Scene and Heard

People Under Stairs at Bowery Ballroom

Photos by Sarahana » Nothing like a show at Bowery Ballroom to make you remember why you prefer small club shows.

Text by Derek Evers
Posted on January 26, 2010

At least they could follow directions.

The People Under the Stairs at Bowery Ballroom

The crowd for Kenan Bell at Bowery Ballroom

Greg Nice with The People Under the Stairs at bower ballroom

The crowd for Grieves and Budo at Bowery Ballroom

Grieves of Grieves and Budo at Bowery Ballroom

Budo of Grieves and Budo at Bowery Ballroom

Kenan Bell at Bowery Ballroom

I'm always one to judge, but it's just too easy when Phish hats and older white gentlemen with glitter on their faces pepper the crowd. Man how I long for the days of seeing People Under the Stairs at SOB's, smoking blunts with Double K during the headliner because they were a supporting act. But while selling out a large NYC venue may bring out some cheesier faces in the crowd, the PUTS remain true. Playing nearly a decade of hits--hearing "Acid Raindrops" and "San Francisco Nights" made me reaching for the wax when I got home--Thes One and Double K still know how to turn a room out. And like on every record they've done, they payed homage to New York's hip-hop roots. Greg Nice even made a guest appearance to show his appreciation for the duo's historical knowledge. I will give the crowd some credit though; at least they kept the bouncers busy by keeping the room filled with the sweet smell of cheeba.

Opening the show were LA's Kenan Bell and one of the newest Rhymesayers signings, Grieves and Budo.