Sunday evenings are perhaps the most depressing of evenings. Condemned to think about the upcoming workweek while watching Celebrity Apprentice is an unsatisfying closure to even the best of weekends. However, one Sunday evening a month is not so bad. Matt Diffee, a cartoonist for The New Yorker, hosts the “Steam-Powered Hour”, a live variety show featuring bluegrass music and comedy.Though it seems like an odd combination, especially for New York City, the show is unique in how the musicians tell jokes and the comedians sometimes show up with instruments. Hosted from his on-stage rocking chair, Matt sets the laid back, easy tone that makes it easy to imagine that you’re in the living room of an old friend from Kentucky. (I tried to think of other ways to describe it, but couldn’t).
Having ties within both the comedy and bluegrass industries, Matt is able to bring in exceptional performers. Past musicians include Gillian Welch, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Chris Thile, and even Steve Martin stopped by to play his banjo. Also, comedians from Comedy Central, Conan O’Brian, ESPN, and even a storyteller from NPR have performed. Dmitri Martin has made an appearance.
On top of this, Matt presents videos and shows off his cartooning work. For a mellow, but interesting Sunday evening, the Steam-Powered Hour just feels right. If you can’t wait until next weekend to see that girl you took out on Friday night, it’s the perfect excuse. Leaving, at least you’ll be happy you didn’t spend that time with Mr. Trump.
The final show of the season is on May 17th at 8pm at the Tank Theatre 354 W. 45th St.. For information, http://www.steampoweredhour.com/.
Written by: Joe Pera - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger
