How To Nurture Your Inner Rock Star In NYC

Living in Williamsburg, sometimes it's hard to imagine that not everyone who walks the Earth is in a band. But despite the absence of skinny jeans and a guitar case, I'm a firm believer that everyone has a secret inner rock star that should be nurtured from time to time. Here are a few ways to do just that, in good old New York City.

Mondays

Rock & Roll Karaoke at Arlene's Grocery

I already wrote about this phenomenon, and let me reiterate how much damn fun it is. First of all, it's free. Secondly a live long-haired band kicks out the jams (predominantly from the 1970s-80s) with some serious gusto. Anyone can sing--just be sure to get there early to sign up. Starts at 10pm.

Or, you could trot around the corner to Piano's and try your hand at Smart-Ass Rock and Roll Trivia at 8pm. Followed by Karaoke-Dokey at 10 (Do I smell a LES karaoke smackdown?).

Tuesdays

GuitarHero parties upstairs at Piano's

Strap on a game "controller" and bust out your best Eddie Van Halen impression. Starts at 10pm.

Wednesdays

Dan Kramer's Music Quiz at Freddy's Back Room (Last Wednesday of the month)

Bring a group of up to 4 people and test your knowledge of "50 years of popular and alternative music history". Sounds like a class a Columbia that I totally want to take. Or teach. Ok, TA. Starts at 9pm; $3 entry fee per person per round (there are 8). Prizes given at the end of each round.

The Bluegrass & Good Times Jam with Sheriff Bob at The Baggott Inn.

Dust off your mandolin or fiddle and jam with some serious bluegrass oldtimers. Everyone and anyone is welcome, and it's free. Starts at 9pm.

Any Day

Window Shop at Trash & Vaudeville

Head over to St. Marks, gasp at the Chipotle and the health food store, then walk up the stairs to Trash & Vaudeville, NYC's ultimate rock & roll clothier. Pretend you're Steven Tyler or Mary J. Blige and ask to try on those leather pants with lace-up sides. Perhaps Jimmy Webb himself will help you get them on. Then buy a commemorative T-shirt and be on your merry way.

Become a Roadie

Check out Roadie.net, sign up for tips on becoming a roadie. Hey, every little band in Williamsburg needs help with their amps.

If You're Really Into It

Rock the Scales Workout at New York Sports Clubs

According to NY1: "Rock the Scales is more than a class, it's a concert! Rock and roll music blares in the background and you'll find yourself simulating moves of a rock star and a security guard. You'll 'crash a guitar' by raising and lowering a weighted fitness ball, 'play the drums' with a body bar, and control those unruly crowds by pulling your partner across the floor on a mat." Ok, if that doesn't sound like the greatest workout of all time, I don't know what. I wonder if you can smoke?

"Live the Dream" Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp

For those of you looking for a truly Kramer-esque experience, sign up for a bona fide Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp in Hollywood, CA (February 15-18), featuring lessons from members (cryptkeepers?) of Yes, Deep Purple, The Cars, Kiss, Bad Company, AC/DC, Night Ranger, The Monkees (Mickey Dolenz), and The Beach Boys (Brian Wilson). It'll cost you a mere $7,999.99.

So here's your assignment: once a month (at least), take of your coveralls or your monkey suit and throw on your tightest jeans, put a little product in that hairdo and prepare to be late to work the next day. Rock on, my pets!

Comments

Just reading the beginning

Just reading the beginning of this article i can say my cousin lives in williamsburg is in a band and lives in a loft with a bunch of his friends who are in the band. It's empty with nothing but a few beds and their equipment they have day jobs and jam at night and play shows anywhere they get a chance. The city is awesome for seeing shows of all sizes from the village to a packed out MSG. Right now i got radiohead tickets and will see them soon but for now im checking out the local scene in the city for shows.