Jason Manns
Memories from the show:
Any night I get to play in New York is a special night. That city always has such a special energy. And I’ve been going there since I was in high school so it always feels a little closer home. Playing there that night with Meredith and Forest and Mark and of course Rich and Billy, there were so much talent on that stage! The crowd was so awesome, which wasn’t guaranteed, as it was one of the first shows for the three of us without the benefit of anyone’s hometown crowd. So it really felt like a step forward for all of us.
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Aftershow:
In most of the cities we play, the thought of doing something after the show is very complicated. Everything closes! But not in NYC. That was a cool bonus to be able to walk across the street with a group of 20 or so folks and just… Chill. It was exactly what we wish it could be every time, but we have to make accommodations for whatever city we’re in and whatever venue we’re at.
But usually after a show, whether it’s at the venue, at our hotel at the end of the night, or somewhere in between, we will sit down, have a beverage and talk about the night. We talk about moments we had on stage, songs that went well, or didn’t, jokes that made us laugh, and whether they made the audience laugh too. It’s one of the best parts of being a musician on the road those moments of quiet after the storm. It’s fun to be able to share that with fans.
Fav NYC spots:
The first place I ever played in New York was the Bitter End on Bleecker Street. It’s not far from where we played last time and not far from Rockwood music Hall. (May that venue rest in peace.) an area is always such a great spot to listen to music, hang with friends, or find cool restaurants. Because I don’t go to New York, as often as I used to, the restaurants may change, and the bars may move at the stores are different, but often the neighborhoods keep their vibe. And that one is filled with cool, creative people and inspiring energy.
I also love to, if there’s time for it, hang with a friend that lives in New York and just enjoy a “day in the life.“ doesn’t matter if it’s the most ordinary day for them. It’s so vastly different from my days in Los Angeles, and it is a world away from my current small town life. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but I still enjoy the experience from time to time!