The Village Voice looks at the effect that real estate prices are having on the music scene: The Sound of the Industry
Why would people agree to pay astronomical rents to live in the new apartment buildings and high-rises that are popping up all over the East Village and the Lower East Side? One big selling point is the neighborhood’s world-class live music clubs—except those same new buildings and high rents are driving the clubs into extinction. Luna Lounge and Fez have both announced that they’re shutting down, at least for the moment, and the future of Tonic and CBGB is in doubt.
Luna Lounge closes at the end of the month. Come by this Friday, Feb. 18, when The Bosch play our last show at the current Luna. We start at 9:30 and will have special guests… Like all shows at Luna, it’s free and there is foosball out front.
Tonic is having special fundraiser shows all month.
Update (2/17): The NY Times picked up the story today: Hard Times for Clubs on East Side. The Times does report that Smalls is set to re-open…
