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Singer/Songwriter Gavin DeGraw recently opened a new live-rock venue, National Underground, in the space that used to house Martignetti Liquor. With a promise of inexpensive drinks, an unpretentious door, and of course, live music, National Underground looks to be a winner. As UrbanDaddy says, "It's just an unassuming bar with a mic stand in the corner, some Crazy Horse-inspired table art with silhouettes of the female form, and a metallic crest welded on the bar."
National Underground
159 East Houston Street (at Allen)
New York, NY 10002
(212) 475-061
Next Saturday, January 24th, JoonBug Productions invites you to celebrate the launch of Pepsi Stuff in Chicago and New York City. We've got parties at Pacha in New York City, and at En-Clave in Chicago. Admission to both events is complimentary, and there will be open bars at each venue.
At the New York City event John Legend will be performing live on stage, along with Estelle. Roctakon will be spinning throughout the evening. RSVP is a must, and is limited to one guest per person, so reserve your spot now!
In Chicago expect appearances by Jim Belushi and Devon Hester, along with music by Matt Roan. As is in New York City, RSVP is a must, and is limited to one guest per person, so reserve your spot now!
With the Sundance Film Festival just a few weeks away, we'd like to take a moment to update you on the parties that will be going on in Park City.
The Greenhouse at the Top of Main invite just hit our inbox - Greenhouse is Jon B's (Home, Guest House) new green nightlife concept. There will be a number of parties at the Greenhouse venue, but we'll note the one we'd heard rumors about: The Sundance Premier Afterparty for U2 3D, which Belevedere and Best Buy are hosting. Paul Oakenfold will be DJing.
Down By The Hipster has the scoop on two other parties:
The House of Hype - A big multi-sponsor party put on in association with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to benefit Rock the Vote and Amnesty International
...
The Brand Asset House - Multiple events including a poker tourney and a late-night soiree hosted by 50 Cent AKA Mr. VitaminWater
If we hear anything else, we'll let you know.
Though Union Squares Luna Park was beloved by a certain crowd, most New Yorkers will be happy to hear that Danny Meyer (of Union Square Cafe and (more relevant to this news) Shake Shack fame) is in talks to take over the park's drink concession. The Observer has the scoop:
As co-chair of the neighborhood economic development corporation, the Union Square Partnership, Mr. Meyer, 49, is currently involved in the planned reconstruction of the ancient 3.6-acre square’s north end.
A collaborative effort with the Parks Department, the ambitious public-private project involves, among other things, renovating the park’s old run-down pavilion, built in 1930, and installing new plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems, with the stated intention of converting it into a windowless restaurant space.
Construction is expected to begin this winter.
There is some vigorous opposition to Mr. Meyer opening a restaurant in a public park, but it seems that there is a good chance we will see something new in the park, courtesy of the Union Square Hospitality Group:
[Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe] has argued that the eatery is “crucial” to the park’s continued vibrancy. “Why wouldn’t you want to bring hundreds of people into the park during the off hours to make it safe and vibrant?” he asked.
Adding a dash of mystery to the simmering brouhaha is the anonymous $5 million donation that’s partially bankrolling the reported $19.6 million reconstruction effort.
Skeptics have long suspected that the source of the secret funding might be someone bent on nabbing the forthcoming licensing contract to run the revamped pavilion eatery.
Could that mystery money man be Danny Meyer?
Only time will tell.
Food & Nightlife News From Around The New York City Blogosphere:
