Tonight is Planned Parenthood’s 5th Annual Roe on the Rocks concert, and New York local dream pop outfit Asobi Seksu will be performing! This is not just any concert, but a benefit for Planned Parenthood New York, and all proceeds will be going to help them with their operations. Planned Parenthood has been a resources for women, teens, and families for reproductive health care, educational programs, and advocacy for over 90 years. If you are going to this concert and can splurge on the VIP ticket please do! Your generosity is much appreciated, and if you would like to just donate to Planned Parenthood you can do so here!

James Hanna of Asobi Seksu.

Asobi Seksu released their fourth LP this past February on Polyvinyl Records, and will be playing a select few dates in the North Eastern United States (including the one today) before heading to Japan to tour in support of this wonderful LP (did you get your hands on the limited edition pink vinyl version?).

In the tradition of the Great Pumpkin, James Hanna of Asobi Seksu chatted with us about food, drinks, and tour to help promote the upcoming concert!  Yuki Chikudate talked to Eater last year about food, and now James talks to us about coffee in Ditmas Park, missing Carmine’s Pizza, and eating on the road.

More about Roe on the Rocks and Asobi Seksu after the interview and the jump!

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Asobi Seksu is based in New York where there is a booming coffee scene. Are you a coffee drinker? What is your favorite Local Coffee Shop & Drink of Choice?

I love coffee, Qathra near my house in Ditmas Park is solid. I either like a double espresso or just plain old French press. Generally I make my own because few places make it murky enough for me. Viscosity is very important.

Fine dining is big in this city, but it’s easy to get great food for a low price. Do you have any favorite cheap eats?

I love Wonton Garden in Chinatown. There are some really good spots down there but mostly terrible ones. I miss Carmines Pizza in Greenpoint.

Do you have a favorite New York City restaurant? Yuki mentioned in her interview with Eater that she likes Five Leaves in Greenpoint.

Yuki is a fool… No just kidding. There are too many restaurants in New York City, and not enough good ones.

Asobi Seksu has toured all over the world. Are there any cities that are your favorite just because of the food?

Taiwan, Japan, and Peru. Ceviche, dumplings, and noodles. My lord, those are my faves.

Your second album was called Citrus. What is the story behind the album title?

I like the color orange.

What type of foods do you like to cook when you are not on tour?

I cook the most boring food like peanut butter and jelly, and lentils and brown rice. Occasionally Swiss chard with tempeh and sweet potatoes. That’s my specialty and as complicated as I get, I basically eat like a yuppie hippie.

Have you ever had a food epiphany or is it more like fuel for your body?

Hmmm…Sometimes it’s def just fuel.

Have you eaten any weird or adventurous foods while on tour?

I don’t eat meat, just fish sometimes. I’ve seem my band mates get all kinds of hearts, and blood, and pigeon or whatever.

What food and drinks are listed on Asobi Seksu’s riders?

Hummus, fruit, and diet coke.

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Tonight Asobi Seksu will be joined by North Highlands and Little,Big to play Planned Parenthood’s 5th Annual Roe on the Rocks concert at the Highline Ballroom. Sara Benincasa, award-winning comedian and writer, will be hosting the evening and all proceeds from the concert will go to Planned Parenthood of New York City.

April 16, 2012 5th Annual Roe on the Rocks

A little bit about the history of Roe on the Rocks:

The Roe on the Rocks concert is held every year to recognize Roe v Wade, the historic Supreme Court Case which 39 years ago confirmed women’s right to privacy and thus access to abortion services.  The show couldn’t come at a more important time – amidst the worst attacks on not just reproductive rights but access to basic health care. Past acts have included Regina Spektor, Thao with The Get Down Stay Down, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and (others).

General admission to the concert is $25, and it’s $75 for VIP admission.  Remember…this isn’t just any concert, and your dollars are going to a good cause.  If you have the money to spare splurge for the VIP!  BUY TICKETS HERE!

More about Planned Parenthood of New York City:

Since 1916, Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC) has been an advocate for and provider of reproductive health services and education for New Yorkers.  Serving more than 50,000 clients annually, PPNYC’s health care centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island offer reproductive health services, including gynecological care, contraception, pregnancy testing, abortion, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and HIV testing and counseling.  Through a threefold mission of clinical services, education, and advocacy, PPNYC is bringing better health and more fulfilling lives to each new generation of New Yorkers.   As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPNYC supports legislation and policies to ensure that all New Yorkers—and, in fact, people around the world—will have access to the full range of reproductive health care services and information.

Asobi Seksu released Fluorescence on February 14, 2012 via Polyvinyl, and will hit the shores of Japan very soon.  Bill Pavone directed their dream like video for the single “Perfectly Crystal.”

Catch them on tour:

• 4/16 - New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom -TICKETS
• 4/20 - Baltimore, MD @ Goucher College Central Courtyard
• 4/28 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ Vassar College
• 5/09 - Bangkok, Thailand @ SONIC
• 5/11 - Busan, Korea @ Vinyl Underground
• 5/12 - Seoul, Korea @ Rolling Hall
• 5/15 - Tokyo, Japan @ Shibuya O-Nest
• 5/16 - Nagoya, Japan @ Apollo Theater
• 5/17 - Osaka, Japan @ Shangri-La
• 5/18 - Tokyo, Japan @ Shibuya O-West

Buy Fluorescence here (grab the pink LP fast!).

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If you are reading this after April 16th, 2012…don’t for get to DONATE TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD!