Venue Review: ARLENE'S GROCERY

www.arlenesgrocery.net
95 Stanton Street

(between Orchard St. and Ludlow St.)

Bookers: 

Direct through venue

No Pulp Music (monthly showcase)

Big Apple Rocks 

Turnstyle Music Group (sometimes)

Backline/Sound: Full backline; Excellent sound.

Vibe: Calm, simple, weathered, with a hint of electricity. Black box, raised stage. 

Capacity: 120

Clout on the NYC Circuit: It's a staple 3rd tier venue. (1st Tier: 700+ capacity; 2nd tier: 300+; 3rd tier: 100-300; 4th tier: bars/cafes <100.)  It doesn't have the all-star reputation of Living Room or Mercury Lounge, but it's well known, with a rich history. Many starlets of yesteryear and today had their early gigs there. It's definitely a belt-notch worth punching. (Is that how the saying goes?)

Internal Draw: 5ish people; there's also a "front bar" outside of the actual music room, so you may get to schmooze people getting a drink out there to come inside for your set.

Pros: The booze is cheap, the sound guy is on point, and the management is relaxed and down to earth. They also have an in-house photographer/videographer who film/snap most nights of the week. One of the best places to watch quality unsigned talent, keyword: quality.

Cons: It's a strictly 21+ venue, no exceptions. It's also a smaller venue, so no real backstage area (unless you count the crowded, skinny load-in hallway). Also, don't skimp on promotion - especially if you have an early or late set - or you might be able to count your audience on one hand. 

What can I say? This is hands-down my favorite venue to play, and it's easy to see why. To a musician, sound is everything. If you can't hear yourself and you can't communicate with the sound guy, it can make good music sound gross. If you've booked a gig at Arlene's and you're worried about sound, never fear. They are intuitive and they know their shizzle. And sometimes when they enjoy your music, they'll screw with the lights for added drama. 

Speaking of drama, Arlene's lacks it - the bad kind. The staff is more than qualified to deal with everything that comes with running a live music joint, whether its a beer spill or a dispute on turnout. It's just one of those venues in NYC where the heart is still intact, which is (unfortunately) very rare. Also, the set up of the venue is very smart - there's a lounge/bar in front with a TV screen of what's going on in the black box, should you be intrigued about what's going on in the music room, but there's a separation sound-wise of the two rooms, so bands who have just played can chat with fans without interfering with the next band's set.

Having played the venue several times, I had a great time and highly recommend touring and local bands who feel they have something really good going on to make that venue one of their regular joints.

Overall Impression: LOVE! 

 Shinobi Ninja @ Arlene's, 2-8-11. (Photog: Tracy Ketcher)