Tickets:
Students, advance $10, at-the-door $12
Adults, advance $18, at-the-door $22

Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm.

“The Citizens shouldn’t be missed! It’s easy to say that this band or that band is the best new thing to hit the streets, but in the case of this NYC quintet it would be impossible not to sing the members’ praises. Fans of any sort of quirky pop or rock should get their hands on Post Cro-Magnon Drift immediately and let the bliss-out begin.”
-Jenn O’Donnell, DOA

“Mark Lesseraux can sing his ass off and he isn’t afraid to do it” – Pitchfork, Joe Tangari

The Citizens are a four piece band from New York City that began playing together in early 2003. Known for their impressive dynamic range, the Citizens’ songs vary from British-influenced rock to quiet, sometimes experimental pieces that play with the boundaries of traditional song forms. Some of the groups influences include: The Beatles, The Smiths, Big Star, Sly and The Family Stone, Velvet Underground and The Pretenders.

The band’s Oregon spawned rhythm section consists of Jason DiMatteo (Valerie June, Chocolate Genius, Burnt Sugar) on bass and John Bollinger (Antony and The Johnsons, Sway Machinery, Barbez)on drums. Jason and John have known each other since grade school. With a background together in rock, r&b and jazz, they provide a solid, time-honed core for the band’s music.

Thom Loubet is the band’s guitarist. Thom is a versatile player with a knack for texture who can easily move from aggressive to delicate playing styles. Thom has played with some of the New York scene’s most prominent musicians such as Alice Smith, Tamar-Kali, Burnt Sugar, and Nu Afrika.

The group’s lead singer, lyricist and keyboard player is Mark Lesseraux. Mark is known for his dramatic live performances and considerable vocal ability. Mark was the lead singer of the psych/pop trio Lazy Susan in 1999/2000. He has recorded two solo CDs and one other collaborative CD with the NY multi-cultural collective Earthdriver.

Sonically and lyrically, the Citizens’ music is both inviting and challenging. Employing a unique variety of themes, moods and melodies, they manage to produce consistently captivating and original “Avant Rock.”