As Conan O’Brien goes, so must guitarist Jimmy Vivino, who despite appearing in any number of contexts over the years in his New York City base, definitely considers his role in the Max Weinberg 7 the priority gig. As such, Vivino later this spring will make the move to Los Angeles. And although his spot in the Fab Faux is expected to continue, shows by his other local bands—such kickass outfits as the Black Italians and the Prisoners of 2nd Avenue—will be few and far between, as will, presumably, his now-traditional area sit-ins with Gov’t Mule. (Watch for ’em, L.A.)
Both the Italians and the Prisoners have already played balls-out shows this month at New York’s Cutting Room, but now the news of Vivino’s official departure soiree is, well, official: Bowery Ballroom, Saturday, April 4, the Jimmy Vivino Farewell Show. The Prisoners—which include Vivino, John Conte and Rich Pagano—are thus far the only band listed, but as most folks know, Jimmy’s attracted some pretty heavy hitters to some pretty small gigs over the years. Special guests—no, really special guests—are pretty much guaranteed.
Tickets look to be $30 in advance and $35 day of, and go onsale this Friday, January 16. Seeing as its the same day Allman Brothers Beacon tickets go on sale to the general public, we know at least a few people who’ll be parting with some serious cabbage.
5 Responses
Don’t forget about his key role in the Levon Helm Band! He really runs the shows up there, at least at the few Midnight Rambles I’ve been to in Woodstock, and he really is excellent.
Good point, Jon. I was wondering yesterday how he’ll continue in that regard, and I imagine it’ll just be as an occasional guest and stints on the Levon Ramble on the Road tours. Jimmy singing “Tears of Rage” was one of the nightly highlights in those shows the last two years…
Levon Helm did seem to make a reference to him leaving at the Midnight Ramble on Jan 10th, talking about how it was the five year anniversary of the ramble and how instrumental Jimmy has been.