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We love CMJ, but it can definitely exhaust even the most die-hard live-music fan. Bouncing around from venue to venue, taking a chance on that obscure Czech band your roommate loves and trying to see every last group to justify that badge takes planning, stamina and vigilance. If you like your concerts a little more relaxed and immersive, maybe even consciousness-expanding, there's an alternate option we think you'll enjoy.
RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of concerts in NYC
Starting this Thursday, the Joshua Light Show takes over NYU's Skirball Center. Based around Joshua White, the lighting wiz behind the Fillmore East's hippie-rock freak outs, the group puts on the mesmerizing liquid light shows you've seen in all those ’60s movies (like Midnight Cowboy's famously trippy party scene, in which White had a hand).
The light-show outfit accompanies six artists over three days for a dreamy, psychedelic concert experience—and there's something for everyone music-wise:
Thursday, Oct 23 at 7:30pm, jazz trio The Bad Plus takes on Ornette Coleman's legendary, experimental 1971 album Science Fiction in its entirety. Later at 10pm, L.A.'s Glasser performs her brand of Joni Mitchell –infused synth-pop.
Friday, Oct 24 is indie-rock night: Baltimore crew Wye Oak supports its recent Shriek in the 7:30pm slot, and Brooklynite psych-folkies Woods—coming off the aptly titled With Light and with Love—play the 10pm show.
Saturday, Oct 25 wraps up the Joshua Light Show residency, with art-punk heroes Television playing a special all-instrumental set at 7:30pm. J. Spaceman (Spiritualized's Jason Pierce) and Oneida drummer Kid Millions continue their lysergic, mind-melting improvisational collaboration in the 10pm spot.
Check out the Joshua Light Show accompanying MGMT at Skirball in 2012: