Trans singer-songwriter and tech CEO Michele Bettencourt presents the Vampire Time album release show at The Cutting Room on Monday, January 26 at 7 PM. Bettencourt is backed by her band: Hendrik Helmer, guitar, vocals; Tommy Mandel, keyboards; Mike Visceglia, bass; Russ McKinnon, drums; and Sari Greenberg, vocals.
The show is in the tradition of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the golden era of political protest songs, when it seemed that almost every big rock band—from The Beatles to Buffalo Springfield—and every popular singer-songwriter—Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone, to name a few—were writing songs commenting on the major social issues of the day. Yet, more than a half century later, when America is again experiencing political and social turmoil, contemporary musicians and songwriters haven’t seemed as committed to making political statements through their music.
California-based Bettencourt has recently released the album Vampire Time, which includes tracks filled with political and social commentary. Her lyrics speak honestly about the division and cruelty perpetrated by the current U.S. administration, and she urges awareness, activism, and resistance. “Our music is a reflection of our concern about the times in which we live,” she says. The album’s title song and “Everybody Loves a Circus” were the first singles from the album to get radio airplay, with recognition to follow: a 2025 Independent Music Network Award nominations for: “Favorite Mainstream Single” and “Mainstream Breakout Single” (“Everybody Loves a Circus”); “Favorite Group or Duo;” and “New Discovery Artist.”
Tickets are $20. There is a $25 food and drink minimum per person. For tickets, click here.
The Cutting Room is located at 44 East 32nd Street, NYC
