For a while, the live music industry was in a bit of an existential crisis. Venues were shuttering, stages were silent and musicians and fans were forced to rely on Zoom performances.
Despite all of this, a few performance venues across New York City sprung back to life last April. This time, they’re going all out and giving show-tune fans a chance to hear their favorite artists again.
Arlene’s Grocery
Arlene’s Grocery, which opened in 1995, is a live music mecca on the Lower East Side. The bar combines a former Puerto Rican bodega (the facade of which remains) with a nearby butcher shop to form one of the city’s most storied venues.
It’s a bit of a jumble inside, but the main room has a surprisingly large stage for an otherwise tiny space, and it hosts a wide array of musical acts. It also boasts a slick looking sound system that has earned it a reputation for being one of the better rock clubs in NYC.
The bar is a great place to watch local bands and it’s not uncommon to see an unsigned act playing here. The venue is also home to a large and impressive soundstage that’s been used to host concerts by major artists like Arcade Fire, Lady Gaga and Jim Carrey.
Another interesting thing about this dark LES bar is its karaoke night. The aforementioned bartenders pour $3 drafts and $4 well drinks until 8pm on weekdays, but the real show is when they invite you to put your name in the hat for a chance to sing karaoke in front of a full house band.
Besides the aforementioned gimmicks, the best part about this place is it’s friendly staff and cheap drinks. The bartenders are a pleasure to deal with and the menu of tasty treats has something for everyone, including a burger if you’re in the mood. Sadly, the place is in dire need of funds to keep it going.
Berlin – Under A
If you’re in search of a small and intimate music venue, Berlin – Under A is the place to be. Located underneath 2nd street and Avenue A, this dim, low-key dive has occupied this corner of Manhattan for decades and hosts some of the best club nights in NYC.
While this isn’t the most visually appealing venue, it does have a decent sized stage and is very popular with NYC’s up-and-coming musicians. I was recently here for a showcase curated by Breaking Sound NYC, which featured artists such as Retrograded and T.Shan, and it was a lot of fun!
The basement of the establishment features a small live music stage, where DJs and bands perform a variety of genres. There are also plenty of drinks and food options available, so you can easily spend a few hours listening to some great music.
Another good thing about the venue is that it has a decent size bar along the length of the room. This keeps the audience from having to get up to walk to the front of the stage during the show, allowing for an easier transition between songs and keeping everyone in the same space.
Gregory Porter’s latest album, Live In Berlin, is a blend of soul, jazz and pop that doesn’t lose sight of his musical roots. The first track, “Holding On,” a big club hit from 2015, starts off low-key and acoustic but quickly moves into a fuller, grittier groove. Throughout the album, Porter is able to sing with a voice that’s deep and expressive, and he doesn’t let up when it comes to singing his way through some of the best hits of the ’70s.
One of the highlights of this disc is Porter’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Papa Was A Rolling Stone.” The song was a big hit on the charts in the ’70s, but Porter reimagines it in a style that pays homage to that decade’s best without ever losing his jazz sensibility.
The vocal group Hudson Shad, which specializes in re-creating the Comedian Harmonists’ vocal arrangements, are a fine addition to the mix of talented performers here. Their repertoire ranges from a few novelty numbers (like “Dearest Isabella from Castille”) to more familiar standards like Duke Ellington’s “Creole Love Song” and a spirited rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “I Will Always Love You.” But, ultimately, Band in Berlin doesn’t quite have the chops to stand on its own.
The Bitter End
If you’re looking for a classic New York spot to hear live music, head to The Bitter End. Located in Greenwich Village, this iconic music club opened in 1961 and is still going strong. It’s open seven days a week and features a wide variety of music, including singer/songwriters, rock, blues, jazz, funk, alternative, hip-hop, spoken word, a capella and country.
It’s one of the oldest clubs in New York, and it’s been home to some legendary performers and musicians. It’s been the venue of choice for artists like Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Frank Zappa, Lady Gaga, Jon Stewart, Randy Newman and many others.
The Bitter End has been a major music venue for over 50 years, and it’s known for its classic red brick stage backdrop and intimate vibe. It’s an ideal spot for a night out on the town with friends, but you can also get a great deal of entertainment from their open jam sessions every Monday and Sunday.
Since 1961, the club has been the site of many famous artist’s debut performances. They include Peter Paul and Mary, Judy Collins, Neil Diamond, Richie Pryor, Joan Rivers, and more.
In addition to the legendary talent, The Bitter End is a landmark for its unique history and tradition. Founded by Fred Weintraub, it nurtured and promoted many of the next big stars in music and comedy.
This is one of the best places in nyc to see new and up-and-coming bands, with a fantastic sound system and a comfortable setting. The staff is knowledgeable and can help you find a band that suits your taste.
It’s also the perfect place to hear acoustic acts, and there’s a weekly acoustic open mic for local artists. The staff here is friendly and knowledgeable, and they offer great cocktails and food.
The Bitter End has been around for a long time, and its legacy is one that will live on forever. It’s the ideal place for a night out on the town, but it’s also one of the best spots in nyc to hear acoustic acts and other types of live music.
Bill’s Place
Bill’s Place is a BYOB speakeasy in an intimate Harlem brownstone that continues to embody the vintage aura of the Roaring 20s. Known historically as Harlem’s go-to speakeasy during Prohibition, it continues to attract a diverse mix of locals and tourists who want to get a taste of the good life while listening to great jazz music.
The speakeasy’s quaint exterior and interior design evoke an era of prohibition-era illicit drinking in small underground parlors of private houses uptown. The ground-floor location, at 148 133rd Street, is currently home to saxophone player Bill Saxton and the Harlem All-Stars.
It’s a cozy little spot where a handful of talented musicians play every week. The setting is so quaint, and the music so great, that you won’t find a better vibe for hearing live jazz in NYC.
Even if you’re not a jazz fan, this little basement spot is worth visiting for its laid-back and inviting vibe. It’s also one of the most famous jazz clubs in New York City, so you’re guaranteed to enjoy a great evening out.
Bill’s Place was once a chicken shack named Tillie’s and later Monette’s Supper Club, where Fats Waller and Willie “The Lion” Smith carved their stride piano chops. It was a hotspot for jazz legends like Billie Holiday, too.
In addition to serving as a hangout for local jazz enthusiasts, the tiny basement spot is home to a world-class concert series curated by improvisational composer and artist John Zorn. Since 2005, The Stone has been a hub for avant-garde and experimental music, featuring a rotating list of one-of-a-kind artists organized by the venue’s world-class curators (Sonic Youth rocker Thurston Moore and jazz-guitar wiz Bill Frisell are among its lineups).
If you’re looking for an authentic New York jazz experience, look no further than the tiny, basement speakeasy at 148 133rd Street in Harlem. Owners Bill Saxon and The Harlem All-Stars present live sets Friday and Saturday nights at this cozy little spot. They’re also known for their friendly, down-to-earth vibe and BYOB policy.
