One week later: Still no word from Rockwood Music Hall after closure

As we first reported, Rockwood Music Hall abruptly closed its doors last Sunday, sending messages to scheduled bands stating that the venue on Allen Street had permanently closed. 

Since then, Rockwood has not made any public statements about the closure, whether on social media or its website. (They did disable the calendar.) There also aren't any messages on the door for patrons. 

The sudden shutter sent the bands set to take the Rockwood stage Sunday and beyond scrambling. For instance, California-based singer and songwriter Arielle Silver found another gig in the neighborhood, as she wrote in the EVG comments. 

We heard from some Rockwood faithful who were disappointed at the club's radio silence, especially after its crowdfunding appeal in June 2023 in a bid to remain open. 

Still facing financial challenges, Rockwood announced last November that the venue was "getting back to basics" and closing its Stage 2 space, which debuted in 2010 with a 175-person capacity. Nick Boder of Baker Falls is opening at the old Stage 2 address, as we first reported. 

Rockwood's Boston outpost also abruptly closed in May, which "came as a surprise to ticket holders as well as artists who were booked to play the venue in the coming days and months." 

Owner Ken Rockwood opened the NYC venue in 2005.

Lower East Side indie mainstay Rockwood Music Hall abruptly closes, musicians say

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Last night, word spread that Rockwood Music Hall had abruptly closed on Allen Street, just south of Houston. 

Yesterday, musicians scheduled to play at the 19-year-old venue beyond Nov. 9 received emails from the venue stating that they had closed effectively immediately. 

Last night, when several musicians were on the bill to perform, the space was dark. Concertgoers were not notified of the closure on-site, online or via Rockwood's social media.

While there was no official notice from the club, there were several social media posts from musicians and journalists about the abrupt shutter.

 

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A post shared by ARIELLE ★ SILVER (@ariellesilver)

Another heartbreaking loss for the city's indie music scene. 😢

I can't even begin to tell you how many great artists I discovered at @RockwoodNYC.

This is an absolute bummer. pic.twitter.com/ZQMMJK2BTj

— Adam Bernard (@AdamsWorldBlog) November 10, 2024

Rockwood Music Hall, facing financial challenges, announced last November that the venue was "getting back to basics" and closing its Stage 2 space, which debuted in 2010 with a 175-person capacity. Nick Boder of Baker Falls is opening at the old Stage 2 address, as we first reported.

Updated 11 a.m.: Bodor told us he has NOT had any conversations with anyone at Rockwood or the landlord about Stage 1. Stage 2 is in a separate space on the same block. While he hasn’t ruled out interest in the former Stage 1, he would consider it if he had investors, though nothing is in place for now.

In June 2023, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles launched a #PreserveRockwood benefit concert series to help keep the indie venue open after the pandemic. Unfortunately, this effort doesn't appear to have been enough in the long term. 

As the June 2023 GoFundMe noted, the closure of Rockwood would end "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."

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.