Come and Gone and Other Goings On in NYC 5.2.11

Monday, May 2, 2011, during the wee hours of the morning, it was announced on the news that Osama Bin Laden had been shot and killed in a compound (more like million dollar mansion) in Pakistan.  People were celebrating at Ground Zero.  Ironically enough, I woke up to the President’s speech regarding the incident.  I watched and went back to sleep in disbelief.

That day I felt the urge to do a bit of exploring of Manhattan, the borough of NYC I live in.  I was specifically considering walking down to Ground Zero, but somehow I just never made it down there.  The city looked no different, and neither did its inhabitants.  I did, however, get inspired to start a visual story I have been meaning to initiate for the past 6 months: photographing the outside of various venues/locations of events I have covered over the past 4 years.  So many have come and gone in that short span of time.

I began with The Players Club at Gramercy.  Built in 1847 for banker Elihu Townsend, and purchased in 1888 by Edwin Booth for $75,000, it is a beautiful Greek Revival Townhouse whose interior is as fantastic as its exterior. Probably one of my most exciting coverage experiences took place there; Dances of Vice: September Songs, A Tribute to Kurt Weill.  I haven’t gotten around to posting any of the photographs here yet.  One of these days I will!

But what is especially interesting about The Players Club?  It’s located right next door to the National Arts Club.  It was mentioned recently in the New York Observer.

Next was Irving Plaza (formerly The Fillmore).  I have seen many, many, many different bands and TYPES of bands here.  I have covered much less, but some I have; Within Temptation, Odalisque (in Ashes), and The Dear and Departed, to name a few, and perhaps all!  But why would it be a place of significance this week for some?  Please look below…

I will probably not be there, but I do know that Combichrist will be literally rocking the house!  After the complete freedom and intimacy of covering them at The Crazy Donkey on Long island, covering only 3 songs at Irving Plaza just doesn’t really cut it.

The significance of the southwest corner of 14th Street and 3rd avenue may not leap to many people’s minds, but it always does for me.  There is great history for many there.  It is the former location of Disco Donut, a popular haunt for many with the munchies in the late 70s and 80s after a live band show and dancing at The Ritz (now Webster Hall).  A guy dressed as a clown on roller skates would frequent there.  It was a bit seedy, the donuts on the stale side, but those in the know knew to stop there for the proximity, late hours, and price point.  Disco Donut has been closed for quite a while now, but to see the whole storefront strip being torn down just makes the end of an era so permanent!  That’s when one realizes how long one has lived in one place.

Webster Hall, formerly The Ritz.  Knew it like the back of my hand.  Still do. 5.4.11 Stevie Nicks will be performing here, $200+ a pop!  Combichrist vs. Stevie Nicks, that’s a tough one!

Rodeo Bar.  A hop, skip, and a jump from home, I know it well.  Have eaten there, have had drinks after work, and have listened to many a band (for free no less!).  Made my first video (of the Phantom Rockers) there.  Lots of good memories.  Might be there Saturday night after a show at The Mercury Lounge (Killcode) to celebrate my birthday close to home.

This article was also published on NowPublic May 4, 2011.

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Revised on February 15, 2012