Dave Godowsky is a man who wears many hats: he's a short story writer, he plays in one of the preeminent Guns 'N Roses tribute bands in the country, and he now runs Noncerts. Noncerts are a charity-based concert series in Brooklyn which brings featured artists in to play with a house backing band; their first goal is to offer a piano to every public school in Brooklyn. Tonight, Elvis Perkins, Martha Wainwright and Jesse Harris are the featured performers at a Noncerts show at Cameo Gallery in Williamsburg. We spoke to Dave about the origins of Noncerts, and what Axl Rose thinks about Mr. Brownstone.

How did the Noncerts start? The first Noncert was on February 20, 2011 with Gene Ween, Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen), and David Dondero. Growing up I was always enamored with the NYC jazz music scene, particularly around the Knitting Factory. It seemed like all the prominent players knew each other and collaborated. It was a real COMMUNITY. This is basically an effort to recreate that sort of community within the rock/indie/songwriter/whatever scene here in Brooklyn. And having the whole thing benefit local schools makes it even cooler. Win-win!

How do you craft the benefit shows? Who is on your wishlist for the noncerts? We have a pool of 10-15 musicians who are “in” the “house band” at this point. Depending on the date of the show we invite anyone who’s available. These folks include Jenny Scheinmen, Pico Alt, Doug Wieselman, Lev “Ljova” Zhurbin, CJ Camerieri, Ben Lester, Jesse Harris, Eivind Opsvik, Marika Hughes, Christina Courtin, Caleb Burhans, Clarise Jensen…am I forgetting anyone? Probably.

These musicians have played with a ton of amazing artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Jay-Z, Lou Reed, Emmylou Harris, Bon Iver, Laurie Anderson, Sufjan Stevens, Sean Lennon, Kronos Quartet, The National, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright, David Byrne, Yo-Yo Ma, Okkervil River, Bright Eyes, Willie Nelson...you get the point. So it’s basically the best “house band” of all time.

Collaboration is definitely encouraged. The whole theme of the night from the charity to the stage setup is all about community.

Your goal is to provide a piano to every public school in Brooklyn. Why pianos? I grew up learning music from messing around on a piano as a kid. So I guess I’d like to see other kids afforded the same opportunity. I’m not sure how long it will take to accomplish the goal. It’s a non-profit organization, so we’ll just keep going until the goal is met (or something forces us to stop like the world ending in 2012).

What has the response been like so far? Do you plan on taking the shows to other parts of the city/country later? The Cameo Gallery is a great venue. The art installation over the stage, and the fact that it’s really hidden away, gives it a special vibe. And keeping it in a small space also makes it an interesting and unique experience. Many of the artists we’re having play for crowds of 1000+. So this is rare for the artists/fans both in venue size and in the musical arrangement on stage.

Do you have any plans to get public school children involved in the fundraising too, by showcasing their talents? Perhaps. Good idea! I hadn’t thought of that. You want to come work for us?

What do you think of the role of music in a young person's life? Do you feel that the New York City school system is capable of fostering musical talent in its students? What could they be doing better? I don’t know enough about the current situation to really speak on that—we just want to help the schools do everything they can. I know that music and arts are often the first to have their funding cut. So we can definitely help out in a much needed way.

Between the short stories, and your other bands and musical projects, how do you find the time to fit it all in? Is there any artistic medium you can't/won't participate in? Good detective work. I was an English/poetry major in college and I’m really interested in the super short short story format. I love writing, but I kind of assume no one will ever see those. I just like making them. I also draw a lot—I did the artwork in the liner notes of the Volcano Choir album, which I thought was really cool. I’m a little biased though. I don’t like dancing.

Last time we talked to you, you said Mr Brownstone was playing its last shows ever...and then you played Letterman! So is Mr Brownstone dead, or are you still available for shows and GNR-themed soirees? I hate Mr. Brownstone. All kidding aside, we are probably the worst band of all time. I’m sure we’ll play again in Brooklyn sometime this year. Don’t go.

How can you know/prove you truly are the "worlds drunkest gnr tribute band"? You need to see it to believe it.

What did you think of Chinese Democracy? I don’t like GNR. Chinese Democracy is pretty awful.

Have you had any interactions with or feedback from the band? One of their new guitar players came to our show and called Axl (who was at a NY Rangers game) and held the phone up for him to hear. I’m sure he was thrilled.