On a Wednesday summer night, the Lower East Side’s corner of Broome and Eldridge was bustling atypically where a long line started wrapping around the block. It was the sight of about 300 fans waiting for about a hundred coveted spots in the vibrant bar called The Flower Shop. Del Water Gap announced they were playing a free show with RSVP early in the week via Instagram. Within only a few days, 7,000 New York-based fans sent in their RSVP’s in hopes to see the band play in a the funky, 70s inspired dive bar. I was lucky to be one of the hundred or so fans to get in, while capturing the ambiance of the evening including fans waiting in the queue on 35mm film. I talked to one pair of fans who were among the first in line as they were eating dumplings from the restaurant across street. They mentioned they had been in line for the 8pm show since 3pm that afternoon.
Holden Jaffe of Del Water Gap lived in Brooklyn for several years and currently resides in LA. This show was an epic homecoming to celebrate the release of his sophomore album, ‘I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet' out September 29th. Jaffe mentioned he formerly played learned to play music in dive bars on the Lower East Side in the band’s beginnings. I entered the bar around 7pm to prepare to get a good spot for the show, but at the same time Jaffe was surprising the crowd of fans outside with his guitar. With a crowd clustering around and blocking traffic on Eldridge Street, he played a few acoustic songs while thanking the crowd for waiting in line. It was a perfect sentiment showcasing his true care for his fans.
It’s been a ride seeing the band flourish since I was hooked on the 2018 EP “1(646)943 2672).” In 2018, I remember being shipped a hand-stamped and numbered vinyl of “Don’t Get Dark” from Holden’s personal Brooklyn address that included a note and stickers. At SXSW in 2019, I was able to cover their Terrible Records showcase seeing them live at dive bar, Maggie Mae’s, on Sixth Street. In 2022, I saw the band’s evolution of sound and production from their 2021 self-titled album, “Del Water Gap,” live at a sold-out Antone’s show in downtown Austin. Now, the band is preparing to play globally in the EU and UK, selling out shows including Brooklyn Steel, and shutting down the streets of lower Manhattan.
