Ridgewood, Queens has already experienced Nashville with the monthly Honky Tonkin’ In Queens series DJ Moonlight and DJ Prison Rodeo.The duo are already regulars at Skinny Dennis, a honky tonk bar in Williamsburg, where you can often find them playing classic country vinyl, but since February 2023, they’ve also taken their parties to Gottscher HallGerman Bar and Dining Hall, a Queens staple since 1924. The lobby’s oversized dance floor invites two-step and line dancing that the usually packed Skinny Dennis music venues (or even most standard music venues) usually can’t accommodate.
Formed in February with local Brooklyn band North of Amarillo, Honky Tonkin’ In Queens is small but growing fast.it returned in april with headlines Joshua Quimbyand grows again in the June edition, led by former Third Man recording artist/current New West recording artist Joshua Hedleywhose 2022 album neon blue is one of the most critically acclaimed alternative-leaning country albums of recent years.The show opened on Lauren Morrow it featured a viral spreader Zeb Ross.
Last Saturday (7/22), the series ended with Emily Nanneywho also just released a great new album for the New West, on the pasture.Her backing band that night was Teddy and the Brutal Rider.Support from “Gothic Mountain Band” laurel hellwalker and old lady. We watched Joshua Hedley and Emily Nenni, and you could tell these sleazy bar parties got the crowd excited as well as the band. In New York, you don’t see these things like you would in Tennessee or Texas, and with the crowd participating and dancing, it’s a much different vibe than when country singers come to New York and play in rock clubs. Whether you’re a skilled two-step dancer or a curious bystander, it’s hard not to be drawn to this contagious energy.
Emily Nenni and Joshua Hedley headline performances at these events are also excellent. Both have original sounds, ace backing bands, and great songs, and both mix traditional/classic elements of country music with a fresh new vibe in very fun, unique ways.Next up at Honky Tonkin’ in Queens August 25 Fort Worth, Texas Summer Deanhis great new album biggest life Do the same.That one got local support in Brooklyn low roll. tickets Bars partnering with Summer Dean are discounting right now, and the drinks are always sold out early, so get your tickets in advance.
