MUSIC AND MARGARITAS

By Steven Jamail (Composer and Music Director)

Since moving to NYC 5 years ago, the 4^th of July has always marked the real beginning of summer for me. It’s a season of sweat, margaritas and music. I thought I’d share my favorites of the latter two as we all nurse our headaches and attempt to get Katy Perry’s ode to sparklers out of our heads.

MUSIC

I spent Tuesday night at the Bitter End listening to Towsley celebrate the release of a new EP. It’s a mix of indie pop with top 40 appeal. It’s absolutely in my rotation for the summer – particularly “Razorblade”. Take a listen here. I’m so proud of Pete and the boys.

I’m equally enamored with recent releases from buds Carrie Manolakos and Dion Roy. I’ve had Carrie’s Echo and Dion’s Counting the Days on repeat for the past couple of weeks. It’s quality pop songwriting from beautiful people. Get into it.

MARGARITAS

You thought I was kidding, right? False. I’m from Houston – where we take margs as seriously as our football. I have too many favorite spots to name so I’m gonna stick with my two midtown haunts (easily accessible pre and post show for all your out-of-towners) – one classic and one new.

I think it’s only appropriate that one of the best green cocktails in the city can be found right next to Wicked. Toloache on west 50^th street (near 8th avenue) is the real deal serving up spice and blueberry infused margaritas that might have you defying gravity yourself before the night is over. They have several other locations in the city but the staff gives 50th street the edge for me. It’s got the seal of approval from my mother, Babs. That’s about the best review I can give.

Toloache

The second is Anjeo. You can find Angelo Sosa’s new boutique tequileria on 47^th street and 10^th avenue. Sosa was a contestant on season seven of Top Chef and he does not disappoint. The Margarita Anjeo is hands down, the best classic margarita I’ve had outside of Texas and the food is absolutely on point. It’s a little out of the way but worth the trek to 10^th if you’re thirsty.

Anejo

Welcome to summer!

Steven Jamail is a composer and music director in NYC www.stevenjamail.com