23-14 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria, NY
Recommended Booker:
Pedro Gonzalez (everyone I know Facebook friends him and contacts him that way)
Backline/Sound: Minimal (there's a PA, 3 mics, a guitar amp, and 2 DIs. Ideal for an acoustic show, but there's no stage monitor...so good luck!)
Vibe: Cozy, creative, artsy, quirky, positive, encouraging; like walking into a friends home but that friend happens to have a stage and happens to want to hear you spill your heart out on it.
Capacity: Up to 100.
Clout on the NYC Circuit: It's a casual cafe venue, so definitely 4th tier, but a place with an earnest community of music regulars; Waltz-Astoria has had several burgeoning musical acts pass through their brick walls including Marc Montfleury, Matt Kiss, Billy Conahan, Matt Sucich, Sylvana Joyce + The Moment, as well as a slew of other promising locals. They also host a yearly songwriting competition which promises attendance by talent scouts from major record labels and writers to music publications, with a grand prize winning of $500.
Internal Draw: You will perform in front of at least 10 people almost every time you go. Depending on what time you go on, how many performers, etc. A lot of performers bring friends here. On a "packed night at the waltz" you might perform for 25-30 people, counting random passersby that stop and watch from outside.
Pros: Talent. Plain & simple, on a good night here, there is solid talent in the room. The sign up policy is good too, first come first serve, not a lottery, so the earlier you get there, the earlier you go on, you can pretty much time it yourself, which is great. Also, the environment is really inviting/chill, this is a great place to try out new material as the audience is usually full of fellow performers who are willing to give you feedback which is the main reason we're all there to begin with. People actually listen. Also, the potential for collaboration. A lot of artists there are open to teaming up and trying new things, and a lot of "waltzers" keep coming back, so if you show up, you can build a camaraderie with other musicians/comedians, etc. which is nice, so you don't feel like the only one flying your freak flag all night. The owners, Pedro & Song Gonzalez, are great people. If you play there a lot (and don't suck), Pedro will help you book your own show at the venue, usually a 45 minute set on the weekend. Last but not least... there's a pretty sweet house piano. It's an old Steinway that Song Gonzalez, a classically trained pianist, has been known to play from time to time to entertain the folk that stop by.
If you end up featuring, performers collect tips from a bucket that Pedro is vocal about passing around. The Open Mic is free with a $10 food/drink minimum.
If you end up featuring, performers collect tips from a bucket that Pedro is vocal about passing around. The Open Mic is free with a $10 food/drink minimum.
Cons: Somewhat of a limited menu, beer & wine, no liquor, which is probably a blessing in disguise. They also have a wide selection of tasty cakes and pastries and seasonal drinks. If you do get hungry, the chicken salad is by far the winning menu item. Also the location is a little bit off the beaten path (24th & Ditmars) so kind of a hike if you don't live in the area.
(11 year-old Ivanna Alexandra performing at Waltz-Astoria. Photo courtesy of Pedro Gonzalez.)
The burgeoning crowd before a feature in July 2012. Photo courtesy of Pedro Gonzalez.)
This review was brought to you by Marissa Dwyer, a songwriter/fashionista/jill of all trades residing in the LES. She's a regular at Waltz-Astoria and has lent her voice as a back-up singer to the music of Matt Frank and Marc Montfleury, as well as performing her own tunes at open mics and in the NYC music scene.
Whoever thought out that building is brilliant because somehow it is perfect for many events such as weddings, parties, receptions and other social gatherings.
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