Snail Mail, the much-buzzed-about music project of 18-year-old Lindsey Jordan, will play the release show for its debut album not at a rock club, but in the rehabbed Parkway Theatre.
While theaters hosting music performances is not uncommon–look to The Lyric and The Hippodrome for examples–this would be the first event “that is exclusively a musical performance” at the rehabbed Parkway, said Scott Braid, director of programming for the Maryland Film Festival.
This wouldn’t be the first time music has been played inside the theater since it reopened in spring of 2017, Braid pointed out.
Members of Animal Collective curated a two-night series that included performances by Dan Deacon, members Horse Lords at Matmos, Animal Collective’s own Deakin and Geologist and others, followed by a screening of a documentary on experimental musician Tony Conrad. And the Alloy Orchestra, which counts Mission of Burma’s Roger Miller as a member, performed the live score for the silent film “Variety” at last year’s Maryland Film Festival.
The building was designed in the early 20th century with live performance in mind, he added.
“The Parkway was built to house a live orchestra to accompany the films in the silent era so live music is not new to the building and does not clash with the building’s acoustic design.”
Dana Murphy of Unregistered Nurse, the local promoter that booked the Snail Mail show, said the choice of the Parkway was as simple as liking the history and beauty of the space.
“I’ve been involved with them since they opened, and I’ve really been wanting to do a show there,” she said. “This seemed like a good first show for U-N there.”
According to the Facebook page for the event, the theater will be projecting the performance on screen so spectators without orchestra seats can still get a full view.
If you haven’t heard of Snail Mail, be sure to check out “Pristine,” the first single off the forthcoming album “Lush,” due out June 8 on indie label powerhouse Matador Records. It is, well, a pristine indie rock song with a guitar riff that is just as much of an earworm as the Jordan’s vocal hook.
Tickets for the show are on sale now, and cost $15 for general admission balcony seating and $18 for orchestra seating.
Braid hinted that more concerts might be coming to the Parkway soon.
“We’re happy to continue a rich tradition of performance within the Parkway and hope to continue to do music shows on a semi-regular basis!”
