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NYC concert round-up: February 2025

Here’s your guide to four affordable live music shows that promise to warm you up during this winter month. 

Photography by Sasha Celico/The Barnard Bulletin

January 29, 2024

As we settle into a new semester, there’s no better way to shake off the post-break blues than by catching some live music. This February, New York City’s concert scene is heating up with an exciting mix of intimate indie performances, feel-good funk, genre-defying pop, and soulful R&B. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with friends over a high-energy night out or unwind with a cozy, heartwarming show, these affordable concerts are the perfect way to kick off the semester.


From rising stars like Katie Tupper to industry veterans Bay Ledges, this month’s picks highlight artists who bring their passion and authenticity to every performance. As a devoted concertgoer and music industry insider, I’ve rounded up four can’t-miss shows under $50 to warm up your February.


Date: February 2, 2025

Venue: Mercury Lounge

GA Ticket Price: $24.30

Travel time from campus: 45 minutes

Age restrictions: 18+


Are you looking for a show that feels like a party where you and your best friends scream your lungs out to covers of your favorite pop songs? This weekend, Strutman Lane will be taking over the Mercury Lounge, and you don’t want to miss it. 


Hailing from Washington, D.C., Strutman Lane is a pop-soul-funk band that is ridiculously talented and devoted to curating live fan experiences. They are heading out on their first East Coast tour, the Down the Lane Tour, following a successful EP release. If you’re new to their music, I would recommend taking a listen to “Restless Nights” from their recent EP or their cover of “Lavender Haze.”


The Mercury Lounge is an excellent venue for their first headlining NYC show, and I know that they are going to rock the stage. It’s the best hole-in-the-wall venue dive — drinks are reasonably priced, it's grimy in the best way, near the subway station, and you can go out after the show to your other favorite LES spots. 


Over the break, I was fortunate enough to meet with three members of Strutman Lane — Adam Landa, Coby Siegel, and Alec Aldred. Chatting with them, it was evident how passionate they were about this project. Our conversation spanned everything from Takis to Toto and a show ‘n tell of TUMS. 


At its core, a Strutman Lane show feels less like a performance and more like a celebration. “We throw a party and have a fantastic time,” shared Siegel, and that ethos is infused into every aspect of their live set. Whether debuting new tracks or delivering crowd-favorite covers, Strutman Lane focuses on creating an immersive, joyous experience that leaves every attendee feeling like they are part of a larger family. “We’re all about fostering community and positivity,” said Landa. With great rapport and infectious energy, their cohesive, high-energy performances invite you to let loose and simply have fun. 


Strutman Lane is thrilled to headline their first NYC show, and it’s easy to see why. “I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces and exposing a new audience to the band,” says Aldred, the newest member of the group. The dynamic among the band is pure big friend group energy—if they’re all in the same room, it’s nonstop jokes and laughter. This camaraderie doesn’t just stay backstage; it shines through in their performances. As Aldred explained, “The way we interact with the audience mirrors how we interact with each other.” For him, the relationships within the band are a huge part of what makes playing with Strutman Lane so special. Landa added that the group has “hit their stride with their musical potential,” making this tour — and this show in particular — an exciting new chapter for the band.


As a group that was formed in college, Strutman Lane understands what it takes to make it in the music industry. They shared advice for college students trying to start their own bands. “It is the ultimate blend of creativity and discipline,” Landa shared. “You have to love the craft and the art of being a musician–not just going on tour.” Almost all of the members of the band have full-time jobs outside of the band, so they truly understand the commitment and sacrifice it takes to succeed. 


Mallory Layne (BC ’25) is looking forward to the show: “Their music is so groovy and fun — it’s the kind of concert where you can’t help but dance. I know they’re going to bring incredible energy to the stage. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re all so cute.” With their feel-good sound, larger-than-life presence, and unmatched chemistry, Strutman Lane is the kind of band that turns a regular night Sunday into a lasting memory.


Date: February 7, 2025 

Venue: Music Hall of Williamsburg

GA Ticket Price: $29.57

Travel time from campus: 45 minutes

Age restrictions: 18+


If you’re looking for a concert that’s as versatile as your friend group’s music taste, Bay Ledges at the Music Hall of Williamsburg is the perfect pick. Whether you’re a club-rat Barnard girlie, a laid-back surfer, or even a classic rock-loving dad, Zach Hurd’s music is made for everyone. Hurd, the mastermind behind Bay Ledges, produces a sound that defies genres while still feeling effortlessly welcoming.


Bay Ledges blends stripped-down electronic, soulful pop, coastal, and alternative influences into a truly unique sound. If you’re new to his music, start with “New Daze” or “Setting Free” — both are perfect for a slow afternoon sitting by a lake sipping iced tea. Hurd’s versatility shines in his touring history, having opened for Trevor Hall, Yoke Lore, Goth Babe, and Big Wild.


