“This was a much better idea in the summer,” exclaimed Lauren Molina at the beginning. It was freezing outside, but inside clothing was optional.

I’d written about The Skivvies before their debut concert over the summer and since then they’ve blown up (their popularity, not size). The Skivvies, my friends Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina, have been performing everywhere in their panties to bigger and bigger crowds, always with awesome pop song breakdowns and amazing special guests. They had their biggest show yet at the Highline Ballroom last Monday and I was lucky enough to be in the audience.

The special guests this time were Adam Kantor, Leigh Ann Larkin, Mitch Jarvis, Andy Gutauskas, Joseph Morales, and Alice Ripley. My favorite moment of the night was Ripley’s kick-ass rendition of Alanis Morissett’s “You Oughta Know." Other song breakdowns included Hot in Here, Bills, Bills, Bills, Call Me Maybe, Umbrella, and Milkshake.

The stage was filled with a variety of instruments from harmonicas, to musical tubes, to multiple guitars, and of course, a cello. The breakdowns were brilliant (of course) and musically solid and innovative. 

The Skivvies are one of the most unique musical duos out there right now, taking songs you know and making you fall in love with them all over again.

And did I mention they’re in their underwear? Yeah, that too. 

Also: check out their new music video. It’s hysterical. 

Getting Naked with The Skivvies [An Interview]

A couple of days ago Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina, the two incredibly talented halves that make up The Skivvies, were kind enough to answer a few questions regarding their debut concert at Joe’s Pub. They also referred to themselves in third person. Who’s going to this? I’ve seen Nick and Lauren perform together several times and it’s always incredibly entertaining and fun. Get your tickets!

1) Where did you guys meet and how long have you been friends?

We met in 2003, getting our Equity cards, performing in the national tour of Theatreworks/USA’s JUST SO STORIES. Nick played the Baby Elephant and Lauren played the Leopard. We drove across the country in a van, dealt with some stressful, comical, adventurous circumstances and quickly became best friends and musical collaborators.

2) How did the idea for The Skivvies come about?

In January, Rihanna’s “We Found Love” was playing non-stop on the radio. We walked into the corner deli, heard the song, yet again, and immediately had the idea to strip it down and make an acoustic version to post on youtube. We returned home, and quickly put together the arrangement. But when it came time to choose an outfit to wear, Lauren couldn’t find anything she liked. Nick jokingly suggested she just wear her underwear. Lauren’s response was, “well we are ‘stripping down’ the song, we could strip down everything.” And so, The Skivvies were born.  

3) What can your fans expect from your first concert at Joe’ Pub on Sunday?

Expect to be entertained by some fun, quirky arrangements of pop, rock songs. The skin is a bonus. The amazing and hilarious talents of Will Swenson, Mitch Jarvis, Wesley Taylor, Ashley Brown, Susan Blackwell, and Jessica Hendy will also tickle you. 

4) Will you be performing original songs or covers? Or both?

We will be performing mostly cover songs; Everything from Rihanna, Robyn, Foster the People, to Blondie, Carole King, to Nelly and Lil Jon. However, we are trickling in a couple originals too.

5) Where are the skivvies from that you’ll be wearing at Joe’s Pub?

Lauren will be sporting Victoria’s Secret skivvies, Nick will be wearing American Apparel skivvies.

6) Any last words before The Skivvies debut?

To check out previous Skivvies music videos go to www.youtube.com/lomo212, like us on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Skivvies/417994914918368?ref=hl and we’ll keep you posted with updates!

See you at the show!

Photo credit: Augusten Burroughs

https://www.tumblr.com/audio_file/thatgirlallison/731360931/tumblr_l4itp6U4dI1qzs9hr?plead=please-dont-download-this-or-our-lawyers-wont-let-us-host-audio

Two weeks ago my friend Nick Cearley had a concert honoring the music of Bill Russell called Still Bill at The Canal Room in Tribeca.  He packed the venue to the brim and entertained friends and fans alike mostly with songs by Mr. Russell and a few originals too.  The above MP3 (watch the video here) is one of the songs written by Nick and Rock of Ages’ Lauren Molina.  

Oy, is a song that Nick and Lauren wrote a while ago while lamenting their agony over not being Jewish and able to properly use the word “oy.”  It’s hilarious, just listen and you’ll agree, I promise.  

I’ve known Nick since 2006 and I’ve seen him perform in many Duplex-like venues but to watch him fill such a large space with his presence and energy was quite a treat.  Nick performed songs from Side Show, Elegies From Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens, and the soon-to-be-off-Broadway Last Smoker in America.   Alice Ripley even backed him up on drums for one song (replacing her husband, Shannon Ford, who was drumming for most of the show).  It was a smorgasbord of Bill Russell’s incredible music sung by fantastic talent.  

I’m still waiting for Nick to take Broadway by storm, but I know it’ll happen soon.  Until then, he’ll just have to keep dominating the cabaret circuit.