Emergency Service at Arlene's Grocery

One thing about New York City that most can agree with: it is more likely to run into someone you haven't seen in years on the train than it is to find a cheap pack of cigarettes from someone other than the "Five Dollar Newports" guy on the corner.

Google Maps - Arlene's Grocery

I mention this because on Friday evening, venturing home on the train with my boyfriend, I suddenly found myself face to face with a friend from high school that I hadn't seen in at least 6 years; George Oberndorfer, the bassist of New York City band Emergency Service. He was carrying his bass guitar, on his way to a late night gig at Arlene's Grocery. So, I did what any spontaneous person would do...  I went to to the show!

Emergency Service - Image Copyright: Peace Belt Productions

For an incredibly full house, Arlene's Grocery bartenders are quick, generous, and friendly. We ordered  a few rounds of the "Special" (a PBR & a shot of Jack) to start off, and quickly headed to the stage in the lower level to watch George and Emergency Service perform! E.S. is a groovy blend of reggae, hip hop, funk and (in my opinion) a little ska. They have a singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keys and trumpet  player. Their songs are easy to listen to and beautifully composed, however they perform with such ease, you'd think they were just jamming out. 

We sang along, danced a little, and found ourselves genuinely disappointed when the nearly hour long set came to an end. I immediately bought a CD, and will make a point to attend more of their gigs in the future. I'm glad I ran into my old friend. It set us on the right path for an awesome evening.