Goodbye for now to HaveAHeart Studio, the rehearsal space below New Double Dragon

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy 

It was a bittersweet message and offer from musician Cheri Leone in the EVG inbox that had us replying with an immediate “yes!” Did we want to tour one of the last of the underground East Village music studio spaces before it was closed for “renovations?” 

I met up with Cheri and bandmate Matty Karas (together they are the Trouble Dolls) and we venture downstairs, under New Double Dragon at 37 First Ave. between Second Street and Third Street, into the subterranean area that houses their rehearsal space. 

As I get busy snapping photos in the basement, we talk about the space, who else shares the studio (various two- and four-legged friends) and the possible plans for the building.

How did you get the rehearsal space? Where will you go next? 

We found out about the space from a friend of a former bandmate who lived nearby on Third Street. We’ve been rehearsing there, with the Trouble Dolls and various other bands and/or projects, for about 23 years. 

I have no idea where we’ll end up, but we’re actively looking for a new home. I’ve been canvassing the East Village, talking to landlords, brokers — really, talking to any strangers on nearby streets who look like they live in the area — and asking if they know of any available basement spaces for rent. Affordable urban caves are hard to come by! 

Does the space have a name? 

At some point I named the space HaveAHeart Studio, both as a tribute to our (small, furry) part-time cohabitants in the basement, and because I happened to be dealing with some larger, more callous rats at the time, and thought it might act as a word-charm against assholes. 

Who else used the space? 

Pre-COVID there were a few more musicians in there; now it’s Matty, Chris (Trouble Dolls drummer) and I, Rob (East Ghost West Ghost), and Jason (Afroskull, Dark Streets).

Any information about the building? Any chance you can come back once they renovate the space? Or do you think it will be sold and that question will be moot? 

We’re not sure what will happen to the building... Word is that major renovations are planned. [Background here.] BTW shout out to Shawn [Lin] and his family at New Double Dragon! People of the East Village: order big and order often from New Double Dragon, while you still can.

We have been invited back to the future, fabulously renovated 37 First Ave.; hope that offer is good. Decades of EV-infused music have been made at this location. The landlords shouldn’t kill that ancient mojo.

Sauce returns to service on 12th Street

After a months-long closure, the Sauce Pizzeria outpost at 345 E. 12th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue is back in service. (Thanks to the reader for the tip!)

A sign for patrons, dated Dec. 16, stated that they "have made the tough decision to close our doors for the next few months." And: "We are planning to relaunch this location with great enthusiasm, and we look forward to serving you again soon!" 

The reopening coincides with a fresh colorfully painted storefront...

Sauce arrived here in 2018. 

The pizzeria also has outposts on the Lower East Side (Allen at Rivington) ... plus Brookfield Place and Moynihan Train Hall.

Wednesday's parting shot

A post-downpour view of the Christodora House early this evening...

Report: East Village musician Jesse Malin paralyzed from the waist down after spinal stroke

Photo by Katrina del Mar via Sweet Relief 

East Village-based singer-songwriter Jesse Malin was left paralyzed from the waist down after suffering an extremely rare spinal stroke in early May, according to published reports. 

Rolling Stone was first to report about this: 

Gathered with friends to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Howie Pyro, Malin's former D Generation bandmate and best friend, he felt a burning pain in his lumbar region that slowly migrated down his hips, through his thighs, and into his heels. 

He collapsed onto the floor of the restaurant, unable to walk. "Everybody was standing above me like in 'Rosemary's Baby,' saying all these different things, and I was there not knowing what was going on with my body," Malin says during a phone call from his room at an NYU rehab facility. 

The stroke occurred on May 4. He described what his life has been like since then:

"This is the hardest six weeks that I've ever had," he says. "I'm told that they don’t really understand it, and they're not sure of the chances. The reports from the doctors have been tough, and there's moments in the day where you want to cry, and where you're scared. But I keep saying to myself that I can make this happen. I can recover my body." 

After a two-week stint at Mount Sinai, Malin was transferred to an NYU facility. 

His days consist of three rounds of physical therapy and rehabilitation, with the short-term goal of teaching him how to move his body without the use of his legs and do daily tasks. When he's discharged later this month, he'll be in a wheelchair and have to relocate from his current walk-up apartment to a new ADA-compliant one with an elevator. It won't be cheap. 

David Bason, Malin's manager, and a group of friends launched a campaign via the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to raise money for the singer's care and recovery. Find more details here. 

Malin, a Queens native and longtime East Village resident, is a partner in several local establishments, including Niagara, 96 Tears and the Bowery Electric.

Celebrating downtown nightlife legend Brian Butterick, aka Hattie Hathaway

Howl! Arts/Howl! Archive is celebrating the life of downtown nightlife legend Brian Butterick, aka Hattie Hathaway, in a new exhibit that opens tomorrow. 

Here's more via the EVG inbox: 

Howl! Arts/Howl! Archive is is pleased to present "Brian Butterick {Hattie Hathaway} and all they loved" — the first exhibition celebrating the life of Brian Butterick, also popularly known as Hattie Hathaway, his performance drag persona. 

Drawn from Butterick's personal archives in Howl's collection, on view will be documents, images, and writings by Brian as well as artists and performers in his orbit, including many never seen before objects. 

A publication with additional content will be published later in the year alongside a Brian Butterick/Hattie Hathaway portal on www.howlarts.org. 

The opening reception is tomorrow (Thursday) evening from 6-9 at Howl! Arts/Howl! Archive, 250 Bowery between Houston and Stanton. 

"Brian Butterick {Hattie Hathaway} and all they loved" will be on display through July 30. Hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Butterick died in January 2019 from lung cancer at age 62. 

Image via Howl! Arts/Howl! Archive 

Sunny has retired, but her popular flower shop remains in the family

Top two photos by Stacie Joy 

After 30-plus years on the SE corner of Second Avenue and Sixth Street, Sun "Sunny" Ja Hwang has retired from her eponymous shop, provider of arguably the best flowers in the city. 

However, fear not, fans of Sunny's Florist: the business remains in the family and the new owners will carry on Sunny's tradition of attentive customer service and high-quality fresh-cut flowers and bouquets.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy met the new owner, Alice Pi, Sunny's niece who bought the shop from her aunt. She'll be assisted by her parents, Peter and Okhyun Pi.

Alice reports that all is well with Sunny. Expect to see her back here helping out during busy holidays and special occasions. (Sunny's son Eddie, also a regular presence here through the years, decided last year to pursue a new career.)

Alice says that she has enjoyed hearing how much people liked Sunny and how she'd often serve as a therapist to regulars while getting their flowers wrapped to go. 

Sunny's Florist is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-8 p.m. 

While "beloved" is an often overused word when describing a business or business owner, in the case of Sunny, it really does apply...

Photo of Sunny from February by Lola Sáenz, who initially tipped us off to her retirement.

Taking a look inside the incoming Target on Union Square

Work continues over at 10 Union Square East in the base of the Zeckendorf Towers ... where a Target is slated to open later this year. 

Plywood now covers some of the windows... and with handy blogger portals that offer views of the under-construction interior...

To recap!

In February 2020, news broke (via the Post) that Target had signed a lease for a 33,000-square-foot store here. The current tenant, Food Emporium, had a lease until April 2023. Ultimately, the grocer shut down early — in May 2021. 

As previously noted, the space that was once pub-crawl hotspot SideBar on the SW corner of 15th Street and Irving Place is now part of the Target. 

The company's "Future store openings" page doesn't mention a specific opening date. Or even a year. Previous media accounts put the debut at later 2023.

Meanwhile, the Target on 14th Street and Avenue A is coming up on its fifth anniversary. We're looking forward to seeing who might be playing at TRGT on this occasion!

About 'Ecosex and the City'

The East Village-based Performance Space New York is presenting a new program, "Exploring the Earth as Lover: Ecosex and the City," featuring Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens — and 100 of their friends.

Via the EVG inbox: 

[This is] the first-ever iteration of their abundant ecosexual gathering on the East Coast. In this (anti) symposium and performance art happening, attendees can participate in forging new relationships with the environment and social justice; engaging in human/non-human collaboration; critiquing calcified ideologies; and creating new sexualities — all through the lens of an environmentalism that is feminist, queer, sensual, sexual, posthuman, materialist, exuberant, and steeped in humor. 

