For more than a decade the Bowery Ballroom has reigned as New York’s preeminent music venue. The downtown club attracts up-and-coming bands on the precipice of making it big, as well as established rockers who loyally return to the stage that launched their careers. For music lovers, it doesn’t get any better than this intimate venue.
Located just off the Bowery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the Bowery Ballroom has an Art Deco interior and a rock ‘n roll vibe. Built in 1929 just before the Stock Market Crash, the onetime vaudeville hall cum retail store was transformed into a music club in 1997, and has been selling out shows in New York ever since.
With a capacity of 550 people, the venue has near-perfect acoustics and good sightlines. On the main level, there is a raised stage with a wrap-around balcony above. The basement lounge is ideal for taking a break from the action, with leather banquettes and soft lighting. Each of the club’s three levels has a fully stocked bar, so concert-goers never have to travel far for refreshments.
The venue attracts a wide range of acts, everything from indie rock to electronica. Ticket prices are reasonable and shows often sell out quickly. Visit the Bowery Ballroom website for show listings and ticket information. To avoid service charges, you can purchase tickets directly from the box office located at Mercury Lounge on East Houston Street (cash only). It is located between the East Village and the Lower East Side.
New York Habitat has hundreds of affordable apartments in the Lower East Side that are perfect for enjoying the downtown music scene, including the following:
– This conveniently located East Village Two-Bedroom Vacation Rental in New York (NY-2821). The apartment is in the heart of the Lower East Side, a lively and artistic neighborhood with many restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques and art galleries.
– This modern Studio Vacation Rental in the East Village in New York (NY-14917). The apartment can accommodate up to three people and is less than a block away from Tompkins Square Park. Enjoy the flat-screen television and high-speed Internet access.
Have you ever been to the Bowery Ballroom? Do you have a favorite music venue in New York City? Share your comments with us!
In our next article we will discuss another New York’s Music Scene, this one is known as Joe’s Pub.
I miss CBGB 🙁
I was supposed to go here last fall to see Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, but I was not able to…:-( I hear it is a pretty sweet venue though.
The accomodation that you have advertise on your first link is pretty nice. Plus you offer so many discounts! Great deal to check out for New York City
I love the Bowery Ballroom. What a great concert venue and it such a cool neighborhood like the East Village.
Really great article. I like the news about gud cultural spots in nyc.
Great info! Your blogs are fill of tips!
Love it!
I wish CBGB’s hadn’t closed. Bowery Ballroom is ok, but the gentrification of the lower east side is officially complete now that CBGB’s has been replaced by a fashion boutique.