support needed for Manhattan Music Society | NEW 3000-capacity BOWERY PRESENTS VENUE

First the Music Hall of Williamsburg, now Manhattan Music Society

Dear Friend of Live Music,

I am pleased to let you know about New York's City's newest venue - Manhattan Music Society. Like our other live music theaters at Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge, Manhattan Music Society will present the finest quality performances in a world class facility. With a capacity of nearly 3,000, Manhattan Music Society will allow us to showcase bigger name performers at reasonable prices, and create a "step up" for those who have outgrown our other stages.

Unfortunately, many people want to prevent the opening of any new venues or close existing ones (even if the exiting ones are good neighbors). Since you are familiar with Bowery Ballroom and The Mercury Lounge, you know that our track record as a good neighbor is impeccable.

Manhattan Music Society is opening at 610 West 56th Street, a site that is saddled with a long history. While our plans will erase those old problems we are subject to a negative campaign by a few people, even after working closely with our new neighbors.

I am asking you - as someone who understands the quality and safety of our other venues - to help us by letting Community Board 4 know that you support Manhattan Music Society. Community Board 4 will be meeting to approve (or deny) our license at 6:00 pm Wednesday evening, February 7, at Fulton Center Auditorium (119 Ninth Avenue, between 17th and 18th Streets). I hope that you can attend to let Community Board 4 know that Manhattan Music Society will be a good addition to the community and our City, and that we want quality, safe entertainment.

If you can attend, please let me know by responding to this email and we will provide you with additional information. If you decide at the last minute to come, however, please do. A show of force is critical to keep New York as the Live Music Capital of The World.

Regards,
Michael Swier

In the meantime, Bowery Presents' competitor Live Nation is also starting to throw shows at the 3500-capcity United Palace Theatre, not to mention (Barry Manilow) shows at the MUCH larger Madison Square Garden.