NYC TOP 5 VENUES LIST

It's that time again where the Life of a New Yorker shouts out the most notable venues in NYC!

If you would like your venue featured on the list email details and location to jherelleb@gmail.com

NYC TOP 5 VENUES

1. Saturday Mass Mic @ Nicholas Brooklyn

Every Second Saturday of the month Nicholas Brooklyn opens it's doors to poets, musicians, and performing artists of all kinds. The scent of healthy delicious dishes and incense mingle with creative vibes and to top it off, they have free wine! Shop for some jewelry, natural products, cultural garments, books and more while being entertained and be sure to get there early for a spot on the open mic list!

 570 Fulton St, Brooklyn NY 11217

Nicholas Brooklyn Website

2. Babble
"Founded in 2010, Babble in the Bronx is an open mic series that provides artist a platform to come and share there talents to a live Bronx audience in an intimate venue located in the Castle Hill Section of the
 Bronx."

Babble in the Bronx Spoken Word Open Mic Series

3. Brooklyn Swirl
Brooklyn Swirl claims they have "the best frozen yogurt in Brooklyn" and it's up to you to choose from various flavors of yogurts and smoothies to prove them right or wrong. They also hold events and host kid parties from time to time at this unique venue located in the heart of Bed Stuy.

445 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn NY 11216
http://brooklynswirl.com/

4. FIERCE
Fierce is an organization dedicated to building and developing the leadership power of LGBTQ youths of color in NYC. According to their site, " FIERCE is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of social justice movement leaders who are dedicated to ending all forms of oppression." They host and participate in several events every month.

147 W 24th St. New York, NY 10011
http://www.fiercenyc.org/

5. Sugar Cane
This spicy restaurant near downtown was voted "Best Caribbean restaurant in New York" according to their website. The food is delicious but it is a little on the pricey side so come prepared to spend plenty U.S dollars if you plan on wining and dining at this spot. They also have a full bar and event space available.

238 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn NY 11217
http://www.sugarcanerestaurant.com

Top Five Venues List: Brooklyn Edition

Tis the season for sweaters and cuddling....As fall approaches and summer takes it last bow, The Life Of A New Yorker is happy to present The Top Five Venues List once again. 

This is a very special edition of the Venues List as we have decided to honor a very important chunk of this glorious city that makes a constant significant contribution to the culture, population, and popularity attributed with NYC.

 Where Brooklyn at?! Where Brooklyn at?! 

 According to Wikipedia, "Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with about 2.5 million people and the second-largest in area. Brooklyn has played a major role in various aspects of American culture including literature, cinema and theater. The Brooklyn accent is often portrayed as "typical New York" in American television and film". 

Thanks Wiki for that heartfelt description!

Now lets really give credit where credit is due. Brooklyn is more than a cliche television accent from a 1980s mobster, which is actually rarely heard in most Brooklyn areas.

Brooklyn is alive like the blinding lights and vibrant colors on every building and every block. Brooklyn is Cobble Hills, and projects, street art, and West Indian/ Mediterranean/ Latin and Fast Food. Brooklyn is EVERYTHING you could possibly think of that is diverse and inadvertently represents NYC culture. 

Now with that out the way lets get to our Countdown and explore some of these Brooklyn Gems.

BROOKLYN VENUES LIST

1. Nicholas (Brooklyn)

Nicholas Brooklyn is a "cultural one stop shop" that has been serving up a variety of bath/body items, books, jewelry, apparel, and much more since 1974. Located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn on Fulton street, Nicholas provides a unique shopping experience, smells of scented incense, and often hosts open mic poetry/music events. 

570 Fulton St, Brooklyn NY 11217

www.nicholasreggae.com

2. Red Hook Initiative

Red Hook Initiative (RHI) is a non profit organization located in the neighborhood of Red Hook (South Brooklyn). RHI was the center for the community during Hurricane Sandy, which devastated Red Hook as well as other parts of Brooklyn. The organization is open 5 days a week; Monday through Friday and offers a variety of useful information, programs, resources and services to individuals and families of all ages in the community.

767 Hooks Street, Brooklyn NY 11231

718-858-6782

rhicenter.org

3. Kota Cafe

 

 Kota is an eccentric cafe located on Atlantic Ave downtown Brooklyn serving up Vegan cuisine, fresh juice and smoothies for the power boost. They also host a weekly open mic called The Sun Set, "
A weekly spiritual teknowledge party for the wholing of the nation".

