47- 51 MUSIC VENUES
EACH YEAR, NYC PLAYS HOST TO THE WORLD’S TOP MEGASTARS, WITH VENUES AROUND EACH OF THE FIVE BOROUGHS WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM LIVE
BRONX MUSIC HALL
Despite the Bronx’s musical heritage — its influence on Latin, hip- hop and rock music is considerable — until now, there’s been a significant lack of performance venues in the borough. The Bronx Music Hall, due to open in 2019 as part of the Bronx Commons development, looks set to change that: the 14,000 sq ft cultural and educational space will have just 300 seats but will give the area’s live music scene a much- needed boost. It will also house the Bronx Music Heritage Center, where you’ll be able to learn more about the area’s musical contributions.
whedco.org RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
One of the most iconic music venues in America — and perhaps the world — playing at the Radio City Music Hall is a rite of passage for top entertainers. Built in the 1930s, the art- deco- detailed, 6,000- capacity venue is nicknamed the Showplace of the Nation and was for a time the city’s leading tourist destination. Although it welcomes artists from around the globe, it’s the home of precision dance company The Rockettes — book onto a tour to meet one of the dancers.
radiocity.com MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Big and brash, Madison Square Garden may not be a looker but it’s often the best venue in town for catching touring artists in large- scale performances. Primarily a sports arena that’s home to basketball team the Knicks and ice hockey team the Rangers, the 20,000- seat stadium caters to non- sports fans with bookings such as Adele, Beyoncé and comedians like Amy Schumer. Robyn, P! nk and Ariana Grande all have dates booked here during 2019.
msg.com BROOKLYN STEEL
Less than two years old, Brooklyn Steel is an 1,800- capacity music venue in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. It opened in April 2017 with a sold- out, five- night run from LCD Soundsystem, and has retained an industrial look that pays homage to the building’s roots as a steel manufacturing plant. Expect performances from less mainstream artists who perhaps excel in more intimate venues. Sigrid, Ella Mai and Four Tet will all play at Brooklyn Steel in the coming months.
bowerypresents.com CARNEGIE HALL
Since first opening its doors in 1891, Carnegie Hall’s reputation has grown with the city, with legends such as Louis Armstrong and The Beatles among the acts that have played here. There are actually three auditoriums within, but the main one, the Isaac Stern Auditorium, has 2,804 of the total 3,671 seats. Much of the programming is classical music, with recitals, showcases and competitions all staples of the venue.
carnegiehall. org