Brand New stage for Levittown band
Photo credit: Handout | The band Brand New poses for the camera in a pubilcity photo. (2009)
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Let's give thanks for the most-talked-about show of the Long Island scene this year.
When Brand New takes the stage at Nassau Coliseum Saturday, probably before a capacity crowd, it will be the culmination of months of planning, brainy marketing and a whole lot of ambition.
Though the pride of Levittown has built a loyal, growing following this decade with its passionate, emotional brand of rock, it hasn't quite reached arena tour status just yet. Even with the help of its promising new album, "Daisy," Brand New might not be able to fill Nassau Coliseum on the average night. But on Thanksgiving weekend, when its core crowd returns home to Long Island from colleges and new jobs around the country, the group stands a fighting chance, especially when they throw in Glassjaw and other special guests, as well as a second stage that will include acoustic performances from Vinnie Caruana, Brian Bonz, Robbers and Hot Rod Circuit's Andy Jackson. (They will also offer a limited-edition silk-screened poster for those who bring two cans of food for Island Harvest.)
Not only has this ambitious plan worked for Brand New - which has launched an equally industrious effort in England, where the band will headline the famed, 12,000-seat Wembley Arena in January - it should inspire area club owners to reconsider the drawing power of local original rockers.
Envy on the Coast will liven up Christmas weekend, headlining the Theatre at Westbury on Dec. 27, and they continue work on their new "Lowcountry" album, due out early next year.
Brand New plays Nassau Coliseum at 6 p.m. Saturday, with Glassjaw, Manchester Orchestra and Thrice. Tickets: $16.49-$30.50 through Ticketmaster, 631-888-9000, ticketmaster.com. Envy on the Coast plays Theatre at Westbury on Dec. 27. Tickets are $17.50-$20 at livenation.com.