 444 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn NY 11217

http://www.yelp.com/biz/kota-cafe-brooklyn

https://www.facebook.com/events/579085825463814/

4. Community Voices Heard

"Community Voices Heard is a member organization of low-income people, predominantly women with experience on welfare, building power in New York City and State to improve the lives of our families and communities." CVS is currently working along side RHI to push for funding in areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy (Red Hook and Coney Island) and improve maintenance conditions/repairs for low income NYCHA residents.

www.cvhaction.org/‎

5. Local 61

Local 61 is a quaint little Bar/Lounge/performance space in Cobble Hill Brooklyn. Their website boasts, "We're a public house - celebrating locally crafted food and the people who make it. If you're interested in the community, we've got your back". They often host events in their upstairs event space like, Brooklyn Poet's YAWP (poetry class and open mic) and will also being featuring a Poetry showcase by the up and coming Artistic Collaboration Team; The Epic XII in September. 

 

 

61 Bergen St, Brooklyn NY  11201

www.61local.com/

 

Only a minuscule area of Brooklyn has been brushed over..barely. 

I guess you'll have to tune in next time to see what more The Life Of A New Yorker (.com) has to offer.

If you are a New Yorker and would like your event or venue featured on the site feel free to email jherelleb@gmail.com with information.

Brooklyn Poet's "YAWP"

There is poetry brewing in Brooklyn.

"Brooklyn Poets is a non-profit literary organization celebrating and cultivating the poets, poetry and literary heritage of Brooklyn, the birthplace of American poetry." Brooklyn has been known to breed some of the world's most notable poets. This dedicated organization holds several events and workshops to engage Brooklyn poets and bring together a community of artists in a safe and inspiring environment.

Every 2nd Monday of the month Brooklyn Poets holds "YAWP" which is a monthly poetry writing class followed by an open mic. For 5$ you can experience both the poetry writing class (taught by a Brooklyn Poet's member or guest poet) and the open mic. 

The next Yawp will be held on September 9th at 61 local on Bergen St. taught by Jeff Simpson and begin at 7pm. The open mic will follow at 8pm and the list fills up fast so visit  http://brooklynpoets.org/events/yawp/ to sign up early and reserve your spot!

The experience is memorable and will definitely keep you on your toes regardless of your experience as a poet. For more information visit the Brooklyn Poets website: http://brooklynpoets.org/

Taken from brooklynpoets.org

Happy Writing!!!

Top Five Venues List

The time has come again for The Life Of A New Yorker's Top Five Venues List! below you will find some of NYC's most intriguing and useful venues.

1. Jambox Recording Studios

Jambox Entertainment offers professional recording services at this top of the line studio equipped with all the essentials for song writers, demos, mixes, mastering and more!

352 7th Avenue, New York NY 10001 

www.jamboxstudio.com/‎

2. Village Underground Open Mic Night

Join an undoubtedly talented group of artists as they come together every weekend to indulge in a night of entertaining live music.

Reoccurring every Sunday evening at 9:00pm

130 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012

thevillageunderground.com/‎

3. YoungMikeyTV.com showcase/ Music Concert & Open Mic

"The .com Community music Concert takes place July 12th @the .com community Lounge. If you're a poet, rapper singer or comedian and take it seriously this is place to showcase your talent."

 Date: July 12th 2013 (Reoccurring every month)

1760 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn NY 11226

 http://www.youngmic-keytv.com/

4. AFRIKART Custom Garments

Custom Garments made and African Fabrics available for all occasions.

295 Livingston St, Brooklyn NY 11217

Website Coming Soon...

5. Perfections Gentleman's Night Club

"The Most trendsetting gentleman's club in Queens, New York with more than 100 exclusive female entertainers hand picked and selected."

 6205 30th Ave, Woodside NY 11377

 clubperfections.com/

Top Five Venues List

1. The Inspired Word Presents; The All-Star Showcase

The Inspired Word series presents the start of the brand new All-Star Showcase! The best of the best comedians, poets, musicians, and storytellers from the Inspired Word.

 **Beginning Thursday, June 20th (Re-occurring the third Thursday of every month)**
BareBurger Restaurant 85 Second Ave, New York NY 10003
http://inspiredwordallstars.eventbrite.com/

2. Club Allure
Lets get grown and sexy! Club allure is a spacious and classy club in Long Island City. Hold your birthday party or event here or just come out to enjoy a Saturday evening with friends.

33-02 Queens Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11101
http://www.cluballurenyc.com/

3. Rimes of The Ancient Mariner Monthly Open Mic

Every Month the legendary Ancient Mariner Phillip Giambri offers this exciting open mic series open to all performing artists in NYC. Admission is 7$ and there is a 21+ age limit.

