Thursday, April 22, 2010

What I Love Right Now: Runaway Dorothy

Last Sunday, I saw Runaway Dorothy at Rockwood Music Hall on NYC's Lower East Side. Up front, I will say that I was completely blown away. I'd heard a few songs on their Myspace page, and Tweeted a bit at the lead singer, Dave, but I couldn't have possibly prepared myself for the experience of seeing them live.

Rockwood is a small venue--exactly what you would expect in New York. I got there right as Runaway Dorothy started playing, and there was one chair left that my friend and I used to hold our bags and coats. Runaway Dorothy's set, 45 minutes in one of the full days of music that Rockwood is known for. No cover except for a donation hat passed around for the guys, I promise the show is worth whatever you have to give, and more.

Before, and since, seeing Runaway Dorothy, I've told countless friends about the band. Add them on Facebook, buy their album on iTunes, and support some of the best music I've heard in a while. I mentioned on Twitter that the band's music tucks perfectly into a playlist featuring Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson, Patty Griffin, and Johnny Cash--this holds true for their live performance, as well. The melodies are simple, the lyrics are beautiful, and I became completely homesick for anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon. "Abilene" and "Caulfield" (link below) are two of my favorites. Runaway Dorothy are the most universal of local bands--walking the fine line between hip and homespun, and creating great music in the process.

Runaway Dorothy's next show is May 12 at NYU's Sullivan Hall. Come out and celebrate my birthday with some great music!

"Caulfield"--Runaway Dorothy
Check Runaway Dorothy out on Facebook and Myspace.

Photo credit: Jon Diaz

1 comment:

One Wink at a Time said...

Megan, I'm a fan too. And I look forward to being able to see them play live one day. Lucky you!
And don't you love how well they treat their fans??? : )
Great blog post.