Prisoners of Second Avenue

In early 2004, Jimmy Vivino decided to buy an iPod. This from a man who bought his first computer only 2 months prior, he soon realized that the next order of business was to load it with all of his high school era favorites.

While attempting to move forward into 21st century technology, the iPod instead pulled Jimmy back. Suddenly he found himself listening once again to Cream, Blind Faith, The Band, electric Bob Dylan, Blodwyn Pig, Johnny Winter, The Byrds, early Who and Traffic.

At the same time, he was approached by a promoter who asked if he would put together an evening of blues for a particular venue. However, Jimmy felt that he had been booking straight blues shows for too long and that it was time for a change. He thought, “where would I find players with a similar iPod, CD or vinyl playlist”?

Phone calls were made to long time friends Rich Pagano and John Conte who eagerly jumped onboard. Steaks and Chops drew a loyal following in downtown New York City with a biweekly residency at the A&M Roadhouse. Special guests have included Rosanne Cash, GE Smith and John Leventhal.

As the band became increasingly popular, it started playing monthly sold-out gigs at The Cutting Room. In January of 2007, in honor of the music played at Bill Graham’s Fillmore East, the band decided to change its name to Prisoners of 2nd Avenue with its premiere gig under this name at the B.B. King Blues Club in NYC. Recent guests have included Andy York, Elaine Caswell, Rob Papparozzi, Willie Nile, Catherine Russell, Al Kooper, Paul Shaffer and Brian Mitchell.