Whatever you think of the Knitting Factory – has it declined since becoming more receptive to pop/rock bands? improved? has your little scene been excluded from bookings? you were denied entry? – it is one of the longest lasting clubs in New York City, and next to CBGBs, which lost relevance ages before its celebrated closure, the Knit is like the Trump Tower, compared with CBs ramshackle dump.
So what does this have to do with Brooklyn? The Knit is opening up in Williamsburg where the Luna Lounge used to be. And, according to the Times, is also moving to Boise and Spokane.
It’s something I’ve been saying to whomever will listen: the smart money is on Brooklyn. Meaning, everything worthwhile is getting priced out of Manhattan. The Knit’s lease is due up next July, and its move to Brooklyn most likely means that it will leave Manhattan entirely.
It is also proof of the increasing monopolization of the big two concert promoters in the city, Bowery Presents and Live Nation. The Bowery has, what, 200 clubs now under its banner? And Live Nation is just a bully.
But you should read the Times article, because it describes how Knitting Factory Entertainment has had to branch out into mainstream concert promotion as a way of gaining a foothold in the west, by having to buy out a concert promotion company out there to secure a stable of bookings in the new territory. The article suggests that the income from these big bookings – Elton John, James Taylor – are subsidizing the barely-break even clubs in NYC and LA.
Regardless of the more national reach of KFE, the Brooklyn club should be able to hold its own, or will at least be easier to get to then the Tribeca location. And who ever wanted to walk around silent, grim Tribeca after a Diamanda Galas or Hot Snakes show, anyhow? So watch out Todd P and your ilk. Brooklyn is no longer off limits.
Filed under: music | Tagged: knitting factory, williamsburg
