International Lounge Singers
The 2007 Tribeca/ASCAP Music Lounge kicks off with a myriad of musical styles



The 2007 Tribeca Film Festival is in full swing, but the first day of the 2007 Tribeca/ASCAP Music Lounge really gave the festival something to swing to when ASCAP writer-performers took to the stage and presented the festival audience with an exciting range of sounds and songs. Kenna and his band got things moving with his blend of synth-pop, rock and punk. Next up, was Yerba Buena, a wildly energetic band from New York City, led by acclaimed producer Andres Levin, who got the house rocking even more with their Afro-Cuban/Afrobeat/hip-hop attack.

Rhett Miller, longtime frontman for Old 97's and critically-acclaimed solo artist, kept the energy level high with his own attack on his acoustic guitar, playing songs of his that have been used in film and TV over the years. Glen Hansard (IMRO), star of the independent film Once (Fox Searchlight) and frontman for the Irish band The Frames, performed a powerful set of songs, some of which are featured in the film.

Closing the first day of the music lounge was legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb, who performed some of his classic songs from throughout his extraordinary career.

Legendary Punks, Sultry Soul and a Songwriting Giant
From L.A.'s John Doe and Exene Cervenka to the U.K.'s Donovan (PRS), ASCAP's Music Lounge was all over the musical map on its second day



Donovan, writer of some of the most enduring songs of the 20th Century, headlined the second day of the 2007 Tribeca/ASCAP Music Lounge. He capped a day of incredible performances by a diverse group of singer-songwriters. Alice Smith, who has a new album on Epic Records, For Lovers, Dreamers & Me, performed a sultry set of groove-filled soul, backed by an ace band of musicians. Martha Wainwright, who flew in just for her performance, played songs from her forthcoming album, and then headed back to London, where she is performing in the Royal Ballet's raunchy new ballet of Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins. Between lighthearted and humorous stage talk, Mary Gauthier performed dark, stirring folk songs and thanked her manager for making sure her CD was included in all of the filmmaker gift bags presented at the festival. Legendary punk rockers John Doe and Exene Cervenka, of L.A.'s seminal punk band, X, played some of their best-known songs as well as some rousing country covers drawn from the playlist of their new band, The Knitters, who were in town performing on Wednesday night.

Indie Rock, Classic Folk and Blue-Eyed Soul
Four performers with unique songwriting voices rule the third day of the Music Lounge



Cass McCombs took to the stage at the Tribeca/ASCAP music lounge backed by a four-piece band of indie-rockers and kicked-into a set of music that was by turns quiet and quirky, loud and anthemic. Matt White followed, backed by another band of great musicians, and whipped up some soaring blue-eyed soul tunes on piano and guitar.

Then Jon Auer, singer-songwriter-founder of the The Posies (and a current member of Big Star), stripped things down as he played quiet, ethereal songs on an electric guitar, creating a powerful mood with his distinctive guitar playing. Headlining again for a second day was folk legend Donovan, peforming some of his classic songs and incredible new songs from a forthcoming album.

Out with a Bang
SRO audience treated to an unforgettable afternoon of live music on final day of 2007 music lounge



Pop songwriting prodigy Ben Lee (APRA) stirred the Canal Room crowd early. With his charming demeanor and quirky, melodic pop songs, he won the audience over by performing songs from his forthcoming album, Ripe, produced by John Alagia, who accompanied Lee on stage. For his last song, Lee jumped on the bar and performed a song unplugged and had the whole audience singing along. It was the start of a great afternoon of music. Next up: The Slip. The trio of accomplished avant-rockers turned up the volume and played some exquisite rock from their latest album, Eisenhower. Jon Auer followed them with his atmospheric guitar playing and emotionally dark pop songs.

Then, in a rare appearance, two of New York City's finest pop songwriters, Adam Schlesiniger (Fountains of Wayne) and Mike Viola (The Candy Butchers), joined forces and played songs from their respective catalogs, wrapping up their entertaining set with the song, "That Thing You Do," an early collaboration of theirs that contributed to the success of the Tom Hanks film of the same name. Capping a day that saw the Canal Room packed with music fans, John Rzeznik performed an acoustic set of his award-winning songs, and electrified the audience. It was a fitting end to a four-day event that has been a major highlight of the Tribeca Film Festival for three years running.