THE PRE-WAR PONIES
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
The Pre-War Ponies are billed at Barbès for an evening of songs drawn from the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, with an emphasis on the “not-quite hits” that sit beyond the usual standards. The available show information does not confirm the lineup for this particular date, or indicate a release, guest appearance, tribute, residency or other special theme. Expect a programme shaped by the group’s long-running appetite for overlooked material, including songs associated with writers such as Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Fred Ahlert, Joe Young, Chas Tobias and Eddie Jones.
Formed in New York in 2007 by singer Daria Grace, the group is built around Grace and J. Walter Hawkes, who plays trombone and soprano ukulele. A Barbès listing for an earlier appearance described a four-piece band with Grace on vocals and baritone ukulele, Hawkes on trombone, ukulele and vocals, Jim Whitney on bass, and Willie Martinez on drums. The Ponies have also played Superfine, Brooklyn Rod & Gun Club and the Rodeo Bar. Time Out heard “a dreamy vintage vibe, like an old record minus the scratches,” while New York Music Daily called the songs “warmly swinging” and praised Grace’s “plush, balmy, disarmingly clear” voice.
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.