John Wesley Harding Brings Cabinet Of Wonders To NYC

John Wesley Harding at the Independent in 2009, from the HAD Archive.

You may recall how much we enjoyed John Wesley Harding's "Cabinet Of Wonders" when we caught it in San Francisco a couple of years back. Half concert, half variety show, the event brings together a ramshackle bunch of creative folk and allows them to entertain in a way that is at once touching, delightful, and a complete riot. So, given that, we were pretty damn excited for some very good news that came our way recently: Harding has reassembled his "Cabinet", and they'll be a set of 3 shows this fall at the City Winery in New York.

By its very nature, the Cabinet of Wonders is not a static beast, so it's not at all surprising that these three shows will see different lineups from the past, as well as from each other. What's truly impressive is that Harding has roped in some serious talent from the music side of things, and it's got us seriously excited.

To start with, noted Bowie and T-Rex producer Tony Visconti will appear at the first date. As if that weren't enough, he will be joined by Eleanor Friedberger (fresh on the heels of her solo release) and one half of the MGMT boys. The second date will feature Hamilton Leithauser of the Walkmen, while the final show will feature alt-country guru Howie Gelb. In short, not too shabby.

On top of all that, the first two shows promise to feature special guests, while the third will see the return of Eugene Mirman to the lineup. If you've seen the Cabinet before, it goes without saying that these are fun, entertaining nights of a truly diverse bent. If it's your first time, take our word for it: these shows will be well worth your time and money. Check the full lineups below!

September 23 at City Winery, New York, NY
- John Wesley Harding & the English U.K.
- Todd Barry
- Eleanor Friedberger
- Andrew VanWyngarden (MGMT)
- Tony Visconti
- Dan Zanes
- Jami Attenberg
- plus a special surprise guest!

October 28 at City Winery, New York, NY
- John Wesley Harding & the English U.K.
- Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen)
- Eugene Mirman
- John Hodgman
- Emma Straub
- Paul Harding
- plus special surprise guests!

November 18 at City Winery, New York, NY
- John Wesley Harding & the King Charles Trio
- Howe Gelb
- Eugene Mirman
- Audrey Niffenegger
- Myla Goldberg