These kind of venues are rare and yet amazing!! Recently "Los Crudos" played an afternoon show here…read moreand it was just what I wanted. My husband I travelled to Austin, Texas just to see Los Crudos play the Chaos and Tejas festival. And yet we receive a notice that they are playing a show in our own backyard. Bananas! I love the lead signer Martin, who is not only a talented singer but also photographer. He is also a strong believer in the necessity of these types of venues, that help exposed the youth and everyone else to unique and fun musical experience. The show cost me $10 and it was packed in the venue but not as packed as I expected. I will be keeping my ear to the ground for any more upcoming shows. Keep up the good work C-Squat! PS Celebrity Citing---Fat Mike from NOFX was in the crowd in a Cheeto colored mohawk!

Tonight there was a party at C-Squat ("See Skwat") and I went; although I expected to see people I…read moreknew there, I was a little surprised at how many people I knew. It was cool. The atmosphere was post-punk, and there were some very hot bands playing. It reminded me a little of the late great Gusto House on 4th street (before you were born, kiddies) in that walls and ceilings had been knocked out in the performance space to make it a bi-level showplace. Because tomorrow is SantaCon, I saw a couple of Santas there. 'Tis the season.

LOVE IT HERE!! I…read morecame here foe several shows. Most recently the Black Girl Magic Ball. The show was awesome and the venue helped to facilitate that. It was GA and we sat in the front balcony on the left. Best seat in the house. Seeing the entire stage and feeling the music. We were able to take cocktails inside as long as you had the sippy cup. Red or white wine...or a gin and tonic. Will definitely be back for another show.

A Warm, Hilarious Holiday Treat! Oh What Fun! Delivers Joy and Heart…read more "Oh. What. Fun." is everything I hoped for from a holiday movie -- clever, heartfelt, and uproariously funny. Michelle Pfeiffer absolutely shines as Claire Clauster, the exhausted but loving mom who always makes Christmas magical for her family... until this year, when they literally forget to take her along. What follows is a riotously liberating -- and unexpectedly touching -- adventure that reminds us why the holidays should be about joy, connection, and maybe a little bit of chaos. Pfeiffer's performance is the heart of the film. She brings warmth, vulnerability, and comedic timing to Claire, making it impossible not to root for her as she trades holiday perfection for freedom and self-discovery. Her journey becomes a powerful celebration of self-care and putting yourself first -- a message that lands beautifully without ever feeling preachy. The ensemble cast is outstanding. Denis Leary delivers laughs as Claire's befuddled husband Nick, and it's great to see Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Eva Longoria, Jason Schwartzman and others bring color and warmth to the Clauster family's holiday chaos. Together, they create a believable (and wildly entertaining) portrait of a dysfunctional family scrambling to salvage Christmas. Director Michael Showalter has found his holiday groove once again -- the film is loaded with festive spirit, chaotic energy, and real heart. Its pacing is spot-on, mixing laugh-out-loud comedy with touching emotional beats in ways that hit just right. And as a bonus, the soundtrack -- including new music from Gwen Stefani -- adds a cheerful, modern vibe that complements the movie beautifully. In a sea of predictable "Hallmark-style" holiday films, Oh. What. Fun. stands out for being honest, funny, and surprisingly moving. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa, trimming the tree, or just looking for a joyful escape this season -- this movie is a perfect pick. Grab the popcorn, cozy up under a blanket, and get ready to laugh, maybe shed a few tears, and absolutely fall in love with Claire's holiday revolt.

The show was amazing... my very first experience at an orchestrated concert! The Star Wars movie…read morecatalog is one of my favorites. The drinks here were strong and the ambience was delightful... I can't wait til next time.

We finally got back into the hall for a NY Philharmonic concert last week (reviewed separately),…read moreand we came away very pleased. The sound was good, both warm and reverberant, at least in our seats (middle of the orchestra, about 11 rows back from the stage). We marveled at the clarity of the acoustic, and in general the setting with some seating now behind and above the orchestra. The seats are comfortable with a decent amount of leg space unless you're rich over six feet. During intermission we were able to get into one of the patron lounges, which was small but pleasantly arranged with drinks and sweets and some seating spaces. And we stepped out on the balcony overlooking Lincoln Center which, in spite of construction, was a treat (see the photos). All in all, ours was a delightful visit, and we anticipate quite a few more in the 2026-27 philharmonic season.

This place is part of The Meadows complex of venues, on Meadow Street in Bushwick / East…read moreWilliamsburg. The 3 spaces that make this complex up are The Meadows (doy), The Brooklyn Monarch & The Wood Shop. The Wood Shop is the newest & smallest of these spaces & recently got some good improvements. When it first opened, there was no stage - bands performed on the floor at same level as the crowd & the PA speakers were stacked on the floor, Stage Left & Right, obscuring sight lines. The good news is that they put in an actual stage & hung the PA stacks from the ceiling so sight lines & sound are much better now! Overall it's a small venue with no frills & a great place to see bands you love!

