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Live Music In New York

Venues For Alternative And Underground Music In New York

Jul 17, 2009 Richard Oldale

New York has a reputation for being a hotbed of contemporary music and has taken the mantle from London for spawning the hottest property on the music scene.

New York's favourite sons The Strokes and Interpol have already exerted their influence on bands in the last decade and many up and coming bands threaten to generate the same hysteria. Greenwich Village is the most well known music hotspot in New York, and although there are some great jazz clubs there (although overpriced) the area is geared more towards tourists and mainstream reprobates. If your music tastes are alternative and somewhat eclectic however, there is no shortage of cool venues to check out local and international bands.

Music Venues in the Lower East Side

A New York custom, known to few out-of-town visitors is bars will offer the fourth drink on the house to friendly customers going about their business and not causing any trouble. If a bar is crowded this is not always guaranteed, but the staff at Cakeshop, 152 Ludlow Street are pretty good at keeping tabs on customer orders. More often than not the bands are good value as well. Door fee is $6-$10 (£4-£6).

Pianos, 158 Ludlow Street has a mix of live bands and DJ's to entice the chic scenesters back from Brooklyn. Bands start around 8.30-9pm and have an $8-$10 (£5-£6) cover charge, but before that get happy hour drinks for half price between 5-7pm.

Arlenes Grocery, 95 Stanton St. Lower East Side, declare "it's all about the music" and to prove it stage live bands seven nights a week featuring local and international bands of varying quality.

Music Venues in Brooklyn

For live music in New York, Brooklyn is the place to be. Southpaw, 125 5th Ave Brooklyn is possibly the coolest music venue you're ever likely to step foot in with plenty of floor space in front of the stage, and even more in a raised seating area towards the back. Arcades and a pool table are an added bonus. Entrance fee is $10 (£6).

Warsaw at the Polish National Home, 261 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, is a popular live music venue with a large assembly hall, DJ's and excellent Polish food. The music could be anything from metal to Bavarian folk, but they often have well known artists playing. One thing that is consistent is the drinks are always cheap. Entrance fee depends on the show.

Pete's Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St. Williamsburg is perfect for a cold beer and live music on a warm summer's evening. The garden out back is a haven for when things get over sweaty and a cool crowd create a good vibe. The music venue itself is small with mostly unsigned bands playing. Entrance fee is $6-$10 (£4-£6).

The copyright of the article Live Music In New York in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Richard Oldale. Permission to republish Live Music In New York in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.