Although originally from Maine, Hurd spent many years living in Brooklyn and will bring a “hometown show” energy to this intimate venue. Expect warm, feel-good vibes and tons of talent. Kamila Giermakowski Rios (BC ’26) reflects on the personal connection Bay Ledges’ music creates: “I stumbled upon Bay Ledges’ music when a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a random concert at Launchpad in Albuquerque — I think it was in 2022. I liked the vibe at the time, and now these songs remind me of that last year of high school.” 


Beyond the music, Bay Ledges’ brand is quirky, granola, and camp-counselor-like, that’s impossible not to love. The live drummer for the show, Kyle Kelly-Yahner, is also an exceptional musician and will bring the best energy to the night! At just $29.57, this show is a steal for an evening out with friends who might have different music tastes. 


Date: February 12, 2024

Venue: City Winery 

GA Ticket Price: $42

Travel time from campus: 35 minutes

Age restrictions: 21+


The soundtrack to your next mountain getaway or playlist that captures that barefoot-hippie vibe is Rayland Baxter’s album If I Were a Butterfly. While his music is often tagged as "alternative country," I’d describe Baxter’s sound as a beautiful blend of indie, country, folk, and granola — perfect for anyone seeking both serenity and a little wanderlust. His project is joyful, and the intent behind it is so thoughtful. “I hope that this album makes people feel the way I do whenever I listen to my favorite records and that it gives them a platform to dream on,” adds Baxter.


I was introduced to Baxter when he opened for The Head and the Heart at Red Rocks a few years ago. Immediately, this 6’5” mustachioed man had a magnetic stage presence — his warmth and vulnerability radiated throughout the entire venue. Maybe it’s because he once worked as a snowboard instructor in the mountain town I’m from, but his music always feels deeply personal, as if you’re having a heart-to-heart with a close friend while taking a hike. To get a taste of his music, check out Willy’s Song


John Brunner (CC '25) captures the essence of Baxter’s music perfectly: “Rayland Baxter’s music captures the full range of human emotions in a way that few artists can. Beneath his folksy, alternative country sound, Baxter explores life’s complexities, from the heartache of leaving a lover to the quiet battles of living with depression. The emotional depth of his music is extraordinary, and it’s something that will truly resonate with anyone who listens closely.”


Baxter’s show at City Winery won’t be your typical high-energy, mosh-pit concert — it’s seated, with an emphasis on good food, good company, and great music. City Winery offers a curated dinner menu featuring charcuterie boards, pizzas, and other shared plates, so arrive early if you’re in the mood to enjoy some delicious food while soaking in the ambiance. Or feel free to simply enjoy the music. 


The venue’s design guarantees an intimate vibe, where you can kick back, enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River, and enjoy Baxter’s talent. So, whether you’re a die-hard Rayland Baxter fan or a newcomer to his world, this concert promises to be a unique opportunity to enjoy his work! 


Date: February 27, 2025 

Venue: Baby’s All Right

GA Ticket Price: $22.63

Travel time from campus: 50 minutes

Age restrictions: N/A


If you want to be ahead of the curve on the next big R&B, neo-soul, and folk star, don’t miss Katie Tupper’s upcoming show at Baby’s All Right. Tupper’s rise is already well underway in 2025 as she embarks on her first headlining U.S. tour, followed by a performance at the Brick Lane Jazz Festival and a coveted opening slot for Lake Street Dive.


With some of the most incredible vocals you’ll ever hear, Tupper’s sound blends classic R&B and jazz with a fresh, modern twist. Think of your favorite female R&B icons but with a style and story all her own. If you’re a fan of artists like Laufey or Celeste, you’ll definitely enjoy Tupper’s work. Her tracks Daughter of the Sun and Need Nothing are perfect introductions to her unique sound — emotionally rich, soulful, and deeply moving.


Claire Brown (BC ‘25), a long-time fan of Tupper’s, is especially excited for her show at Baby’s. “Katie Tupper is essential for all groovy, vibey, absolutely yearning playlists. All of her singles hit, and you can tell she really feels every word of her lyrics. She’s the perfect artist for hopeless romantics who prefer quieter pining,” says Brown.


Originally from Saskatoon, Tupper embodies that effortless it-girl energy and aesthetic. Yet, she exudes a warmth and authenticity that makes her feel like your cool best friend or older sister. Tupper is candid about her experiences as a queer woman and a female musician, offering her beliefs that are not only relatable but empowering. It’s clear that her success comes from a genuine love for music, not the pursuit of fame.


The show at Baby’s All Right promises to be the ultimate cool-girl night out in Brooklyn. The venue’s cozy, laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to catch Tupper’s beautiful performances up close. If you can’t make it to the show, be sure to add her work to your late-night dreaming playlist for a soundtrack to those chill, upbeat evenings. Either way, Katie Tupper is one artist you’ll want on your radar.


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If you attend one of these shows, add an artist to your playlist, or have concert recommendations for March, I’d love to hear from you at bulletinedboard@gmail.com

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