Nick Wager

This review is free of any and all bias, I swear

Nov 5, 2009: I can say without an ounce of bias that my nephew Nick Wager is scary talented. I know what you're saying, "Right no bias, he's your nephew." Well that fact still does not take away from the poise and ease in which he presented his original songs this night in NYC.
As I walked down the stairs into the basement of Bar East (1733 1st Ave, NYC), I was greeted by deep tones, remarkably original phrasing and poetic lyrics. It was my nephew and a guitar. It was hard to believe this was his first ever solo gig. So you can just imagine my pride.
There haven't been many musicians in my family. And it's a large family. The few who did chase the muse started at a young age. Including me. However, Nick has already far surpassed where I was at sixteen. With continued support of family and friends, he will only go further.
After his set, gleaming relatives and well-wishers were treated to the music of a band called Stray Blue. Their vocalist—a Greek man also named Nick—called my nephew up to sing with him on Iggy Pop's "The Passenger" as his final number. I tried to relay to him just how cool that was. I think he got it.
He's been asked to come back to Bar East, a cool joint tucked away on the upper east side. Drinks were priced fairly and poured generously with a smile. I'll come back, if not for the music, then for the atmosphere.
As for my nephew; expect to see and hear more from this kid. Aside from music, you may recall me posting about his films for which he's won awards. So you see, I don't need to be biased when I gleam. All gleaming is fully justified.
- Stephen Bailey: Cultural Exchange Advocate