I recently had the chance to catch a show at The Wood Shop which is a small venue located on Meadow…read moreStreet in Williamsburg. It's right on the same block as The Brooklyn Monarch and The Meadows and those are two staple venues for Heavy Metal shows over the last couple of years. Upon entry you will find yourself in a bit of an "L" shaped space with the bar on your right along with some lounge space and to your left is the main stage and general admission standing room only space. The bar area was nice and had plenty of room for those who wish to just attach to it and have a few adult beverages but there are no stools to be found if you were hoping to perch for an extended period. Prices seemed to be standard for such an establishment but since I don't drink I couldn't tell you how bad it was on the wallet in general. I only had a bottle of water which a friend gave me and that was appreciated. Lately I try not to drink anything since I have a bit of an MTA haul after a show and one doesn't need to risk needing a place to go as those options are pretty rare but enough about the shortcomings of the MTA. This venue is a brief walk from the L train "Grand Street" stop if you are using that over a car. The stage seemed sizable and the main group performing had four members. I think the openers had the same with one having an additional musician on the stage with them. The more bands the more crowding for the earliest sets since the main is set up and left along until its their time. There are about a handful of big throne like chairs that are super comfy and might make for a good photo if you wanted one. While I cannot gauge the true capacity off the top of my head, I felt that all of the bands that I recently caught there brought in about 100 people so if you're an artist and can bring that or close to it you might want to reach out to them. The lighting I felt needed to be a little less red but the sound was solid and according to some folks who know the room said that it comes from the Kingsland Club that had closed a number of months ago. The atmosphere on my visit was too dark for proper perspective photos but there is always a next time.

What's the best way to get to Carnegie Hall? PRACTICE!…read more Rich in history since it opened in the late 1800's, it has been one of NYC's and our nation's most prestigious homes for musicians, singers, performers. Excellent acoustics, from all seats. Treat yourself, they have an extensive calendar... classical, broadway, modern, jazz, etc.

Last night we attended a Jacob Collier concert at Carnegie Hall…read more I love Carnegie Hall. And my five star reviews still hold. We always get fairly decent seats, but not last night. Literally last row. I could practically touch the ceiling. My daughter bought the tix -- they weren't cheap -- we could barely see Jacob (that's not so important) but there's an echo as you ascend. (And that IS important at a concert.) There was a guy in front of us, maybe 6', not huge, who was too tall for his seat. There was no room for his legs or feet. He stood for two hours. Then a corpulent gentleman plopped down in the vacated seat. He didn't fit. So --- a big NO to the top of Carnegie Hall. But a big YES to Jacob Collier. His talent is astounding and his covers of music I grew up with are innovative and simply fabulous.

New York City may be one of the few cities in America where there are so many active jazz clubs…read morewith good bookings that there are hard choices to be made. A personal friend who is a lifelong jazz writer and knows the work of practically every American jazz musician currently performing or who has ever performed strongly recommended a gig at Jazzcultural. He predicted a weak piano leader and five legendary side players for a night never to forget. He was pinpoint right on every single prediction. The rankings of where to go in New York change with who is playing on what nights. Most of the Jazz Critic's preferred clubs are in Brooklyn. Village Vanguard - a long standing institution that has not closed or gone downhill - and Jazzcultural were his two top Manhattan picks. I would believe him.

Great vibe. A chill newer jazz spot in Hell's Kitchen on restaurant row. We stumbled upon this gem…read moreyou guys. $25 for bar seats and $40 for studio seats. We were in the front row and it was an amazing set by The George Garzone Quartet! You can buy drinks and start a tab while you enjoy the jazz music Miles is one of the managers/proprietors. They have live jazz music Wednesday through Sunday!

The National Jazz Museum of Harlem (NJMH) is located on W. 129th Street in Harlem. It is blocks…read moreaway from Corner Social, Sylvia's & other popular establishments / stores that are on 125th Street. NJMH is a beautfully cozy, intimate & casual museum. Merch is available for purchase alongside the front desk by the museum's front entrance. NJMH has "Sounds of Harlem" - 1932 Night Club Map of Harlem that guided people to Harlem's most popular night spots at that time. Duke Ellington's original handwritten manuscript for song entitled "Harlem Air Shaft." & Duke Ellington's Baby Grand Piano have been upon display at National Jazz Museum of Harlem. Jazz is one of my favorite genres of music, and I look forward to always visiting this museum where Jazz ic celebrated. Fantastic events / exhibits have been held throughout the years & include the following: 1.) Performances by Jazz Power Initiative & Virgin Island Jazz Collective. 2.) The Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam w/ Nikara Warren & Saxophonist Craig along w/ Dr. E & Jazzpower. Nikara Warren performed selections from her debut album, "Black Wall Street." 3.) "The Soul of Jazz in American Adventure" Exhibit - based on Disney / Pixar's "Soul". 4.) During the height of the pandemic, virtual events included DJ Tony Touch's Afro- Latin Roots Dance Party & the Crib Collective Concert. 5.) Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz's "Jazz In The Vortex: Poetry, Healing & Self-Archaeology" Exhibit. 6.) Live Jam Sessions are held throughout the year. The "Eately Uptown Jazz Session" was one of my favorites. 7.). Special tap dancing performance recently held in honor of Jazz Tap Dancer "Baby" Laurence Jackson to celebrate his 103rd Birthday! Website - jmih.org / jazzmuseuminharlem.org Instagram - natljazzmuseum Hours of Operation - Thurs. - Sat. 12pm- 5pm When one Checks-In to unlock their special offer, one can get a free NJMH mug w/ a $15 donation.

I organized a field trip for two of my kindergarten classes to take a trip to the museum for Black…read moreHistory Month and we all loved it. The kids were very engaged thanks to our host who had the kids be in their own band. The kids learned and were enthusiastic to participate. The programs they provide for kids are great and everyone left in smiles

What a fantastic place for a jazz show. Marjorie is a national treasure and warmly welcomed us into…read moreher home. Her son provided drinks and snacks. Top notch musicians and an intimate venue. A truly special experience. There is nothing like this. I wish could go back every week. A magical experience.

MARJORIE is a wonderful woman; an elegant lady. Opening her home for jazz concerts, she is warm and…read morewelcoming. When she plays the piano, it is like silk. Her son,RUDEL, also plays the piano and sings. They are accompanied by a stand-up base player, trumpet, and woodwinds. All are amazing talents.