Ari Up Punk Reggae Birthday Party at Musichall of Williamsburg

Last Sunday January 16th at Musichall of Williamsburg was a party in the memory of Ari Up, lead singer of pioneering girl punk band The Slits. I couldn't get over how much the songs sounded like the originals, and with just as much energy, but in a great sounding live room - huge warm chords were hitting the walls and echoing back like a true reggae punk beat should. (versus low-fi original recordings). Great sound, stylish crowd, excellent rhythms. Where else are men going out and ordering drinks in their Vivienne Westwood sweaters? Love it. Also, glancing over the guest list was like a Girls Rock Camp who's-who of women in rock: "Palmolive +2....etc."

From Musichall's website: WHO: Participating artists include original and current members of the Slits, including Tessa Pollitt, Hollie Cook, Neneh Cherry and Anna Ozawa; Bruce Smith of PiL and the Slits; members of the Slackers, Brave New Girl, and Band Droidz; legendary Beefheart guitarist Gary Lucas, Afro-Punk avatar Tamar-Kali, King Django, Honeychild Coleman, Barbara Gogan, Sherelene Nubro, Lisa Samuels and many luminaries from the punk and reggae worlds backed by the True Warriors performing classic Slits hits and dancehall originals by Ari Up.