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The churn of NYC nightlife spots continues. Not long after Output, Cielo and Cornelia Street Cafe shut their doors (all at the end of 2018), another casualty has arrived. This time it's Chelsea concert venue and party space Highline Ballroom. While it hasn't been formally announced (see below for an update), organizers like party mainstay Daniel Nardicio have posted that they've been informed that February 8 would be the club's last day.
For a time, Highline Ballroom, which opened in 2007, was one of the more eclectic venues in the city—the shows I personally saw ranged from avant-garde piano great Cecil Taylor to pop singer Tinashe to ska-punk band Less Than Jake.
Last year also saw the closing of Times Square venue B.B. King Blues Club, which was run by Highline Ballroom owner Blue Note Entertainment Group (they also opened Sony Hall in the same area).
Update Friday, January 11, 3:04pm:
Steven Bensusan, owner of the Highline Ballroom has released the following statement about the closing:
Unfortunately after 12 years our landlord has decided not to renew Highline Ballroom's lease. For over a year we were led to believe that a renewal was imminent, however it is now clear that the landlord has other plans for the building. This is obviously a growing trend within the New York real estate market impacting various entertainment venues and businesses.
We plan on reopening Highline Ballroom at a new location in the Chelsea/Meatpacking District and are currently looking at options. We hope to be able to announce our plans soon.
In the meantime our final show date and programming will be announced shortly.
We have been very fortunate to present some of music's biggest names in a small club atmosphere; Lou Reed, Paul McCartney, The Killers, Amy Winehouse, The Black Keys, Artic Monkeys, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, The Roots and so many more have performed on the stage at Highline Ballroom. It is a shame that we have to close our doors, though we are grateful for the support we have received from fans and artists over the years in making the original Highline Ballroom location a truly unique experience.
Steven Bensusan
Owner, Highline Ballroom