Laurie Berkner, the Upper West Side mom-who-sings, has been touted as groovy, folksy, and rocky in pretty much every parenting magazine and similarly lauded in more-substantial forums. Time has called her a “sippy-cup Sheryl Crow,” and NPR referred to her as a “goddess.” Berkner makes her Carnegie Hall debut November 4, with two shows—one of which is already sold out, the other likely to be by the time you read this. So consider these (presumably goddess-free) shows that don’t feel like second best.
Ulysses S. Dee (from the Deedle Deedle Dees)
Bowery Kids; November 4
The ringleader of the excellent and educational Brooklyn rock band takes the stage with an all-kid ensemble. Maintains a list of historical places “you must visit with your children immediately” on his Website. Song topics include the Underground Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and Nellie Bly.
Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang
New York Public Library (Williamsburg and Kensington branches); November 1
This L.A. band’s poppy original tunes are impossible to listen to without tapping and wiggling. A pair of library shows will showcase songs from their aptly named new CD, Get Up and Dance.
Bindlestick Bill
Bank Street Bookstore; November 4
Bill and his “smart” sock-monkey sidekick, Professor Sock-ra-tease, perform folky, bluesy, guitar-filled songs from their new CD. Bindlestick’s shtick: He’s a “traveling troubadour who walks into towns along the Hudson River and sets up camp.”