I'm going to NY the first week of january. Where can I find funky stuff ? Prince Stuff ? cool place to go ? Record Store ?

Please let me know !

SiouxsieSioux said:

Perhaps Times Square's best kept secrets are the many retail establishments for musicians, which include specialty instrument shops, repair shops and sheet music stores. 48th Street, fondly called "Music Row" by its resident businesses, hosts New York City's highest concentration of music instrument stores.

Below please find a sampling of the many music-related stores to be found in Times Square.

Sam Ash
(163 West 48th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues)

One of America's largest musical instrument chains, Sam Ash offers one of New York City's biggest selections of all the industry's newest gear, including guitars, keyboards, percussion, lighting and equipment for studios and DJs. Sam Ash is tailored to the needs of the youngest beginners or the most seasoned professionals.

Rudy's Music Stop, Inc.
(169 West 48th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenues)

Rudy's Music Stop, located on 48th Street's historic Music Row, specializes in new and vintage electric, acoustic, classical, resonator and archtop guitars as well as basses, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and pedal steels. Their inventory also includes the best amplifiers, cabinets and effects currently in production, and a wide range of accessories including one of the largest selections of strings in New York. Rudy's offers an amazing selection of vintage guitars and basses and has one of the best and most trustworthy repair shops in the city. They might just have that perfect '52 Telecaster you've been looking for.

Manny's Music
(156 West 48th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue)

Legendary clients from Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Buddy Holly and the Beatles to Jimi Hendrix, U2, Eric Clapton and Nirvana have shopped at Manny's; they have the signed photos to prove it! Visitors to Manny's superstore in the heart of Times Square will be greeted by a large staff of professionals who know everything about every product they sell, including guitars, amps, drums, pro-audio, DJ, recording, computers, keyboards and accessories.

48th St. Custom Guitars
(170 W. 48th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues)

48th St. Custom Guitars specializes in classic American Vintage guitars and basses and high end custom guitars. This place is a must for guitarists looking for the hard to find, classic instruments of the past.

The Colony Music Center
(1619 Broadway at 49th Street)

The Colony Music Center, located at the base of the Brill Building in the original Tin Pan Alley at 49th Street and Broadway, offers one of the world's largest sheet music and karaoke selections. The Colony, which first opened in 1948, is a prime example of the storied history of Broadway seamlessly melding with the latest cutting-edge technology.

Virgin Megastore
(1540 Broadway, between 45th and 46th Streets)

In addition to being New York City's largest music store, the Times Square Virgin Record Megastore also hosts free live performances and signings by today's biggest performers as they pass through town to promote their releases. Recent guests and performers have included the Foo Fighters, Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, and Weezer, among many others. Browse an extensive selection of pop CDs, electronica, and hard-to-find titles from international and independent labels. Don't forget to take advantage of the seemingly countless listening stations throughout the store.



here is a list of live music venues...

