Best of: 18+ Show Spaces

One of the greatest advantages of living in New York is that live music is always playing somewhere. The Lower East Side’s live music scene dates back to the 1960s counterculture movements. It was then cemented by punk and post-punk of the 1970s and 1980s, respectively. The number of music venues has seemingly exploded over the last decade as gentrification has made the neighborhood safer. Brooklyn followed suit starting in the early 2000s, with rapid development in Williamsburg in particular. New York is arguably nothing without its rich music scenes, and some concert spaces have taken that sentiment to heart, opening their doors to all ages, and after the legendary rock club CBGB closed, these 18+ and all-age venues are needed more than ever.

Smalls

Columbia students are exposed to jazz, a quintessential American art form, in Music Humanities. There are few better ways to appreciate it than in New York’s premier jazz club, Smalls (183 W. 10th St., at Seventh Avenue). Established in 1993, the venue has attracted masters such as Frank Hewitt, Tommy Turrentine, and singer Marion Cowings, who formerly taught Harry Connick Jr. and now hosts a vocal class on Sundays at 1 p.m. Smalls also enjoys a reputation as the preferred late-night hangout for jazz greats and professionals. Although the club charges a $20 cover, the cost allows attendees to freely enter and exit the space all evening ($10 after-hours, around 10 p.m.). Under-21 fans are welcome to join the proceedings, such as the thrilling Sunday night jam sessions.

Arlene's Grocery

Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton St., between Orchard and Ludlow streets) is a veritable institution in the Lower East Side. A converted grocery store, the venue has drawn some of the best local and national bands since 1995. The Strokes had a residency here back in 2000, which was then taken over by The Bravery. Most shows are 18+, and the cover is usually $10, if not free. Furthermore, hanging out on the ramp outside can lead to some fantastic NYC memories.

The Knitting Factory

Sometimes the victims of gentrification in the city aren’t residents but resident music venues. The Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave., at Havemeyer Street) is one such victim, having been priced out of the West Village a few years ago. Thankfully, the 18+ venue relocated to Brooklyn recently, taking advantage of the cheaper rent with a bigger space that somehow feels more intimate with its warm decor than its West Village incarnation. The sound system has also been greatly improved, perfect for enjoying the fantastic local and smaller national acts regularly featured at the venue.

Pete's Candy Store

Williamsburg has no shortage of music venues. Noteworthy 18+ venues, however, are few and far between. Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St., between Richardson and Frost streets) is a welcome addition to the area. First off, the food is fantastic. The roasted turkey, white cheddar, and spicy aioli sandwich is a required experience at the club. The artists, on the other hand, are eclectic, fresh, and are all radio-worthy. The venue also hosts various events that are lots of fun. Bring friends and compete in the Wednesday night Quiz-Off for a $75 bar tab (good for virgin drinks, too, but be sure to tip).