There are performances scheduled for June 15, 16, 17 and 18. Find more details here. (The sidewalk ecosex event originally scheduled for this afternoon is now happening tomorrow.) 

Performance Space New York is at the NE corner of First Avenue at Ninth Street.

Tuesday's parting shot

Photo by Mark H. 

There is A LOT of juvenile red-tailed hawk activity now in Tompkins Square Park in recent days... as Amelia and Christo's three 2023 offspring have fledged and are testing their wings and practicing their staredowns. 

Many more photos TK in the days ahead.

Saturday afternoon with Tits Dick Ass

Photos by Stacie Joy

Local trio Tits Dick Ass were among the bands on the Show Brains-hosted concert lineup Saturday afternoon in Tompkins Square Park.

TDA are part of a newish wave of sex-positivity groups such as cumgirl8 and Girl Dick... and a band more and more people seem to be talking about. 

Here's a look at Julia (lead vocals/guitar), Seth (bass) and Nick (drums) making fans in Tompkins with their galloping anarchic art punk... 

Follow TDA on Instagram for more upcoming shows and details on their forthcoming debut record, Burn a Bitch. (You can read a Q&A with the band here.)

And in the TDA audience...

Tree limb down in Tompkins Square Park

For the third time in the past month, a tree branch has fallen in Tompkins Square Park.

Goggla shares this photo from this morning... showing the broken branch on the tree east of the main lawn and along the Eighth Street and Ninth Street entrances on Avenue B. 

From the silver lining department, unlike the last two fallen limbs (here and here), this did not occur in an area where people would be walking, sitting, etc.

Community group urges Mayor Adams to reacquire the former P.S. 64/CHARAS 'now'

EVG file photo via Stacie Joy 

The coalition Save Our Community Center, CHARAS, former P.S. 64 (SOCCC-64) has embarked on a new letter-writing campaign to urge Mayor Adams to reacquire the long-vacant property on Ninth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C. 

Per the campaign site: 

The time is past due for the city to act in the interest of the community and intervene to restore this once-vital community resource to its former use. 

Send a letter to the Mayor asking him to take steps to reacquire CHARAS now! 

You can find the link here. 

The campaign is the first activity we've heard from here since mid-March, when the day before the foreclosure auction of the address, developer Gregg Singer put the long-vacant property into bankruptcy protection, the latest maneuver in a long saga.

On March 15, SOCCC-64, community leaders and residents hand-delivered a letter from local elected officials — including Councilmember Carlina Rivera, Congressman Dan Goldman, Assemblymember Harvey Epstein and State Sen. Brian Kavanagh — to City Hall requesting a meeting as soon as possible to discuss reacquiring 609 E. Ninth St.

The five-floor landmarked building is zoned for "community facility use," Any conversion to residential housing would require a zoning variance. The long-standing Stop Work Order and Full Vacate are still on file with the Department of Buildings.

Singer wanted to turn the building into a dorm (more here), though those plans never materialized. 

In late December, New York State Justice Melissa Crane ordered the foreclosure and sale of the former P.S. 64 with a default, including penalties and interest totaling approximately $90 million.

The property that Singer purchased from the city in 1998 for $3.15 million fell into foreclosure last year and was reportedly in the hands of lender Madison Realty Capital.  

In October 2017, then-Mayor de Blasio's statement at a Town Hall put forth the idea that the city would take steps to reacquire the building. According to published reports, the Mayor said he'd work to "right the wrongs of the past."  (Recently revealed emails show that de Blasio's aides thought his efforts to buy the property were "nuts.") 

Some residents want to see the space used again as a community center, as it was during its time as Charas/El Bohio Community Center. Singer evicted the group on Dec. 27, 2001. 

Signage alert: Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart on 2nd Avenue

Signage has arrived on the sidewalk bridge for the next tenant at 166 Second Ave. — Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart. (Thanks to Choresh Wald for the photo!) 

The EV outpost here between 10th Street and 11th Street will be the second in Manhattan after the brand's first arrival in Koreatown in 2021. 

