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Live Music:
The above map illustrates some of the best place to see live music within Greenwich Village and Soho. Indicated above, and described below, are a selection of some of the more interesting nightlife locations that host a variety of bands in the great tradition of live music in this area.
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1. Cafe Wha?, 115 MacDougal Street, between Bleecker and Minetta Streets
Since the 1950s Cafe Wha? has been a favorite hot spot cornered in the heart of Greenwich Village. Artists of the time frequented Cafe Wha? as it was known to be a sanctuary for talent; Allen Ginsberg regularly sipped cocktails here. The Cafe Wha? was the original stomping ground for prodigies Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Bruce Springsteen, Peter, Paul & Mary, Kool and the Gang, as well as comedians, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby also began their road to stardom on this historic stage. The Cafe Wha? encompassed the Beat Generation and continues to hold tight to its spirit, entertaining all walks of life.
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2. Arthur's Tavern, 57 Grove Street, between 7th Avenue and Bedford Street
Arthur's Tavern has been entertaining New York City since 1937 with the best of live jazz and blues music. Arthur's Tavern is an internationally recognized nightclub located for more than 60 years in a designated historic building in the heart of the West Village. Arthur's hosts outstanding live jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, and Dixieland jazz music every night of the week, and there is never a cover charge for live music. Called the Home of the Bird, this is the last continuously operating New York City jazz club once regular host to the legendary Charlie Parker and the great Roy Hargrove.
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3. The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker, between Thompson and LaGuardia
Since 1962, the Bitter End has been hosting new talent as well as established musicians. Major albums by such stars as Peter, Paul and Mary, Randy Newman, Curtis Mayfield, Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, The Isley Brothers, Tommy James, and the Serendipity Singers have been recorded live at the Bitter End. Other noteable performers include Bob Dylan, Harry Chapin, Tim Hardin, Phil Ochs, Neil Diamond, Woody Allen, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Ricky Nelson, Nina Simone, Dustin Hoffman, Charles Aznavour, Lily Tomlin, Stevie Wonder, Kris Kristofferson, Joni Mitchell and George Carlin to name but a few.
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4. Blue Note, Jazz Club, 131 West 3rd Street, between 6th Avenue and MacDougal
Since its inception in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the premier jazz clubs in the world, treating deserving artists with respect, while allowing patrons to see the world's finest jazz musicians in a close, comfortable setting. Artists who have played here include Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente. What makes Blue Note so special is that on a given night, anything can happen. It is not uncommon to see the likes of Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Liza Minelli, and Quincy Jones get called up on stage from the audience to sit in.
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5. Don Hill's, 511 Greenwich at Spring Street
Don Hill's host a variety of DJ's spinning, and bands playing, hot metal and rock to classic 80's dance tunes. Be sure to check the schedule, as the crowds are in tune with the performers.
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6. S.O.B.'s (Sounds of Brazil), 204 Varick Street at West Houston
S.O.B.'s hosts the very best in African, Brazilian (and other South American Countries), music as well as a variety of performers and music from Latin American Countries. Also serving fine food and the chance to dance, S.O.B.'s should be a stop on every music lover's way through the Greenwich Village and SoHo area.
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7. The Red Lion, 151 Bleecker Street at Thompson Street
The Red Lion is widely known as a premier live music venue in the city. Sought after New York artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Milo Z, Dana Fuchs, and The Nerds, along with an array of national acts regularly play to eager audiences nightly.
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8. Sullivan Hall (formerly the Lion's Den), 214 Sullivan Street, between Bleecker and West 3rd Street
Sullivan Hall is a 345 capacity music and event venue located on Sullivan Street. Sullivan Hall is the ideal venue for both performers and fans alike, who favor the setting of a live band experience. There is now a state of the art sound and lighting system, and the space has near perfect sight lines. Even on a sold out show, you will have an intimate experience with your favorite performers at Sullivan Hall.
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9. Kenny's Castaway's, 157 Bleecker, between Sullivan and Thompson Streets
Since 1967, Kenny's Castaways has been the house that Rock built. Bruce Springsteen played his very first New York gig here. The New York Dolls, Patti Smith, Aerosmith, Rod Stewart and the Ramones are all part of Kenny's history. One of the last remaining authentic rock 'n' roll bars in New York City, Kenny's Castaways is your destination for real music, raw energy, and rockin' good times.
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10. Wicked Willy's, 149 Bleecker Street, between
A relatively new entry to the established bar and stage sceene on Bleecker Street. This one sets itself apart with Beer Pong, and other beer drinking games, and happy hour until 9pm.
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11. The Back Fence Bar, 155 Bleecker, corner of Thompson Street
Sandwiched in the very heart of the Greenwich Village music scene by the likes of The Bitter End, The Red Lion and Kenny's Castaways, The Back Fence has been an entertainment hot spot for 60 years! The Back Fence has two or three entertainers every night playing every style of music, a great atmosphere with lots of beer on tap and free peanuts that you shell on a sawdust covered floor. The bar opens at 4 pm everyday (earlier on weekends) and closes the doors at 4 am.
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