 **First Thursday of every month**

Identity Bar and Lounge @ 511 East 6th St. New York, NY 10009

https://www.facebook.com/events/417345091686612/

4. The Brooklyn Pyramidz
In addition to ensuring experienced engineers and top of the line equipment/software (Pro tools), this unique studio also offers artist friendly rates of 35$ per hourly session

 1313 Sterling Place Brooklyn NY 11213
https://www.facebook.com/brooklyn.pyramidz?fref=ts

5. Club Amnesia
Club Amnesia has over 35 Spacious V.I.P sections, a state of the art sound and lighting system, & 7,000 Square feet to party in. Located in West Chelsea, Club Amnesia combines non-stop energy and entertainment that give guests an experience not felt in NY nightlife.

 609 West 29th St. New York, NY 10001
amnesianyc.com

Top Five Venues List

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This Museum offers hundreds of events each month—including lectures, films, tours, family activities, and more!

1000 5th Ave, New York NY 10028

www.metmuseum.org/

2. Red Bamboo

This unique and cozy restaurant seasons their food to perfection and carries some of the freshest and tastiest vegetarian cuisine in New York!

140 West 4th St, New York NY 10012

http://redbamboo-nyc.com/site/

3. The Inspired Word's Music Box Open Mic at Funkadelic Studios

Lets get funky! Every first Friday of the month this diverse open mic is open to all musical performance artists.

335 West 35th St, New York NY 10001

http://inspiredwordnyc.com/

funkadelicstudios.com/

4. The Bronx Zoo

The famous Bronx zoo boasts over 4,000 animals and represents about 650 species around the world.

2300 South Blvd, Bronx NY 10460

www.bronxzoo.com/

5. The Woods

Equipped with Full bar, spacious dance floor, and outdoor smoking area patio, "The Woods" makes for a perfect Friday night Adventure.

48 South 4th St, Brooklyn NY 11211

The Woods Website

Top Five Venues List

Back at it again with The Life of A New Yorker's Top Five venues list.

1.  The Barclays Center

Brooklyn's latest sports and entertainment arena and home of the Brooklyn Nets. Catch concerts, games, and events every day of the week at the Barclays!

620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn NY 11217

http://www.barclayscenter.com/

2. The Inspired Word Organic Open Mic at BareBurger Restaurant

Calling all artists! The Inspired Word open mic series is a loving and open community providing a haven for all performing artists to come together and share their work. Each and every Tuesday night this open mic offers 25 5 min slots beginning at 7:00pm.

85 2nd Ave, New York NY 10033

http://inspiredwordnyc.com/

http://www.bareburger.com/

3.  Escuelita ("Escoes")

"Ayyyy Papi Chulo Bailar Conmigo!!!" You may hear quite a bit of these common phrases when visiting Escuelita; a popular club near times square in the NYC homosexual community. Of course Heterosexuals are always welcome to enjoy the colorful festivities! Fridays at escoes everyone gets in free of charge before midnight!

301 W 39th St, Manhattan New York 10018

www.escuelita.com/

4. Play Lounge
The adults place to play while the children are away. Equip with pool tables, bowling lanes, beer bong, flip cup and full bar, the Play Lounge is the perfect place for anyone over 21 to relax and let loose.

77-17 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst NY 11373

http://play-ny.com/

5. Kinokuniya

One of the most interesting book stores in NYC. Kinokuniya is predominately a Japanese book store however their versatile merchandise caters to every type of consumer. Books, snap back caps, office supplies, references, plushies, and collectibles are just a few of the interesting items that can be found while browsing the isles. And if you get hungry, not to worry they have a cafe on the 2nd floor of the establishment where you can enjoy a break and some tasty Asian cuisine.

1071 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10018

http://www.kinokuniya.com/

Whose Working at the Pyramid Tonight?

The Brooklyn Pyramidz Recording Studio also know as "The Pyramid" is most humbly defined as a myriad of  wonders.

 



Featured: Melvin Mescudi Photographer: Marvin Photog

Have you ever been to a party, recording studio, photo/video shoot, performance, and open mic all AT THE SAME DAMN TIME (At the same damn place)? Well, this venue located in East New York with the clever nick-name wraps all of the above in a successful multi-family package. The Life Of a New Yorker salutes The Pyramid for uniting imaginative and talented New York artists one event at a time. And having a phenomenal night while doing it!

 Working at The Pyramid isn't always trippy fun. In addition to ensuring experienced engineers and top of the line equipment/software (Pro tools), this unique studio also offers artist friendly rates of 35$ per hourly session



Don Montage

Located at 1313 Sterling Place Brooklyn, The Pyramid Recording Studio is just a brisk walk from the 3 train (Utica Avenue). For Bookings: CALL 1 (347) 971-8466 And for exciting upcoming events check out their web page directly ---) The Pyramidz

Top Five NYC Venues List

The Life of a New Yorker.com presents the "Top Five New York City Venues" List. Looking for a sleezy titty bar in Brooklyn? How about a sophisticated open mic in Greenwich Village to showcase your talent? Or what about a bite to eat? All of the above and more are included in this week's top five venue list.