Here's more about the company, which first launched in Malaysia in 2016: 

Inspired by the distinctly cheesy taste of Hokkaido dairy — and using a traditional recipe from Japan's dairy heartland—it is not surprising that the famed Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart has been a huge hit throughout Asia. We've successfully launched in Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Indonesia, Brunei and China. 

And! 

The appeal of the Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart is its combination of a crunchy, shortcrust base and fluffy filling, all pulled together with a deliciously cheesy aroma. Tantalizing and versatile, the Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart can be eaten at room temperature, chilled, or fresh from the oven...

Nothing has had much staying power at his address since the Dunkin' Donuts closed in early 2010. Recent restaurant concepts have included Meyhane, Medina's Turkish Kitchen, Entrez Bar & Grill, Farfasha, Dinah, Pomodora and Luna Cafe Lounge.

Almost-opening report: Memphis Seoul on 1st Avenue

Memphis Seoul is moving closer to a grand opening here at 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (Thanks to Steven for the photos!)

Door signage stated how excited they were to be joining "this amazing and vibrant community." 

The sign, recently removed, also mentions that their opening was "slightly delayed by building issues with Con Edison."     

An Instagram post from Saturday says they will be open later this month.

This is the second location for the restaurant, which describes itself as "Southern cookin' with a Korean kick!" (You can check out the menu here.) Founder Bart Hubbuch opened his first Memphis Seoul in Crown Heights. 

Our previous post has more about the restaurant and ownership. 

This address became available after Organic Grill relocated to West Third Street last spring. 

Closings: Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea, Wild Mirrors

After nearly four years at 33 St. Mark's Place, it appears the Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea shop here between Second Avenue and Third Avenue has closed. (Thanks to Steven for the photo.)

The shop has been dark in recent weeks, and the location is no longer on the Yi Fang website. (The site now only lists the Flushing outpost.)

The chainlet took over the space from CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, the Taiwan-based chain that closed in late May 2019 after nearly five and a half years in business.

This space here between Second Avenue and Third Avenue was Rockit Scientist Records until the spring of 2012. There was also, for a sec, Iris Cafe.

Meanwhile, multiple readers have pointed out that the gate has been down at Wild Mirrors, 95 Second Ave., for at least six weeks...

The quick-serve restaurant, offering "healthier options of your favorite food" (burgers! wings!), opened this past November here between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. 

There's no mention of a closure on their website or Instagram account, which hasn't been updated since December. The website mentions that a liquor license is "coming soon."

The space was home for years to Thailand Cafe, which went dark in the summer of 2020.  

How these East Village volunteers finally made Wi-Fi a reality for asylum seekers

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

It has been a never-ending challenge to navigate the red tape and bureaucracy since the city quietly established the East Village respite center for asylum seekers in late May, but we can report some much-welcomed progress.

This past Wednesday, Father Seán Connolly from St. Brigid/St. Emeric met with MedRite reps and the NYC Mesh Wi-Fi install team as we strategized how best to get equipment in place to provide access to the hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers at the former St. Brigid School on Seventh Street and Avenue B.

We toured the roof (where we all stared at the thick yellow wildfire smoke and smog that coated the sky), the electrical room, and the basement and looked in on some classrooms (currently being used as sleeping quarters lined with cots) with window access.    

I'm not this tech-savvy, so I zoned out during line-of-sight, nodes and hubs conversation and used the time to check in with a few of the people who are staying at the site. A gay couple from Russia mentioned (via Google Translate) that their "kidneys are freezing" and requested a mattress or pad, or pillow, and blanket. Two men from Mauritania asked for shoes. I assured them we are getting them in as quickly as possible. I wish I spoke French, as so many asylum speakers here do. 

Then, just when I think we are ready for the Wi-Fi installation, the site supervisor alerted us that approval has not been granted — despite the earlier letter drafted by Father Seán and the church. So the NYC Mesh team is back to square one. 

Paul Gale, a board member at the East Village Community Coalition and tech wizard co-creator of the peak-pandemic era What's Open in the East Village site, bought and donated a T-Mobile hotspot that someone can plug in at a nearby location, and we awaited word on the efficacy of that. 

