THE PRE-WAR PONIES
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
The Pre-War Ponies come to Barbès with the offbeat songbook that has defined the New York group since its start: lesser-known numbers from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, rather than a run through the familiar swing canon. Formed by Daria Grace in 2007, the project is built around Grace on vocals and baritone ukulele and J. Walter Hawkes on trombone, soprano ukulele and backing vocals. The billing does not specify the lineup or any special occasion for this date, but the band’s repertoire points toward a set of rediscovered Tin Pan Alley and early popular songs.
Grace and Hawkes lead a group whose personnel can expand to include strings, bass and drums. Its debut recording featured Jon Dryden, Doug Largent and Sasha Dobson, while documented live editions have included drummer Willie Martinez. Grace has also worked with The Moonlighters, The Jack Grace Band and Dobson. Time Out called the band’s takes on obscure twenties and thirties material “a dreamy vintage vibe, like an old record minus the scratches.” New York Music Daily heard them pursuing “rare gems” in “warmly swinging, mostly midtempo songs,” and described one Barbès appearance as “pillowy, and romantic, and fun.” Lucid Culture called the debut “beautifully sunny” and “completely and unselfconsciously romantic.”
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.