On Saturday an assortment of musicians joined together to perform Bruce Springsteens famed Nebraska in its entirety at New Yorks World Financial Center. Part of the city-wide New York Guitar Festival, the multi-band bill featured a number of high-profile players including Laura Cantrell, Mark Eitzel, Jesse Harris, Lenny Kaye, Kevin Kinney, Gary Lucas, Harry Manx, The National, Vernon Reid, Michelle Shocked, Martha Wainwright and Dan Zanes. Among the notable celebrities in attendance was non other than Springsteen himself, who ventured across the Hudson River to celebrate his albums 25th anniversary. Later, Springsteen, joined the all-star cast for a cover of Woody Guthrie’s ‘Oklahoma Hills’ to close out the evening’s festivities. While this marks Springsteen’s his first appearance with the National, the Boss often plays the rising indie-rock outfit’s disc before its shows. The National will perform next with Broken Social Scene at Tufts University on January 25.

Galactic Tries Mali

After debarking from Jam Cruise Friday, Galactic stayed in the area performing at Jacksonville, FLs Freebird Cafunday. During Galactics two-set shows, Papa Mali, who opened the evenings festivities also emerged for a handful of songs. First, Papa Mali appeared on guitar a few songs into Galactics first set for When the Levee Breaks, returning a set later for Walk on Guilded Splinters and Bottle Up and Go.
Due to intense weather, Galactic was also forced to cut its Friday performance at Ft. Lauderdales the Revolution short. In a public message the group states: We wanted to let everyone who was there know that we were really disappointed that we were not able to complete our performance. We all loved the Revolution though and we will try to get back to Ft. Lauderdale as soon as we can. Thanks to all of you for your understanding.
Galactic will begin its Coup De Gras Tour on February 8 at Tempe, AZs Marquee Theatre.