We disbanded for the day and prepared for Thursday's planned distribution, although the ominous and dangerous air quality casts doubt on this. 

By the following afternoon, the air quality improved enough that we felt safe to do the distribution, although we scaled back the duration and size. While volunteers ran clothing and supplies from the drop-off site at 107 Avenue B, I got everyone on board for the planned Free Store: Site supervisors, MedRite staffers, OEM and security personnel, and officers from the 9th Precinct who are stationed at the site for round-the-clock police presence as mandated by the Mayor. 

The asylum seekers helped the volunteers set up the tables and then patiently waited in line as we got items sorted. We had fewer people today due to the atmospheric conditions. But by now, the system is in place and we had items sorted into categories quickly. Bags up front so each shopper can fill their sacks with needed supplies. Clothes, then bedding and bath, followed by personal care items. Shoes line the wall with a chair nearby so folks can try them on for size.

An EVG reader and volunteer named Helen arrived to assist the lone Mandarin speaker. It turned out that Helen's parents are from the same province as the woman, and they talked about basic needs of the asylum seekers and other challenges they are facing. The woman was relieved to have someone to speak with. 

At the end of the night, she showed me a Google-translated note on her phone thanking us.

Hilary, an EVG reader who lives near the site, donated two soccer balls to the Free Store, and they were a big hit, with impromptu matches breaking out. It was Mauritania vs. Colombia up first. 

We also heard back from the precinct officers trying to get the donated supplies to the Police Academy Gym respite center site in Gramercy Park, but they have, once again, been turned away. An officer lamented, "There has to be a way to get this stuff to the people who need it." 

Meanwhile, the NYC Mesh team mapped out a plan to install equipment on the rectory of the church next door on Avenue B, which will allow access on the courtyard and some of the north-facing windows of the school. The team, helmed by Brian Hall, works for hours getting it up and running, and by the time we left at 8 p.m., dozens of folks have signed on and are receiving service!

Paul made a sign with QR codes and a multi-language approach, and we start handing them out and getting them posted within the building. 

Now limited Wi-Fi is available in two locations — the back of the building with Mesh and in front of the building with Paul's T-Mobile hotspot. This admittedly limited WiFi, which doesn't stretch into the central portion of the building, will allow the asylum seekers to make their immigration calls and check-ins and also message family and friends.

There are smiles. People here could use some much-need positive developments.

If you'd like to volunteer, the next — and last planned distribution on the calendar — is tomorrow, Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please show up at 107 Avenue B during that time frame to assist.

Thank you to all the community members who have taken the time to donate or help out — the effort is truly appreciated.

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Inside the East Village 'respite center' for asylum seekers

• Missed meal deliveries and a need for basics: the developing situation at the East Village respite center for asylum seekers

• At the former St. Brigid School, a generous outpouring of community support for asylum seekers

• Despite the city's endless bureaucracy, East Village residents continue to aid asylum seekers at the former St. Brigid School 

Signage arrives for Downtown Burritos Cocina Mexicana on 1st Avenue

A new era is closer to starting for an old favorite. Signage arrived on Friday for Downtown Burritos Cocina Mexicana at 69 First Ave. (The DTB is short for Downtown Burritos.)

As we first reported, Ivan and Mario Marín, the longtime managers (20 years) of Downtown Bakery, bought the longtime business (established 1990) earlier this spring when the owner decided to retire. 

This came on the heels of a DOH-mandated closure in February for Downtown Bakery operating with an expired health permit. The new owners then decided to spruce up the interior here between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. 

In renaming the business, the brothers mentioned the confusion regarding the inclusion of "Bakery" — people would call and ask about baked goods.

(Thanks to the reader for the signage tip!) 

A Tacombi takeover on 12th Street

Brandage and signage has arrived for the new outpost of Tacombi at 139 E. 12th St. at Third Avenue. 

This is the latest location for the fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain that has 15 outposts in NYC, Miami and Washington, D.C. 

Dario Wolos reportedly started the business from a van in the Mexican beach town Playa del Carmen back in 2006. 

Oh, and those Vista Hermosa Totopos tortilla chips are quite good and have been on sale at Key. 

The previous tenant here, iSouvlaki, closed last summer after a two-year run.