Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
astronomical. There are two shows per night, and dinner is served.
131 W. 3rd St. (at Sixth Ave.).
&
212/475-8592.
www.bluenote.net. Subway: A, B,
C, D, E, F, V to W. 4th St.
Bowery Ballroom
Run by the same people behind the
Mercury
Lounge
(see below), the Bowery space is bigger, accommodating a
crowd of 500 or so. The stage is big and raised to allow good sight-
lines from every side. The sound couldn't be better, and Art Deco
details give the place a sophistication that doesn't come easy to gen-
eral-admission halls. The balcony has its own bar and seating alcoves.
This place is a favorite with alt-rockers as well as more established
acts (Neil Finn, Patti Smith, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts), who thrive
in an intimate setting. Save on the service charge by buying advance
tickets at Mercury's box office.
6 Delancey St. (at Bowery).
&
212/533-
2111.
www.boweryballroom.com. Subway: F to Delancey St.; J, M, Z to Bowery.
Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
This beautiful, cozy jazz club is part
of the Jazz at Lincoln Center complex in the Time Warner Center on
Columbus Circle. Acoustics and sightlines are excellent and, though
not nearly as dramatic as the window in the complex's Allen Room,
there is a window behind the stage with views of Central Park and
the city. The club attracts an interesting mix of both up-and-coming
and established bands. Every Monday the club features the Upstarts,
a student showcase from local schools including Juilliard and the
Manhattan School of Music. My only complaint is the high $30
cover every day of the week—even for the Upstarts.
Time Warner Cen-
ter, 60th St. and Broadway.
&
212/258-9595.
www.jalc.org. Subway: A, B, C, D, 1,
9 to Columbus Circle.
The Filmore New York at Irving Plaza
This high-profile mid-
size music hall is the prime stop for national name rock bands that
aren't quite big enough yet (or anymore) to sell out Hammerstein,
Roseland, or the Beacon. Think Five for Fighting, the Eels, Jars of
Clay, Badly Drawn Boy, the Reverend Horton Heat, the resurrected
Television, and Cheap Trick. From time to time, big-name artists
also perform—Bob Dylan, Prince, Patti Smith, and A. J. McLean of
the Backstreet Boys have all played “secret” shows here. It's a very
nice place to see a show, with a well-elevated stage and lots of open
space even on sold-out nights. There's an upstairs balcony that offers
unparalleled views, but come early for a spot.
17 Irving Place (1 block west
of Third Ave. at 15th St.).
&
212/777-1224
or 212/777-6800. www.irvingplaza.
com. Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
The Knitting Factory
New York's premier avant-garde music
venue has four separate spaces, each showcasing performances ranging
