Article and photos by Angelina Hazzouri
If you’re familiar with New York City’s downtown music scene, odds are you’ve heard of We Take Manhattan, a DJ duo and party series comprised of Charlie Baker and Shallowhalo’s Allyson Camitta, who typically host their synonymous event on Wednesday nights at Old Flings in the East Village. The first-ever We Take Manhattan was in early 2023, and it was many people’s first time at Old Flings which had only opened the year prior. I remember showing up to the first party and thinking I had the wrong address because there’s no signage or window at the entrance—just a small eye-level cutout in the door that Steven, the bouncer, slides open to ask what you’re doing here. Sort of an IYKYK situation.
The general feeling of Charlie and Allyson’s monthly event is a feeling of community—I’ve always felt that We Take Manhattan is a club party that feels like a house party. (Old Flings isn’t much bigger than a 1-bedroom apartment if we’re being honest, and there’s only one bathroom.) When you enter the small club space upstairs, you’re immediately greeted by the pulsating DJ booth—which sets the tone for an electric party—and if you attend more than one We Take Manhattan, you’re bound to be greeted by familiar faces each time you return. Over the last year, the party series has been a driving force for NYC’s music scene, providing an intimate social setting that exudes familiarity, community, and promised fun energy, but most importantly, good music. Notable guest DJs have included Harrison Patrick Smith, Billy Jones, The Life, and Julia Cumming; and Charlie/Shallow have booked several gigs outside of Old Flings, spinning at Baby’s All Right, Treasure Club, and Two Doors Down, among various other night clubs since We Take Manhattan started.
On Friday, April 5, We Take Manhattan celebrated their one-year anniversary at Drom with a special release show for Shallowhalo’s Connection EP, which was just released with Fool’s Gold Records. It was my first time ever attending a show at the venue and as soon as I walked in, I knew we weren’t at Old Flings anymore. A premiere venue for world music since it opened in 2007, Drom’s high ceilings, cushy surroundings, and massive chandelier transport you out of the East Village, immersing you into the world of whatever music is bumping from the venue’s impressive speaker system. When we arrived, Charlie was spinning an LCD Soundsystem remix, and the familiar faces started rolling in. I caught up with both Allyson and the other half of Shallowhalo, Ezra Tenenbaum, by the merch table before Drom got too crowded, and their excitement for the new EP shone through in their demeanor. I knew they would be putting on a good show.
Jack Powers kicked off the live sets with an electrifying performance that drew the crowd from the bar to the dance floor. Not having his usual backup dancers didn’t stop the New York-based electro/dance-pop performer from executing impressive choreo and energy that prompted my friend to turn to me in shock saying, “He’s so fit—what do you think his workout routine is?” “I think we’re watching it,” I replied. I later learned that Powers is a classically-trained dancer and wasn’t surprised. I was blown away by Powers’ ability to give such a powerful vocal performance while simultaneously hitting every move with strength and grace. Once he took his black tank top off, the crowd was officially warmed up.
Multidisciplinary artist Johann Rashid’s project Promiseland continued the momentum with a fiery live set that had every person in the room moving. Throughout the performance, more stragglers arrived and beelined for the dance floor. Rashid, who is signed to Julian Casablancas’ label Cult Records, emanates his creativity on the stage in a way that’s palpable to all who are lucky enough to witness it. Combining punk vocals with edgy synths and thudding beats, Promiseland is a spectacle for all senses. Next month, he sets off for a European tour through the first half of June with Kris Baha. \
Around 12:30, it was time for Shallowhalo to take the stage. I’ve seen Shallowhalo live quite a few times in the last year, and each show is better than the last. During the set, lead Allyson hypnotizes her audience, not just with her alluring stage presence and airy vocals, but with her doll named Agatha that she brings on stage with her. At Friday’s show, they opened with “Yesterday’s Toy” as Allyson waved Agatha in front of Shallowhalo fans (a.k.a. Halo Heads) close to the stage. One compelling aspect that adds to the allure of any Shallowhalo performance is the distinctive style of the duo. Allyson, often identified by her pigtail bubble braids, donned a white corset adorned with a treble clef atop a sheer pink tulle skirt and silver boots, thoughtfully styled by Anja Cecilia. Ezra, who is more classic in his personal style, complements Allyson’s 80s-inspired looks by curating every set with vintage gear often from the 1980s, used both in production and on stage.
Each Shallowhalo show is truly something special, and the Connection release show was no exception. Allyson—who makes purposeful eye contact with audience members during the set—captivated the attention of every person in the room. After what we thought was the last song, the crowd was delighted by Shallowhalo’s reemergence onto the stage, with Allyson having made an outfit change. (Icon behavior.) Surprise guest Swordes, who is featured on the album opener “You Are My Religion Now,” joined Shallowhalo on stage for the encore to sing the aforementioned song, in addition to a special cover of “Once in a Lifetime” by the Talking Heads—everyone sang along. The chemistry on stage combined with both artists’ impressive pop vocals and fabulous personal style made for the perfect encore to an unforgettable set.
After the show, I asked Allyson how it felt to perform the songs off Connection now that it’s finally out. “It feels great. Ezra and I worked really hard on the EP, and I’m so proud of how it turned out. Performing the new songs live was a really special moment for us, and being surrounded by friends old and new made it even more special. Agatha said my middle school self would freak if she could see myself now, and that’s honestly the best feeling!”
Cumgirl8 finished the night with a DJ set, and on my way out, I heard murmurs of attendees saying, “Should we go to Old Flings after this? I heard that’s where people are going.” Same as it ever was!
