Fitz & The Tantrums

Fitz & The Tantrums are blowing up right now. Their modern take on soul is filled with pop hooks and results in a deliciously addicting formula. If you haven’t heard their booty shakin’ jam “Moneygrabber” yet, it’s about time you got with the program. It needs to be the first song on your new Spotify summer playlist. In a music world where so many artists sound so similar, Fitz is a breath of fresh air, that’s for damn sure.

Fitz drummer John Wicks (all the way on the left) is an accomplished kit spanker and, from years of playing with likes of B.o.B, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chocolate Genius and Money Mark, has had plenty of time to eat in and around NYC. Speaking of playing in NYC, fresh off an incredible performance at Central Park Summerstage a couple weeks ago, Fitz will be back in our area August 14th, playing the MTK Festival in East Hampton.

For more info on Fitz And The Tantrums, check out their website and be sure to keep up with the band on Twitter and Facebook. Buy their new album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, and check out John’s restaurant (and venue) picks below.

John’s “Perfect For” Picks

Coffee & A Light Bite

Abraco Espresso Bar (86 E 7th St.) – “Jamie McCormick pulls the best espresso in New York and the lovely Elizabeth Quijada makes the most amazing olive oil cake and frittata to go with it.”

Good Vibes

Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton St.) – “The first time I played a show at Arlene’s was with Venice Beach punk band, Soccermom. After the show, some of the staff took us out to eat and then to the bartender’s apartment for more partying. Such a great venue and awesome staff.”

Late Night Eats

Mamoun’s Falafel (119 MacDougal St.) – “After a night of refreshment, there is nothing that hits the spot better than Mamoun’s Falafel! The service is fast, it’s super cheap and the hot sauce is killin’!”

Best Pizza

Di Fara Pizza (1424 Avenue J – Brooklyn, NY) – “Dom DeMarco is a true artist. You have not had pizza until you’ve been to Di Fara. You may think you have but you haven’t. You really haven’t. Go there, be patient and watch the master.”

Specialty Cocktails

Cienfuegos (95 Avenue A) – “I’m a beer and a shot kinda guy. But a friend took me to this place once and they had some serious mixology going on, crazy punches in carafes, awesome Cuban food, and some of the most beautiful people I have ever seen.’”

Bonus: Wasting Your Time and Money (in a good way)

Rebel Rebel Records (319 Bleeker St.) – “My collection and knowledge of vinyl is second only to Questlove from The Roots. I’m trying to tame my record buying habits but this place is the real deal and makes it very tough for me to stay on budget.”

Bonus: Classic NYC Establishment

Chumley’s (86 Bedford St.) – “This place was legendary! Kerouac and Salinger hung here, it had a fireplace and had the speak-easy vibe. A crumbling chimney KO’e it a couple years ago and it looks like that’s all she wrote. Bring it back!”

John’s Twitter People

@CeeLoGreen – “I have had the pleasure of playing and writing with the genius. I’m always curious as to what he’s got to say.”

@reggiewatts – “Reggie is one of my dear friends from Seattle who is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He makes me laugh harder than anyone I know.”

@DanKennedy_NYC – Dan and I were grunt laborers on shoe commercial shoots and now he’s channeled his brilliant humor into a successful writing career.”

@moneymarkmusic – “My dear friend Money Mark of Beastie Boys fame gave me my first gig in LA and continues to inspire me with his ingenuity and generosity.”

@questlove – “Questlove tweets so often it’s insane but often there is one that gives you an incredible lesson in music history or drumming. Sifting through his tweets is like crate-digging in a record store.”