Gogol Bordello at the Knitting Factory on Monday, October 25th
This evening was a slingshot of a night with plenty of people to talk to, many cold beers to drink, and a lot of dancing to some of the most fun tunes around. The Knitting Factory was very full when we arrived, I am not sure if the show ever sold out or not but there was still a line to buy tickets at the end of the opening act’s set.
Which brings me to the fact that I am a little bummed I got selfish and missed the opening act “Forro In The Dark”. I decided to drink $1 – $2 beers at Neato Burrito before the show and got wrapped up like a Christmas Present in conversation and Ghostbusters cartoons. But that aside, when I got to the Knitting Factory everyone was talking about how killer they were. I heard the tail end of their last song and all I saw was a forefront of musicians playing a real fast Latin paced beat. I hope we can catch them again down the road of music travels.
This was our 3rd time seeing Gogol Bordello and it was another riot to add to the list. The crowd was into every aspect of the bands energy and dancing. They were there to have a good time. Let’s mention we all danced to songs like “My Companjera,” “Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher),” “Wonderlust King,” “Trans-Continental Hustle,” and many more! It was pretty funny to stand against the back of the bar and see the lines of people dancing past us to get a beer. Even a seventy year old lady with white hair and a white outfit was dancing to the tunes of Gogol Bordello.
There were a few points of the night where people were maybe a little too far outta hand. I was reaching for my beer from across the bar and a dude just dancing along (maybe a little too drunk) bumped into me spilling my freshly poured beer. The rock star bartender refilled it; I didn’t even have to ask… thought that was awesome. Then again I should know by now to expect rowdy crowds in the bar at most shows.
There was really only one thing that threw me off all night long with the band. The 2nd girl was missing from the band! I couldn’t stop looking for her or wondering if she was still in the band or sick or what. I hope she is still in the band because the two girls added a really cool stage presence and pumped up the energy.
I think Gogol Bordello will be pumping out killer music and live performances until the entire band are all using walkers. They just have so much energy and have stellar music that is perfect for singing along to and dancing too. I am ready to see them for the 4th time… hopefully in 2011.
Photos taken by G10.