Arlene Grocery
This Lower East Side club hosts as many as 6 bands nightly. $3-5 cover charge on weekends, no cover during the week. Mainly undiscovered bands, but sometimes features a few great finds.
B.B. King Club
Located in the heart of Times Square, the club features world-class musical talent.
Detour
Music nightly at 9 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on Friday & Saturday). No cover, 2 drink minimum. Welcomes those who like to listen intently or those seeking a jazz backdrop.
Mercury Lounge
With so many music venues in the East Village, Mercury Lounge is a standout for hearing live music. Mercury Lounge's reputation promises top acts in an intimate environment.
Roseland Ballroom
Hosting diverse events from boxing matches to black-tie benefits, the Roseland Ballroom is also an intimate music venue. Located on West 52nd Street, they tend to host bigger name acts, like the White Stripes and the Rolling Stones, but it's an intimate venue where it's a treat to see them.
55 Bar
$3 cover and 2 drink min. at this West Village Bar. Weeknight shows begin at 9:30 p.m. Early show Friday and Saturday are from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday late shows begin at 10 p.m.
Acme Underground
This East Village club is host to a variety of different "underground" acts.
Arthur’s Tavern
Arthur’s hosts live jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, and Dixieland jazz music every night of the week with no cover charge. There are nightly happy hour drink specials and a light continental menu available at this West Village spot.
Baggot Inn
Located on West 3rd Street, this bar/venue has bluegrass jam nights and often features unknown local bands.
Birdland
Located on West 44th Street, Birdland offers jazz nightly, for $20-35 per set. There is a $10 food/drink minimum at the tables. Sets at 9 and 11 p.m. nightly and an early set at 5:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Bitter End
Located in the West Village, The Bitter End is host to a variety of musical and comedic performances.
Blue Note
Perhaps NYC's popular jazz club, the Blue Note garners $25-$40 per person per set in their West Village location. Sets are usually at 8 and 10:30. Monday nights, sets are 1/2 price and the performers tend to be less famous, but often as good.
Blue Smoke
Barbecue restaurant above Jazz Standard offering a jazz and soul juke box.
The Bottom Line
Located on West 4th Street, the Bottom Line serves up great music in an intimate setting. While the walls at the Bottom Line could use another coat of paint, the sound quality is outstanding. Skip the food that is predominantly fried and mediocre at best.
Bowery Ballroom
As one of NYC's most popular venues, this Lower East Side theater hosts a variety of well-known acts.
Brooklyn Academy of Music
A variety of independent movies and experimental performances, as well as traditional arts are the focus at BAM. There is even a BAMbus that leaves from 42nd and Park Avenue to bring you to the Academy.
Cafe Wha?
Live music 7 nights a week, including Wednesday & Sunday when there is no cover! Rock/pop, Brazilian, Funk and more entice visitors to this Greenwich Village club nightly.
Carnegie Hall
If you can't make it to a performance here, get a glimpse of Carnegie Hall during a guided tour. Find schedules, ticket information and more here.
CBGBs
In operation since 1973, this club is host to offbeat and punk entertainment. Most famous for Joey Ramone's infamous visits, it continues to be a fabulous venue.
Central Park Summerstage
A variety of performances are available all summer on the summerstage. Find the schedule and all the details here.
Cotton Club
Originally a club where the most talented black performers played for an all-white audience, the Cotton Club holds a place in music history. Come for their Jazz dinners and Gospel brunches to experience it for yourself.
Don Hill's
Featuring predominantly heavy metal/hard rock acts, Don Hill's also has a Thursday night 80s dance party. Located just outside the Holland Tunnel, this grungy club is welcoming to both gay and straight clubbers who like to have a good time.
Downtime
Located in the historic Recording & Rehearsal Arts building, this multi-level nightclub has both live music and DJs.
Fat Cat
This West Village jazz club features billiards, access to a second club (Smalls) and one drink included with the cover, and live music from 10 p.m. til 2:30 a.m.
Fez under Time Café
Thursday nights see the Mingus Big Band (often considered NYC's best jazz band) play two sets at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. $18 cover. $10 cover for students at late set with proper ID.
Galapagos Art Space
Located in Williamsburg, this industrial space offers a range of dance, art, performance and music events. The space is free to enter -- cover is only charged for back room events.
Internet Cafe
This East Village cafe offers 2 sets nightly, as well as internet access. $5 cover, no minimum.
Iridium
Jazz nightly (2 sets, 3 on weekends), including Les Paul trio on Monday nights. Cover is $25-35+ and a $10 minimum. Sunday Jazz Brunch buffet is $19.95.
Irving Plaza
Just off of Union Square, Irving Plaza hosts a variety of acts, from well known bands to more obscure choices, in an all ages setting. Wrist bands are required for drinking, and couches in the lounge area offer a nice break when you're tired from dancing.
Jazz Gallery
Downtown jazz art & artist showcase hosting two sets nightly at 9 and 10:30 for $10 cover.
Jazz Standard
Basement club (below Blue Smoke) featuring live jazz nightly. Cover varies, but is normally between $15-20. Sets at 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. and music continues until about 1 a.m.
Joe's Pub
Part of The Public Theater, Joe's offers everything from Shakespearean plays to late night DJs. There is also food available until midnight.
Jules
French bistro with jazz nightly starting at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. Also has a Sunday jazz brunch.
Knickerbocker Bar and Grill
Jazz music Wednesday through Saturday beginning 9:45 p.m.for only a $4 - $5 cover.
Knitting Factory
Both a popular venue for experimental performances (including jazz, electronica and more) and a recording studio, check out the schedule of events at this downtown club.
K’av’eh’az
Euro-styled coffee house and art gallery in SoHo that has jazz nightly and on weekend afternoons. $8 food/beverage minimum.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center is the world's largest cultural complex. Find information on tours and performances here.
Metropolitan Opera
Since opening in 1883, the opera has maintained a pereminent position based on the quality of performances. Find all the information you need about this world famous opera here -- from tickets and touring to history and photos.
New York City Opera
This opera company strives to make operas accessible to a wide audience, with affordable tickets, student discounts and special deals. Check out their schedule and prices online. Of course, like all good deals, they sell out fast, so check early.
Radio City Music Hall
Best known for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Radio City is host to a variety of popular performers and events.
Rue B
East Village Jazz venue with no cover.
S.O.B.'s (Sounds of Brazil)
Live world music will get you dancing at S.O.B.s. Jazz, Brazillian and Reggae music are played live nightly. This Village venue features a full menu and bar.
Smoke
Sets at 9, 11, 12:30 at this Upper Westside Jazz club which strives to continue the traditions begun by Augie's Jazz Bar (which closed in 1998.) Happy hour deals and cover can often be applied to drink prices.
Smalls
This West Village favorite offers 10-12 hours of jazz for just $10. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are free, you can bring your own alcohol if you like.
Tonic
This Lower East Side venue features creative, ecclectic music.
The Town Hall
A National Historic Site in the theatre district, The Town Hall features music, dance, film and more.
The Village Underground
This intimate Greenwich Village venue requires all acts to be of high quality, but is open to all styles of music. Their Sunday night open mic is rumored to have occassional celebrity appearances.
Village Vanguard
Since 1935, the Village Vanguard has been a mecca for live jazz performance in NYC. Find out about upcoming shows and the clubs history here.
Zinc Bar
$5 cover for all shows, with a one drink minimum at this Lower East Side bar. Rumored to be favored by musicians after playing their own sets elsewhere.
[Edited 12/22/05 8:32am]

Make sure to visit McDougal Street - there are a couple of music stores that sell vintage vinyl and bootleg albums/cds. Be prepared to pay a hefty dollar for some of that stuff. There's also Cafe Wha, where Hendrix was discovered playing as Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Once you get your fill, get you something tasty to drink and do some people watching in Washington Square Park, which is practically right there. There's always someone playing live music out there (though that's mostly in the summer).

Have fun!

JesseDezz said:

THANK YOU Jesse & Frank !
[Edited 12/23/05 2:48am]