It's no secret that we like to get our groove on here at R29. While we can get in the dancing mood with literally any type of tune, it's live music that really jives with us. And, luckily, NYC is the cream of the crop when it comes to up-and-coming acts, heavy-hitting headliners, and just plain jamming. So we've picked out our favorite live music venues, from the gloriously gritty joints to the pop tunes headquarters. Plus, we've gone ahead and styled the grooviest outfits around, so you can get down in style. Now, the only thing left is working on those dance moves.
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Brooklyn Bowl
Where else can can you boogie down to a ?uestlove DJ set, watch your favorite band play, eat a smoked trout salad, and bowl ten frames in the same night? This famed bowling alley/music venue combo sits kitty corner from the Wythe Hotel in the center of North Williamsburg, so you can easily head over to its rooftop bar for a drink after a show. Brooklyn Bowl hosts concerts with a wide variety of genres, with events happening every day of the week. For this, we suggest a comfortable look where you can bowl (and bop!) in style. Think: comfy jeans and dressed-up sneaks meets your rocker boyfriend's closet.
Clockwise, from top left: Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring, $290, available at Saks Fifth Avenue; Paige Denim Tyler Vintage Jeans, $296, available at Matches; AllSaints Spartaness Tank, $68, available at AllSaints; BE&D Gold Studded Sneaker, $64, available at BE&D; Coach Legacy Pinnacle Leather Lady Bag, $298, available at Coach.
Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue (between 11th and 12th avenues); Brooklyn; 718-963-3369.
Photo: Courtesy of Brooklyn Bowl
Bowery Ballroom
Located right on the corner of Bowery and Delancey, this Lower East Side classic is where you'll likely end up when your favorite indie band comes to town. With it's not-too-big main room, basement bar, and upper level, it's the perfect size to see a show, and unlike its overwhelming older brother Webster Hall it's never hard to grab a good spot. The charming space was built way back in 1929, and has hosted shows since 1997 –- something that even Williamsburg's O.G. venues can't shake a stick at. When it comes to the clothes, stick with something you can wear around the 'hood before and after. A hands-free bag, some transitional booties, and fun shorts fit the playbill.
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Clockwise, from top left: J.Crew Pastel and Neon Statement Necklace, $165, available at J.Crew; Theory Stripe T-Shirt, $162, available at Theory; Rebecca Minkoff Mini Box, $250, available at Rebecca Minkoff; Topshop Metallic Thread Shorts, $100, available at Topshop; Plomo Vir Suede Open Booties, $365, available at Clozette.
Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street (between Bowery and Chrystie streets); 212-533-2111.
Photo: Courtesy of Bowery Ballroom
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The Music Hall Of Williamsburg
The Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Okay, yes — skinny jeans and Converse are almost de rigueur at this young, expansive rock box that’s already become an institution. Neon and eye-catching hardware, too, are peppered into the local dress code. But you still need a striking statement piece — like an awe-inspiring leather jacket — to draw eyes next time you head out to watch Foals or Chairlift at the Hall.
Converse All Star Hi Neon Yello, $55, available at converse.com; Acne Rita Leather Jacket With Denim Panels, $1,150, available at My Wardrobe; T By Alexander Wang Striped T-Shirt, $186, available at Farfetch; Reed Krakoff Leather T Bar Cuff, $690, available at
Reed Krakoff; Acne Silver Vintage Jeans, $292, available at Acne.
The Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street (between Kent and Wythe avenues); 718-486-5400.
Webster Hall
Ah, the ole' faithful with attitude. Yes, Webster Hall can be a veritable shitshow but don't let that deter you from the real amazing shows the venue puts on. Since the mega-space is split up into various segments with different vibes, think of an outfit that is rockish without taking it over the edge. It gets super hot in there, so a fun jacket tied around the waist of a flirty skirt with a tank and dark boots sounds like the perfect ensemble for us — no matter who's playing.
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Clockwise, from top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim I Heart Nueva York Tank, $115, available at Net-A-Porter; Jean Paul Gaultier Cropped Camouflage Jacket, $449.76, available at Far Fetch; Bing Bang Crystal Shard Ring, $68, available at Bing Bang; Wilfred Meteore Skirt, $125, available at Aritzia; Acne Donna Leather Ankle Cowboy Boots, $570, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.
Photo: Courtesy of Webster Hall
Glasslands
With a gorgeous puffy white cloud installation floating above the stage and a distinctly DIY aesthetic, Glasslands remains one of the best places to see cutting edge music in New York. Situated next to the (also awesome) warehouse venue 285 Kent, and across the street from the East River, Glassland's derelict concrete veneer hides an ever-rotating lineup of avant-garde pop, garage rock, late night DJ sets, and more. Okay, so concerts are never that dressy (unless it's, say, the philharmonic), but that doesn't mean you can't let your feminine side shine. We suggest a dress that's fun to dance in, some chunky booties, and a bright lip to match the artful space and acts.
With a gorgeous puffy white cloud installation floating above the stage and a distinctly DIY aesthetic, Glasslands remains one of the best places to see cutting edge music in New York. Situated next to the (also awesome) warehouse venue 285 Kent, and across the street from the East River, Glassland's derelict concrete veneer hides an ever-rotating lineup of avant-garde pop, garage rock, late night DJ sets, and more. Okay, so concerts are never that dressy (unless it's, say, the philharmonic), but that doesn't mean you can't let your feminine side shine. We suggest a dress that's fun to dance in, some chunky booties, and a bright lip to match the artful space and acts.
Clockwise, from top left: rag & bone/JEAN Burney Tattered Vest, $225, available at Intermix; Suno Fitted Long Sleeve Dress, $158, available at Les Nouvelles; Givenchy Le Rouge, $36, available at Sephora; Kate Spade Icebox Cross Body, $134, available at Amazon; Dolce Vita Niven Booties, $179, available at Dolce Vita.
Glasslands Gallery, 298 Kent Avenue (between South 1st and South 2nd streets); Brooklyn; 718-599-1450.
Photo: Courtesy of Glasslands
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