Pursuing the Rock

One of the great things about New York City is that it is often less expensive to catch a great rock 'n' roll show than to go to the movies. If you have an interest, be it newfound or long held, in the world of underground or independent rock 'n' roll, New York City is your Mecca. During my three years at Columbia, I've explored and experienced the scene in all sorts of settings. And from this accumulated knowledge, I offer my insights into some of the best (or more appropriately, some of my favorite) places to catch live rock 'n' roll shows.

Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey Street; tickets $10-$35; 16, 18, or 21-and-over shows; www.boweryballroom.com) A pretty large venue that books independent bands that aren't up-and-coming any longer, but haven't reached super-duper rock stardom or crossover success. However, the Bowery plays host to many a fine live show and many a yuppie-type patron. The sound is good, the sight lines are decent, but the top-notch bookings are what makes the venue worthwhile.

Brownies (169 Ave. A; tickets $7-$12; 16, 18, or 21 and over shows; www.browniesnyc.com) Probably my favorite club in all of New York City, Brownies plays host to a diverse array of rock and punk bands while specializing in music that can blow out your eardrums. Sunday nights are often 16+ shows and the presence of the younger set infuses the place with a high-energy atmosphere. The sound is pretty good, the space is tiny and oddly shaped, and the bar serves a solid array of beers. Really, though, it is the "I love rock 'n' roll" feel and the loyal customers that make Brownies awesome.

CBGB Omfug (315 Bowery; tickets $6-$12; 16 to enter, 21 to drink; www.cbgb.com) Not just a rock club, but also an institution. Anyone who has explored a bit of rock 'n' roll history knows about the great punk shows that took place at CBGB's during the '70s and '80s. Today, the place still offers up the dirty rock aesthetic. If you're looking for sanitary and spotless move along, but if you are searching for the sweat and blood that is the basis of rock 'n' roll, look no further. The space is long and relatively narrow with a bar on one side and tables in the back, making it hard to see sometimes. The rock history decor (stickers, old posters, and notes from bands cover the walls) is an adequate distraction if the music isn't.

Irving Plaza (17 Irving Place; tickets $15-$35; 16 to enter, 21 to drink; www.irvingplaza.com) Nestled in NYU territory, this club tends to draw a hipster type crowd for whom I do not harbor a fondness. However, the sometimes pricey shows often feature great acts, and every once in a while NYU's programming board will host a cheap show ($5-$7) featuring up-and-coming indie acts. (Last year, the bill featured Britt Daniel of Spoon, Bright Eyes, and Cat Power.)

Knitting Factory (74 Leonard Street; tickets $7-$15, all shows are all ages; www.knittingfactory.com) Not just a rock club, the Knitting Factory is a great place to catch jazz, avant garde, hip hop, folk, and so much more. It has multiple performance spaces, and I know from experience that the main stage has great sound and good sight lines. The crowds are often older than the college set, but it's a pleasant atmosphere with a good beer selection, CDs from the Knitting Factory's labels available for purchase, and earplugs for sale right at the bar. And if you get the chance, Lou Reed usually plays a couple of nights in spring, which is the quintessential New York City rock 'n' roll experience.

Mercury Lounge (217 East Houston; tickets $8-$20, 21+ unless noted otherwise; www.mercuryloungenyc.com) The little sister of the Bowery Ballroom, this intimate performance space hosts both local and national artists who generally offer up acoustic or mellower full band sets. The sound is great and there isn't a bad place to stand or sit in the small house. Most shows are twelve dollars or less. And seeing as there is no backstage area, it always affords a great opportunity to introduce yourself to a band after they finish their set.