If you are like most of your Rockworms reading peers, you have been trying to put your finger on what it is that makes Rockworms superior to Perez Hilton, Defamer, Pitchfork, Craigs Anatomy or pretty much any other music blog that you might frequent. Well, you need wonder no more!

In addition to our cutting-edge scathing socio-politico commentary and decade-old album reviews, we can now brag that we were able to land highly-coveted press access to the 2008 ASCAP Music Lounge at the TriBeCa Film Festival in New York City. Oh, you think that you are cool for getting to go to SXSW Rolling Stone? I didn't see YOU at the ASCAP lounge!  Suck on THAT VH1's "Best Week Ever!! " We taking over this newfangled internet fad!

This last week, Rockworm writers have been able to watch some of the best in music, hob-nob with other previously-faceless writing peers and partake in an open bar courtesy of TriBeCa founder Robert DeNiro. Thanks Bob! 

I was busy/asleep for the first day of the festival, so I sadly missed out on that action, but I was able to shake myself out of bed and get down to Canal street for the 2nd Day of musical awesomeness! And boy did I see some stuff!

As I showed up, I was delighted to hear the sound of music already filling my ears. I was coming in during what I thought was going to be a set change, but Chris Thile of Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers fame was still balls-deep wrapping up his set. I hadn't planned on hearing Chris, but I was delightfully surprised. As I walked in, he was vigorously picking away at his mandolin. Despite only getting to enjoy about two songs of his, I felt like I had heard enough to get an appreciation for his work. A very entertaining and talented musician he is. Must remember to look up more when I get out of my current Hall & Oates phase.

Up next was the reason I made the trip downtown today, the lovely and talented Regina Spektor. Having her music fill my ears at Starbucks nationwide for the last year, I had gotten what I believed was a fairly good understanding of the ladies music style. As it turns out, Regina wears MANY musical hats and was able to blow me away with her quick transition's from the piano to the guitar to the box-drum. In addition to her instrumental talents, Ms. Spektor possesses one of the most refreshing and powerful voices in modern music. Coming into her performance, I only was familiar with a handful of her material but I feel I left with a better understanding of why she has captured the hearts of so many college-age hippie women.  

She began her set by hobbling out to the microphone and explaining to the jam-packed hundred or so attendees that she wounded herself the night before falling down the stairs at a film TriBeCa film premiere. We all promised not to write about that as not to worry her mother. I had my fingers crossed.

Regina delivered a delightfully entertaining set as she danced through her a number of her better known records including the radio-friendly hits "Fidelity", "Better" and "Samson" . Despite her limited set time (the schedule permitted her 30 minutes, but she was on-stage for at least 45) Regina took much time out for small-talk with the audience and was able to show off her amazing personality and real passion for her music. The "anti-folk superstar" closed her set with the particularly beautiful "I Loved You First". Her performance was able to bridge the gap between long-time fan and first-time listener in a way that is usually more reserved for an entertainer much longer in the tooth. Her ability is far beyond her years.

The final act of the evening was by Ingrid Michaelson. I was (embarrassingly) unfamiliar with Ms. Michaelson's work prior to this performance but the recommendation of colleagues in the crowd convinced me to give her a listen. I am much obliged to them for that great advice.

The tall, ophthalmologist-supporting songstress, perhaps best known for er work on the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy" came prepared to make new fans of those who undoubtedly had shown up for her predecessor, Mr. Spektor, but who had yet sobered up enough for the ride home. And if my opinion means anything, she succeeded.

Along with her snap-tastic "The Way I Am", Michaelson kept the toes a'tappin with "Keep Breathing" and 4 other songs whose names I sadly did not intelligibly write down. Damn you Jamison! Michaelson has that undefinable quality in a singer/songwriter that simply commands respect and attention. It isn't something that can be created through the corporations or extended publicity. It's just...there. She has it.

Coming soon, day four of the ASCAP lounge with reviews of Augustana and Sia!

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