The Tank, a non-profit venue that has been providing a creative, collaborative home for emerging artists for the past five years, is about to need a new home of its own. But for this young company that moved 3 times in its first 3 years, this is familiar, if undesirable, territory.

Forced to leave its current home by July 31st, The Tank will continue presenting in this period of transition. But by August, this collective of performing arts and public affairs will move into a temporary space, while it searches for a more stable, long-term venue for 2009. As of now, neither the transitional venue nor the next home are determined.

Damage caused by massive plumbing problems, compounded by irreconcilable issues with the building's owner, has created a costly, unwelcome and untenable situation at 279 Church Street in Tribeca, where The Tank had made its home with the performing arts presenters Collective: Unconscious (C:U) since January, 2006. At this time, C:U also intends to continue presenting, although is unsure where.

Press release continued below....

Continue reading "The Tank loses its Tribeca home"

"The city cracks down on things, just to give bars fines--that's what kills the new businesses," said Joi Brozek, former co-owner of the Lucky Cat rock club in Williamsburg. "If you're barely making rent and then you're slapped with a $1,500 fine, you're almost doomed to fail, especially when you're dealing with music because then everyone comes out of the fucking cracks like cockroaches."....

...."The reality of it is, live music isn't much of a moneymaker," she said. "If it was up to me, and somebody said, 'What would be your ideal business?' I would say, a straight-up bar, and that's it, because, really, live music is a ton of headaches." [The NY Observer]

P.S. I recently made a lot of updates to the NYC venue map. Check it out.

Mo Pitkins, Sunday October 21, 2007

On Sunday night, Mo Pitkins swaggered off into the sunset with a 5-hour finale that captured the charm and the camraderie the venue had always been searching for. "Smoke 'em if you got 'em," announced the emcee, Wonder-Woman clad Seth Herzog, "because there's nothing left to lose." And so people did. The crowded audience of artists, performers, trendsetters, and friends soaked in the vibe for one last time. [The Apiary]

and...

The distinctive Cuban Reuben sandwiches already a memory, patrons and performers packed Mo Pitkin’s House of Satisfaction Sunday night to bid farewell to the venue that was officially shuttered on Saturday. The 150 final revelers—including Moby and Penny Arcade—who populated the sidewalk, downstairs bar and dining room at the party’s high point seemed sad but resigned to the fact that the nostalgia palace would close after only a two-year run on Avenue A. [Village Voice]

Mo's has a page up full of condolence letters, like this one...

Sorry to hear that Mo's is closing. I am very happy that I will get to do two last shows there. I have enjoyed doing many shows upstairs there for the last couple of years. The vibe reminded me of the old fez which as we know also closed. I am getting tired of all the good clubs closing. People are just not coming out to see live music the way they used to. Back in the late 90's, early 2000's when I worked with The Strokes shows were packed and every band was friendly with each other. Thanks again for all the shows you helped me get at Mo's.
Take Care, Kerri

RIP

Comedian Carolyn Castigilia is confirming that Mo Pitkin's is in fact closing its doors forever on October 20th. Carolyn is the producer of Chicks and Giggles, "a weekly showcase of the best female comics in New York" (at Mo Pitkin's). The last Chicks and Giggles will now take place on October 16th @ 8pm (free), and stay tuned to Mo's schedule for even more special last events.

The NY Post first broke the story earlier this month - that Mo's was for sale and might close at some point. That was followed shortly thereafter by a denial letter that didn't really deny anything, and now this - which if totally true, is even sooner than I imagined.

The NY Post reports,

The Avenue A building is owned and occupied by the Hartman family - artists and entrepreneurs best known for their chain of funky Two Boots pizzerias in Manhattan and Brooklyn. But while the pizzerias are thriving, business apparently hasn't been all that great at Mo's.

So, 2½ years after the family did a gut renovation on the space, they've tapped Walker & Malloy uber-brokers Alex Picken and Rafe Evans to sell the building and its contents. The price is $5.5 million.

Picken and Evans, who confirmed the sale offering to us, say the property can be delivered vacant. A duplex penthouse apartment and a coveted liquor license are included.

Though not quite a historic location, I think Mo Pitkins does a good job at keeping the spirit of the East Village alive - entertainment-wise anyway. Like Fez, I'll be sad to see it go, and I'm sure the many music, comedy & burlesque performers who play there on a regular basis will feel the same way. I don't even want to think about the sterile & fancy new establishment that might take its place.