Todd Pendu’s massive gathering of underground musicians and artists, the NY Eye & Ear Fest, is preparing for its third installment at the newly christened Knitting Factory space in Williamsburg. Last year’s Eye and Ear Fest was held in July, and before that in December. Perhaps seeing a hole in the city’s calendar due to the dispiriting departure of the No Fun Fest, the event is set for May 22 and 23 and promises over 12 hours of music each day. But that’s only part of the attraction, which also includes a massive record fair with vendors and labels (including VR favorites like Abandon Ship and ESP Disk) selling the usual tapes and LPs alongside art prints, comics, zines and more.

It’s no small feat to keep the public’s interest over three consecutive large-scale events, although this particular festival’s audience tends to be less fickle and hype-oriented than your average Brooklyn indie rock enthusiast. Those with the stamina will be rewarded by what amounts to a nearly comprehensive overview of the current New York underground, including headlining performances from mainstays like Blank Dogs and Xeno & Oaklander along with a slew of up-and-coming acts like Effing and Hunters. One of NY Eye & Ear Fest’s greatest attractions is the sheer diversity of acts on display. No matter your taste for the subterreanean, they’ve got you covered, from dark disco – à la Pendu’s weekly dance parties at Glasslands – to sloppy, snotty rock and everything in-between.

The official NY Eye & Ear Fest site has done a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of getting you acquainted with all the music on display, offering sound samples of every group and a mixtape for each day of the fest for your perusal. Visitation Rites will be on site for the entirety of the event and will have extensive coverage in the days following. This will be the premiere underground music event of the season in New York. Don’t miss it for the world.

NY Eye & Ear Fest takes place May 22 and 23 at the Knitting Factory, Brooklyn. Tickets are on-sale now for $17/day or $30/weekend pass (less than $1.00 a band!) For further information on Todd Pendu and background on the festival please see the interview VR head honcho Emilie Friedlander conducted with Todd Pendu for Arthur Magazine last year.
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