A new invite-only secret concert series in New York City, STFU is drawing a unique cross section of artists and music lovers alike. Night 1 kicked off with special acoustic performances from Torri Weidinger, Hannah Hill, and Sid Simons.

by guest writer Rob Colucci

STFU Night 1 © Rob Colucci — Torri Weidinger performs at STFU Night 1 © Noah Berghammer

In case you missed it, which by design you did, last week NYC’s ever-evolving live music scene spawned something mega-markets like LA and London will struggle to replicate.

A new, secret concert series, playfully dubbed “STFU,” was thrust (or should I say hushed) into existence in a small gallery in Chinatown.

STFU, which unironically stands for Shut The F@!K Up, is an invite-only, secret acoustic concert series where (you guessed it) no talking is allowed. And as if that wasn’t enough of a differentiating factor, STFU also requires that guests refrain from taking out their phones (for texting, recording Instagram stories… even jotting down notes for this article).

At the helm of the new concept is Noah Berghammer, a multi-hyphenate creative (and current Atwood Magazine contributor) who wears many hats, but is better known for his signature, thick-rimmed glasses. As a friend, or as Noah often quips, “a homie,” I was blessed with an early glimpse.

Noah Berghammer introduces STFU Night 1 © Drew Jessup

In Noah’s words, “STFU is hitting reset on the secret concert series. Our format is designed to revitalize the concept by encouraging attentiveness from the audience and a genuine connection to live music. And while the shows themselves will be hard to get into, with only 50 attendees per night (DM Noah to get on the email list), the whole thing is designed to be “exclusively inclusive.” One of the ways we’re doing that is with an after party that’s open to anyone on the email list. Another way is by using a randomizer to generate a custom guest list, so everyone has the same chance to attend a show.”

Anyone who knows or follows Noah will tell you, he is head over heels in love with NYC — his songs, poems, music videos, short films and TikTok posts are all proclamations of that love. But with STFU, he has offered up his most sincere dedication yet — a vibrant new community aimed at reimagining how we consume and create music.

Considering it was opening night, STFU sure didn’t start small.

Those lucky enough to receive the invite enjoyed a bill that featured three of NYC’s best new artists — Torri Weidinger, a free-spirited reincarnate of Phoebe Bridgers, Hannah Hill, a NYU legend with a hauntingly visceral vocal register, and Sid Simons, an exciting young Aussie rocker with British flare who can just as easily incite a mosh or leave a café wispy after a stripped back acoustic set. The latter occurred on this night.

Weidinger graced the stage first. A hypnotizing lyricist with melodious finger picking, she quickly lulled the crowd into a trance-like state, opening us up for her winding narratives. The sort of stories she unveils in songs like “all in good Time” and “lily of the valley” (Weidinger eschews convention in every way, and that includes the restrictions of capitalization). A meditative rapture from the torrent of NYC life rushing by outside, Weidinger’s set was the perfect way to usher in the intimate era that will be the age of STFU.

Torri Weidinger at STFU Night 1 © Rob Colucci — Torri Weidinger at STFU Night 1 © Noah Berghammer

After a quick break to grab a smoke or a seltzer, Hannah Hill took the stage, jarring the crowd with her sincere admission of ghosting in “Sarah, I Didn’t Mean To.”

Almost as if she was at a confessional, she spilled out, “Sarah, I didn’t mean to kiss you in your car and then leave you high and dry when you were still figuring out who you are.” At that point, she had us right where she wanted us and proceeded to unleash a bone-chilling vocal performance, highlighted, as always, by her signature vibrato that leaves both her listeners and mic stand trembling.

After more smokes and more seltzers, it was time for Sid Simons and his well-crafted pop tunes that could just as easily garner fans from the ‘60s as they are in 2024. His mainstream-ready material, with familiar chords and relatable lyrics, were the perfect resolve to the evening.

Sid Simons at STFU Night 1 © Rob Colucci — Sid Simons at STFU Night 1 © Noah Berghammer

While Thursday, April 11th was a night that will never be recreated, you can experience the next best thing via a bespoke playlist featuring the artists and the songs featured at STFU 1.

Before long every publication will be writing about STFU, something Noah hinted at with casual confidence in his final remarks, “This will go on forever.” And as one of the attendees (along with notables like model Drew Jessup, manager Andrew Moltz, director Fritz Bacon and artists Maya Ribeiro and Ally Ruggieri), I couldn’t help but believe him. But it really didn’t matter if you were a notable or a newcomer, everyone who walked in the door that night felt lucky to be there, but most importantly, like they belonged.

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