Just in time to take your mind off the depressing financial headlines, a slew of new concert halls are here (or will be opening soon) to rock your blues away. Sure, NYC is one of the entertainment capitals of the world, but since the death of CBGB’s and, recently, McCarren Park Pool concerts (and let’s not forget, the Knitting Factory loses its lease in 2009), there’s been a void among the city’s more intimate indie music clubs. Luckily, these new venues have stepped up to the stage—and even better, their ticket prices won’t cost a small fortune.
The Bell House
149 7th St. (2nd & 3rd Aves.)
Gowanus 718.643.6510
Okay, so maybe Gowanus isn’t the first nabe you’d think of to plunk a new hotspot performance venue. But when you take a look at the upcoming lineup that the people from Union Hall have planned for y’all, which includes indie rockers Matt Pond PA and comedic favorites Kids in the Hall and Eugene Miriam, does it really matter where this place is? The aesthetic—a 1920s converted warehouse—and offerings—locally-brewed beer—don’t hurt either.
(Le) Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker St. (@ Thompson St.)
Greenwich Village 212.796.0741 (Le) Poisson Rouge is to Lincoln Center what Miu Miu is to Prada. This hip, Greenwich Village multi-genre performance space, started by two former Manhattan School of Music students and decked out by John Storyk from Electric Lady Studios and Jazz @ Lincoln Center, hosts top-notch classical, jazz, and punk acts on par with Lincoln Center’s schedule. Next up, the talented pianist Michael Riesman is joined by vocalist Andrew Shapiro performing the score from Dracula (Sept. 23), and on another note, a small plates menu from Butter’s former Idelfonso "Pons" Cordero will also be debuting on the same evening.
Galapagos Art Space
16 Main St. (@ Water St.) DUMBO 718.222.8500
To make it in nightlife in this town is tough, but Galapagos Art Space just won’t quit. After being priced out of its former Williamsburg digs, it has reinvented itself in a brand new LEED-certified DUMBO locale. Expect a slew of acts that meet both high and lowbrow interests like ongoing puppet shows, a public art panel (Oct. 1), and Berlin underground electronica girl Barbara Morgenstern (Oct. 8).
Coming Soon...
Ella
9 Ave. A (Houston & 2nd Sts.)
East Village 212.777.2230
Look out Pianos! A new piano bar and performance spot is moving in, and they’re pulling out all the stops. From the guys behind Gallery Bar and Plan B comes a new East Village throwback. With big speakeasy booths and oversize perfume bottles on display, the bi-level space will evoke Old Hollywood glamour and host big-time pianists. Opens Oct. 1.
Littlefield
622 Degraw St. (3rd & 4th Aves.)
Gowanus (no phone yet)
Something smells of a trend. It looks as though Littlefield is jumping on the eco-friendly venue bandwagon. Also coming to Gowanus (really?), this 6,200-square-foot spot will exhibit talent from multiple mediums—film, art, and music, to name a few. The outdoor courtyard portion of the space will most likely be favorited, as that is also where the bar will be. Between Littlefield’s al fresco bar and the big-time talent scouts that they’ve employed, by next summer you’ll be saying, McCarren who? Opens in November.
(Le) Poisson Rouge is to Lincoln Center what Miu Miu is to Prada. This hip, Greenwich Village multi-genre performance space, started by two former Manhattan School of Music students and decked out by John Storyk from Electric Lady Studios and Jazz @ Lincoln Center, hosts top-notch classical, jazz, and punk acts on par with Lincoln Center’s schedule. Next up, the talented pianist Michael Riesman is joined by vocalist Andrew Shapiro performing the score from Dracula (Sept. 23), and on another note, a small plates menu from Butter’s former Idelfonso "Pons" Cordero will also be debuting on the same evening. 
DUMBO 718.222.8500
