Stew and The Negro Problem returning to Barbès

UPDATE: Stew Sez Showtime’s now 9:30 p.m.

Photo from Stew’s Facebook announcement of the upcoming gig at Barbès.

There was a moment or two of confusion Thursday morning when Stew,the singer-songwriter and Tony winner for the book of Passing Strange posted on Facebook that he and his band, The Negro Problem, would be appearing two weeks from now at “our beloved Barbès” and included the date of Oct. 25.

Stew, Heidi and an incarnation of The Negro Problem at Barbés in 2011. (Photo © 2011, Steven P. Marsh)

Well, fans of Stew’s work won’t have to wait that long. Maybe Stew is just jonesing for Fall. But according to the Barbès calendar, it’s Thursday, July 25, at 10 p.m., which is in two weeks.

Whew. Glad I could clear that up.

Stew posted a Facebook update on Friday, July 19, saying showtime was changed to 9:30. So I’m getting there by 9 just to be on the safe side:

showtime for stew & the negro problem’s BARBES show this THURSDAY JULY 25th is now 9:30. We will play some songs inspired by recent events.

Stew & Heidi Rodewald at Joe’s Pub in New York City. (Photos © 2012, Steven P. Marsh)

Stew recently returned to New York after a week on Martha’s Vineyard with Heidi, director Joanna Settle and the cast of their play The Total Bent for a residency at Vineyard Arts Project.

After all that work, it looks like Stew is ready to play.

The show is billed this way: “The Negro Problem will interpret (some) songs from Passing Strange and more unreleased material.”

That’s something that Stew has done at the tiny club in Park Slope, Brooklyn, before. And it’s always a trip and a delight.

Stew seems really happy and very much at home when he’s at Barbès. He tends to do things a what appears to be a free-form fashion while maintaining control of the  proceedings.

These are special, and rare appearances in his part-time home borough. Don’t miss this one. The joint’s music room is tiny, so be prepared to stand. It’ll be worth it.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Stew & The Negro Problem.
Barbès,
376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn. 347-422-0248. No admission, but a tip jar will be passed. Give generously and be sure to tip your server.