The Misbehaving Guitar is exactly what it sounds like: a free Midtown lawn concert handed to guitarists who refuse to stay inside a genre. The Messthetics put Anthony Pirog's avant-jazz playing on top of Fugazi's Joe Lally and Brendan Canty, then add Marc Ribot, who has backed Tom Waits and Elvis Costello. Pierre Bensusan's open tunings and Gyan Riley's minimalism round it out, with WNYC's John Schaefer hosting.
What to expect
Bryant Park staff lends out hundreds of free blankets and sets out bistro chairs, so you can arrive empty-handed and still get a spot on the lawn. Food and drink vendors work the edges of the park, and there is no ticket line to stand in. The show is recorded for WNYC and livestreamed on the park's YouTube channel.
Good to know
- Bryant Park sits between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues; B/D/F/M to 42nd Street–Bryant Park or the 7 puts you at the door.
- Free blankets are lent out first-come, and the lawn opens well before music starts.
- Bring cotton or fleece if you want your own blanket — plastic-backed ones are not allowed on the lawn.
- Dogs are welcome on the gravel areas but not on the lawn itself.
- Buy food from the park vendors or grab something in Midtown first; there is no outside alcohol.
- If you cannot make it in person, the set is livestreamed on the Bryant Park YouTube channel.
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Common questions
Do I need to reserve a spot for Picnic Performances?
No. Bryant Park Picnic Performances are free with no tickets, reservations or lines — the lawn opens ahead of the music and fills first-come, first-served.
Who are The Messthetics?
A DC instrumental trio pairing guitarist Anthony Pirog with Joe Lally and Brendan Canty, the rhythm section of Fugazi. Marc Ribot joins them as special guest for this Bryant Park set.
Can I get a blanket if I don't bring one?
Yes. Bryant Park lends out hundreds of free blankets on a first-come basis, and there are bistro chairs around the lawn as well.
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