The 11th Street Bar in NYC is a vibrant hub for live music enthusiasts and musicians alike. Nestled in the heart of the East Village, this beloved venue offers an eclectic mix of genres, hosting live performances five nights a week, from Sunday through Thursday. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Irish music, smooth jazz, or energetic Americana, 11th Street Bar has something to strike your chord.
Experience Authentic Irish Music at its Finest
Sunday nights at 11th Street Bar are synonymous with the soulful sounds of Traditional Irish Seisiun. Recognized as one of the longest-running Irish music sessions in New York City, this weekly event is expertly curated by Tony DeMarco and Isaac Alderson. These acclaimed musicians, stalwarts of the NYC traditional music scene, are regularly joined by a rotating cast of world-class trad players, creating an unforgettable and authentic Irish music experience. The captivating tunes begin at 9 pm and resonate well into the night, making it the perfect Sunday evening destination for lovers of Irish folk music.
Monday Night Jazz: Groove to the Sounds of the 11th St. Quintet
For jazz aficionados, Monday nights at 11th Street Bar are a must. The house band, the esteemed 11th St. Quintet, takes center stage, led by the talented Richard Clements and Murray Wall. Each week, they collaborate with a diverse array of exceptional jazz musicians from across the Big Apple, ensuring a fresh and dynamic performance every time. Dedicated solely to jazz on Mondays, 11th Street Bar provides a unique and consistent jazz experience, distinct from other nights and venues. If you are seeking top-tier live jazz music in NYC, look no further than Monday nights at this East Village gem.
Americana Music Takes Over Tuesday to Thursday
From Tuesday through Thursday, 11th Street Bar shifts gears to showcase the broad spectrum of Americana music. Expect to hear everything from electrifying rock and roll and heartfelt country to soulful blues performances. The bar prides itself on supporting the local music community, predominantly featuring musicians from the neighborhood who bring an authentic and lively energy to the stage. Focusing on bands rather than solo singer-songwriters, these mid-week nights offer dynamic and engaging musical experiences. While primarily a venue for showcasing original talent, 11th Street Bar occasionally features select cover bands, always prioritizing high-quality musical entertainment. Please note that Friday and Saturday nights are typically reserved for private parties, making the Sunday to Thursday schedule the prime time for live music at 11th Street Bar.
Gig Opportunities for Musicians: The Tip Bucket Model
Operating under specific liquor license regulations due to its side street location, 11th Street Bar does not host ticketed events, charge a cover fee, or permit queues outside. This unique setup fosters a relaxed and community-focused atmosphere. For musicians playing at the venue, the tip bucket serves as the primary mode of compensation. Bands are encouraged to actively engage with the audience and can circulate the tip bucket as frequently as they deem appropriate throughout their performance. Furthermore, 11th Street Bar provides a platform for bands to sell their merchandise, enhancing their connection with fans and revenue opportunities.
Venue Guidelines for Performers: Sound and Equipment
To maintain harmonious relations with its residential neighbors, 11th Street Bar enforces certain sound level restrictions. Bands are required to adhere to a maximum volume of 105 decibels, monitored by a ceiling-mounted sound meter. To streamline setups and ensure sound consistency, the bar provides a house drum kit and bass amp for all performers. Additionally, a standup piano and a selection of guitar amplifiers are available for use. The sound system is anchored by a Midas M32 mixing board with 8 channels, complemented by 4 microphones and stands. A dedicated sound engineer manages the mixing board and lighting rig, ensuring a professional and polished sound for every performance.
Getting a Gig at 11th Street Bar NYC
Securing a performance slot at 11th Street Bar is a collaborative process. The venue prioritizes building lasting relationships with musicians. A successful initial gig, characterized by a good turnout and engaging performance, opens the door for future bookings. After each performance, bands are expected to ensure the backline equipment is properly returned to its storage location, maintaining the venue’s organization.
For bands interested in playing at this iconic East Village live music spot, 11th Street Bar encourages musicians to express their interest through the provided contact form. When reaching out, it’s crucial to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the venue’s music focus, operating model, and guidelines. Due to the limited number of weekly performance slots (three bands per week), the bar carefully reviews submissions to ensure a good fit with their musical programming. Bands that clearly demonstrate they have read and understood the venue’s information will receive priority consideration. 11th Street Bar looks forward to discovering new musical talent and continuing to be a cornerstone of the NYC live music scene.
