Music venue wanted for former Rockwood Music Hall 2 space on the Lower East Side

A recent arrival on the rental market: 192 Allen St. between Houston and Stanton, the former home of the Rockwood Music Hall 2 space. 

The listing (PDF here) via Gavios Realty Group shows an interest in keeping the space as a music venue...

The listing also notes that the 1,500-square-foot space includes high-end sound equipment, a stage and professional lighting. No word on the asking rent. 

Rockwood Music Hall, facing financial challenges, announced in November that the venue was "getting back to basics" and closing its Stage 2 space. Stage 1 remains in use for live music as it has for nearly 20 years. 

Stage 2 opened in 2010 and was the larger space with a 175-person capacity. (Stage 1 holds 50 people.)

Rockwood Music Hall 'getting back to basics,' closing its Stage 2 space

The financially troubled Rockwood Music Hall announced that the venue at 196 Allen St. is "getting back to basics" and closing its Stage 2 space in the complex between Houston and Stanton.

Here's part of the announcement from Wednesday: 

After careful consideration, we've come to the realization that the best way to secure Rockwood's future is by getting back to basics. That means focusing on the heart and soul of our venue, which is the original room: Stage 1, and relinquishing Stage 2. 

Stage 1 is where it all started 19 years ago, it's where Rockwood's reputation was built and what allows us to pursue our mission of creating a community that supports emerging artists. We will be sending off Stage 2 with three nights of The Lone Bellow from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. The Lone Bellow got their start at Rockwood and are celebrating their 10th anniversary ... 

We offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the campaign to save this NYC cultural institution. Because of you, Rockwood can continue to provide a space in NYC where artists launch & grow their careers and where unforgettable musical moments are made.

Stage 2 opened in 2010 and was the larger space with a 175-person capacity. (Stage 1 holds 50 people.)

In June, the indie venue launched a GoFundMe (which raised $124,670) to help stay open after financial difficulties during the pandemic. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles also launched a #PreserveRockwood benefit concert series.

According to reports, the club closed two other venues in the Rockwood Music Hall complex, Stage 3, and its bar space earlier this year. 

Lower East Side venue Rockwood Music Hall crowdfunding to stay alive

Rosewood Music Hall, 196 Allen St., between Houston and Stanton, is in danger of closing after 18 years of providing multiple stages for independent and emerging musicians. 

As Variety reported, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles launched a #PreserveRockwood benefit concert series that begins on Friday. 

The venue also announced a GoFundMe campaign yesterday to help stay in business. 

Per the appeal: 

Like many small, independent music venues across the country, Rockwood is struggling to stay open. Without the support of artists, the music community and fans of music, Rockwood is in danger of permanently closing, shutting off a vital place for independent and up-and-coming musicians to develop their artistry and give fans the opportunity to discover new music in a live setting. 

You can find the campaign here. Find details on the benefit shows at this link.

Rockwood Music Hall returns with live music starting tonight

Rockwood Music Hall, the venue at 196 Allen St. between Houston and Stanton, reopens this evening with a slate of full-capacity shows scheduled over the next few weeks and into July on Stage 2. 

Per their announcement on Instagram: "For the time being, all upcoming shows will be 100% COVID-19 vaccinated crowds (including artists and staff)." 

For more details and guidelines, check out their link here. You can find a list of shows at this link. 

This is the first time that Rockwood Music Hall has been open since the PAUSE of March 2020. The venue was to celebrate its 15th-anniversary last year. 

Nearby on Stanton Street, Arlene's Grocery has been hosting some in-person events (calendar here). Also nearby: Live music returns to the Mercury Lounge starting on June 26.