The venerated New York jazz venue the 55 Bar is in danger of disappearing permanently following its 14-month closure due to the pandemic and consequently an 11-day series of benefit gigs has been arranged to help keep it open.
The gigs will take place 23 September to 2 October from 9.30pm and feature among others Adam Rogers, Mike Stern, Chris Potter, David Binney and Antonio Sanchez, with YouTube live streaming as well. A press statement said: “The proceeds from these shows will give a big boost to the club and provide some all-important maneuvering room while they work things out.” It added: “55 Bar is savable.”
The 55, at 55 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014, has a place in modern jazz legend to rival the 52nd Street clubs of the 1940s. For a reasonable charge it has presented since the mid-80s world-class NY players in a classic “jazz dive” setting. It was, for example, a home from home for groundbreaking guitarist Wayne Krantz in the 1990s and later; he gives an account of his experiences at the club on his website. Other regulars have included Leni Stern, Henry Hey, Keith Carlock, Tim Lefebvre and Ben Monder.
The full benefit gig schedule is:
Wednesday, September 22 – Nir Felder
Thursday, September 23 – Chris Potter
Friday, September 24 – Hipster Assassins
Saturday, September 25 – Tangiers Blues Band
Sunday, September 26 – Dan Weiss & Ari Hoenig
Monday, September 27 – Mike Stern
Tuesday, September 28 – David Binney
Wednesday, September 29 – Adam Rogers DICE (with Fima Ephron & Nate Smith)
Thursday, September 30 – Rudder (with Keith Carlock, Henry Hey, Chris Cheek, Tim Lefebvre)
Friday, October 1 – Antonio Sanchez, Miguel Zenon, Donny McCaslin and Scott Colley
Saturday, October 2 – Oz Noy
Find more info and ticketing at the club’s website: 55bar.com. Note: proof of vaccination is required to enter.
