When in New York City, the Stalkers mainly play in Brooklyn clubs. “Manhattan is pretty much totally dead for music, I think,” said the band’s drummer, Josh Styles. Nevertheless, they’ve played many Downtown Manhattan music spots, of which bassist Danny Goldshtein here gives his reviews.
Lit
(Second Ave. between Fifth and Sixth Sts.):
“We play downstairs in the basement. In 2005 and 2006 we played there on New Year’s Eve. Good place. They treat you nice. But it turns into a sweat box with all the energy we omit and we always pack the place. Feels good to play there — like a Beatles Cavern Club-type place.”
The Delancey, downstairs
(Delancey and Clinton Sts., at foot of Williamsburg Bridge):
“Sound sucks sometimes. Well…most of the time. It’s got three floors. Good times if you are with your friends and have money in your pocket.”
Scenic/Midway/Rehab — the club with the ever-changing name
(Second Ave. and Third St.):
“We played downstairs a few times. One drink ticket per band member. Really tight, small backstage area. Place is alright. Crappy music playing all the time, though.”
Pianos
(Ludlow St. between Stanton and Rivington Sts.):
“Chichi-upscale-no-room-$10-beers-kinda place. The back area is a nice, intimate space, the stage is too high, don’t remember the rest. Not a place I’d recommend.”
Niagara
(Seventh St. and Avenue A):
“Our old stomping grounds. Andy used to spin records, our friends would bartend. Downstairs is a very, very small room. No ventilation. We played many shows there. Birthday parties were had. Famous celebrity sightings every so often. The bartenders we loved were fired/quit and now we don’t go there anymore.”