 

The Inspired Word

#1

 

Category: Open Mic Series/Live Music

Where: One on One Nexus Lounge / 116 Macdougal St, New York, NY

When:Every Monday and Wednesday Night

Site: inspiredwordnyc.com/

 



 

Webster Hall

#2

 

Category: Night Life/Club/ Concerts

Where: 125 E 11th St, New York NY

When: Weekends (Thursday night = Ladies night)

Site: http://www.websterhall.com/

 

Uno's Bar & Grill

#3

 

Category: Restaurant

Where: 89 South Street, New York NY

When: Monday-Sunday

Site: www.unos.com/

 

 

Cafe Wha

#4

 

 

Category: Night Life/Live Music/Restaurant/Bar

Where: 115 Macdougal St, New York NY

When: Every Night of the Week

Site: cafewha.com/

 

Pumps Bar

#5

 

Category: Night Life/ Adult/ Exotic Dancing

Where: 1089 Grand Street Brooklyn, NY

When: Weekends

Site: pumpsbar.com/



The "Inspired Word" of NYC

 "Looking for a special open mic in downtown Manhattan?

Come to one of the hottest open mics in the country - a stage graced by Grammy nominated singers, HBO Def Poetry stars, American Idol finalists, Golden Globe Award-winning actresses, and poets from The Best American Poetry anthology." - The Inspired Word Blog

Deemed the "country's top venue of the year" by the annual spoken word billboard awards, the Inspired word is an elite open mic series open to all NYC performing artists. Michael Phillip Geffner (founder, producer, and director of the series) has brought together a family of lyrical, poetic, and musical artists in the tri-state area of New York to create this authentically fulfilling open mic experience.

The Inspired Word Family 10.01.2012

This weekly open mic founded in 2009 lives up to it's name. Performing with the Inspired word family has been continuously educating and inspiring. Several times a week I am provided with the opportunity to show case my talents, network with fellow artists, gain exposure, and perfect my craft/ stage presence.

Performing at the Inspired Word 09.19.2012

My first encounter with the Inspired Word family was on Wednesday, September 19th at their weekly venue on 116 Macdougal St (between Bleecker St and Minetta Lane). It was a cozy little cave in Greenwich Village, equip with a small stage, scattered seating, and full bar. The environment reminded me of a speakeasy,  invoking the feeling of revolutionary secrecy. I had done a little research on Geffner before attending the event and he gave me a firm and pleasant hand shake when I walked in and signed up for the open mic.

The show and overall evening was well worth the 10$ cover charge. I nervously sipped on affordable cocktails and wine from the bar while awaiting my turn to perform. The talent was more and more engaging and amusing as the night went on. There were performances from polished comedians such as David Rey Martinez and Pierre Fontenelle. I was in awe of the amazing featured artists of the night, award winning Mariposa (Maria Teresa Fernandez) and Sandy McIntyre (aka Astmaat). Blown away by the energetic performance by musical artist Keon Torres, I realized I might be closing out the show. Turns out I actually was the very last performer of the night, but I was met with friendly and encouraging applause before and following my performance.

Since that first time I have been faithfully attending the Inspired Word open mic events and performing weekly with my Inspired word family. I can honestly say that I have grown as an artist and a performer by being involved in this series and anyone with 10 bucks and something to say can equally benefit from participating.

The Inspired word weekly venues currently include; 

• 116 MacDougal Street (between Bleecker Street and Minetta Lane), Manhattan NY -- Every Wednesday night 7 - 10pm NO AGE LIMIT.
• One and One / Nexus lounge, 76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st ave), Manhattan, NY -- Every Monday night 7-11pm NO AGE LIMIT.
• Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street (between Avenue B and C), Manhattan NY - The FIRST Tuesday of every month, 9pm - Midnight NO AGE LIMIT.
• The Gallery at LPR (le Poisson Rouge), 158 Bleecker Street (Between Sullivan and Thompson), Manhattan NY Please check the website: http://inspiredwordnyc.com/ for more info and dates of this venue.
• Soho Playhouse: Titillating Tongues erotic series, 15 Vandam St Manhattan NY. Certain Tuesdays of the month (Check website) 7:30pm - 8:00pm 18+++

There is a cover charge for each venue and for more information visit the inspired word website; http://inspiredwordnyc.com/ or blog; inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/

Photo taken by Michael Geffner