NYC's Rodeo Bar closing at the end of July

July 11, 2014

by Bill Pearis

My first apartment in NYC was on Third Ave between 27th and 28th, and at the time my friend Jason was in an alt-country band. Between the two, I spent a lot of time at the Rodeo Bar, one of the few places that consistently booked country music in Manhattan. (Rockabilly and folk too.) It was also the filming location of Lou Barlow’s infamous interview on MTV’s Sex in the ’90s which some of you may remember. (You would think a clip of this would be online somewhere.) I haven’t been there in a few years, but was sad to hear this:

Dear Rodeo Bar patrons and music lovers,

We are deeply saddened to announce that after 27 years in business, Rodeo Bar and Grill is closing its doors after July 27, 2014.

Here at New York’s longest-running honky-tonk, we stayed open during some of the city’s toughest times — Hurricane Sandy, the 2003 blackout, 9/11 — but recent rent increases, combined with a changing landscape, have made it impossible for us continue.

For the past three decades, Rodeo Bar has been home to thousands of bands, and we’re proud to have helped define the country, Americana and rockabilly scene in New York City for all these years. But more than that, we were supported by an incredible community of people from New York and all over the world who helped make this bar great. We can’t thank y’all enough.

For the rest of July, we’re open every night, and the music schedule is killer — and free, as it always has been. So come on down and join us for every show, every Shiner, and every moment with the horse trailer we call home. We’re going out with our boots on.

Much Love, and Until the Buffalo Sings,

Rodeo Bar

The NYC Real Estate market is no joke these days. As the note mentions, The Rodeo Bar will be open until July 27 with free music every night. Tonight (7/11) it’s guitarist Joe Taino. Sorry to see you go, Rodeo Bar. Its remaining live schedule below…

—

Rodeo Bar – JULY 2014 SCHEDULE
Fri, Jul 11 Joe Taino
One of the best guitar players in NYC.

Sat, Jul 12 Gene Casey and the Lonesharks
Rockabilly Saturday Night!

Sun, Jul 13 Dysfunctional Family Jazz Band
Jazz, swing and sultry female vocals

Mon, Jul 14 Live Band Kuntry Karaoke

Tue, Jul 15 Juliet and The Lonesome Romeos

Wed, Jul 16 Van Hayride
Countrified Van Halen, hard rock honky tonk and beyond.
Jack Grace Band
FAREWELL to The Rodeo bar show!

Thu, Jul 17 Todd Wolfe

Thu, Jul 17 7 to 9 – Hell or High Water

Fri, Jul 18 The Hangdogs

Sat, Jul 19 Roy Wilson and The Buzzards
Rockabilly Saturday Night!

Sun, Jul 20 Chris Berardo And The DesBerardos