As Brooklyn’s music scene got gradually squeezed out of Williamsburg by rising rents, the bands naturally started drifting eastward to Bushwick, where bars, clubs, and warehouse loft space was still plentiful. There are a ton of places to see live music in Brooklyn, but for those looking for something a bit more underground these five Bushwick spots are a great place to catch up-and-coming bands before they’re discovered by the rest of the world.
Baby’s All Right
In 2013 Baby’s All Right opened their doors to underground music lovers looking for something more than a bare bones space. Walk in and be welcomed by a floor that is modeled after the maze in The Shining, and strobe lights that guide the way to the dance floor. Don’t let its almost elegant interior fool you though, the vibe is just as laid back and “anything goes” as the DIY spots that have come before it.
Baby’s All Right photo courtesy of Ted L. via Yelp.
Lone Wolf | Molly S. via Foursquare
Lone Wolf
Lone Wolf’s welcoming atmosphere invites patrons to listen to DJs, rock bands, and on a lucky night catch a burlesque show. Drinks are kind to the wallet, with shot beer specials for $5, that may even help you defeat the ultimate bar fight-themed pinball game “The Champion’s Pub.”
Welcome to Alphaville | Decibel P. via Foursquare
Alphaville
Alphaville is the newest venture of Styler Insler, the DIY king. This one-stop shop serves up live music, craft beers, and chicken nuggets, aka “nugz.” All of this can be enjoyed while letting loose at their vintage wooden bar and listening to some bands like Gun Outfit, The Men, and B Boy Scully.
ROBOT PRINCESS | Palisades via Facebook
Palisades
At Palisades it’s all about the music. This cultural event space plays the role of music venue, art gallery, and full bar. On any given night expect to see a range of musical performances and local artists while enjoying a cold beer and a plate of dumplings.
The stage at Silent Barn | Jeffrey H via Yelp
Silent Barn
The Silent Barn is a true DIY venue with underground appeal. Referred to on its Twitter page as an “auto-didactic cooperative performance space,” Silent Barn hosts all-ages shows featuring local bands. Three rooms make up this one-of-a-kind location, including “the kitchen,” “the champagne room,” and “the barber shop” — if you’re in need of a trim, you’re in luck!