ‘rocking’ with a full five-piece garage attack reminiscent of Robert Plant fronting The Seeds. Always the center of attention, Shilpa’s voice and harmonium dominated - even in the face of heavy rain and lightning, which the band played right through. I’d offer video evidence, but the waters got the better of my camera’s microphone. You can, however, see more pictures of Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers right HERE.

What followed was a good hour-plus long rain delay as the sky opened up and all in attendance had to seek cover. A couple of guys from Jersey thought it might be a good time to jump in the East River (it’s never a good time for that); eventually, multiple rainbows signaled an end to the showers.

Surprisingly, a large number of folks stuck around to see Tanya Morgan storm the stage with an energy and uniqueness not often seen in today’s rap. These guys are the real deal - the best act I saw that day at Citysol - and I ended up buying their EP The Bridge on iTunes as soon as I got home. Not as though they’re unknown in the hip-hop world (their debut received 3.5 mics (out of 5) in The Source magazine) but I’d still call them one of the top rap groups to be on the lookout out for. I’ll put it to you this way: they reminded me of Eric B. & Rakim and/or A Tribe Called Quest. Their skills are extraordinary. Check out more EF pictures of Tanya Morgan (from this show) HERE.

Last up, for me, was So Percussion. As already stated, they were forced to modify their set due to rain but still managed to perform two mind-bending percussive pieces, including Steve Reich’s “Music for Pieces of Wood”. The band’s combination of grace and speed, rhythm and silence, humanity and machine-tight syncopation was a wonder to behold. Here’s hoping they find an indoor venue to perform 16 Words sometime soon. More EF pictures of So Percussion (from this show) HERE.

After a good five hours of standing in the rain, and with dinner plans pulling me away, I ended up leaving after So Percussion’s set and missed the remainder of the performances. Not to worry, however, as Feast of Music pretty much picked up right where I left off. So head over there and read about the rest of the show while I go dry out my cameras.

*above slideshow created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.