Hunters Point Condos
Apr 02 2008

LIC wish list manifests: Queensbridge Theater delivers a rock club

Proprietors of Queensbridge Theatre, Long Island City

Robert Prichard & Michael Waldman of Queensbridge Theatre, LIC

Well folks, say hello to the Queensbridge Theater. LIC’s getting its first rock club this summer. It’s a bit of a hike from the south side of LIC, and not really accessible by subway, but still - it’s more art in the hood. And they have some really cool ideas which actually take into consideration the needs of the surrounding community…which can’t always be said about the new arrivals.

“Adopting the slogan “Downtown Has Moved to Queens,” [Robert Prichard,] the former Lower East Side stalwart is partnering with developer Michael Waldman to open what he called a “rock ‘n’ roll supper club, similar to a Bowery Ballroom or a Mercury Lounge with a restaurant—a first for Long Island City, a first for Queens.

Scheduled to open this summer, the 5,000-square-foot Queensbridge Theater, located at 37-31 10th Street, may be somewhat unique in concept. (After the nighttime entertainment ends at 4 a.m., the proprietors intend to open back up just three hours later for breakfast, with homemade bread baked fresh on the premises.)

“We want to bring in artists and performers on all levels,” added Mr. Prichard, who plans to book the space not only for concerts, but also for Off Broadway plays, art exhibits—even after-school programs: “We want to offer the community the facilities we have during the day,” he said. “Bring in musicians and teach the kids how to play music and then put ‘em up onstage.”“

*Long Island Rock City [Observer]

Openings

Comments

Excellent news!

#1 Anonymous / 1 months ago

I'm curious what the capacity will be. I am very excited about this development, though. Very excited indeed. I had feared the days of walking to see bands in LIC was over.

#2 Brandon / 1 months ago

This a good thing.

#3 Anonymous / 1 months ago

This is a good point about the location not being near the subway... it's in Ravenswood. There are buses, but you may recall that the lack of subway access is cited as a key reason for the demise of The Hook in Red Hook. They say they think people will be driving cars there... I don't know about you, but I know hardly anyone in NY who owns a car.

I guess I always have enough trouble getting bands/fans to come out for shows one stop from Brooklyn and Manhattan on the subway... this location is unfortunately not even convenient for many LIC/Astoria residents... I reallly hope they can make this work, though. It's only like a 15-20 minute walk from my place I think.

#4 Brandon / 1 months ago

Then again... that's probably only, what, a 10-minute walk from the F train? Not too awful. Be a bit of a hassle to get to from, say, northern brooklyn (oh G, why can't you run to Queens Plaza more often?) but people can always go through Manhattan.

Bikes in the summer!

#5 Brandon / 1 months ago

They should reconsider doing shuttles. It would be easy to do a shuttle to the EV/& trains. EASY.

#6 Anonymous / 1 months ago

Q102 bus from Queens Plaza is easy enough.

#7 Brandon / 1 months ago

I like the shuttle idea though. If you're drunk or whatever... for a female especially that's a desolate place to walk around at night.

#8 liQ / 1 months ago

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/report_nations_gentrified

#9 Brandon / 1 months ago

wow, i wish them the best of luck, but it's far far away from anything. and who takes buses, except if you live in like bayside.

#10 Anonymous / 1 months ago

B-61!

#11 Brandon / 1 months ago

That onion article is hilarious.

#12 Anonymous / 1 months ago

Just a LITTLE too far away, except if you live in Queensbridge. I was really looking forward to a live music venue but the transportation options for this one are not great, and I'm not walking home from there after a night out.

#13 Anonymous / 1 months ago

This is great, but the location sucks.

#14 Anonymous / 1 months ago

it's more like a 7 minute walk from the F train--i live right around the corner--this looks really cool. & 21st street isn't desolate at night... this'll be near the bizarrely placed hip bulgarian restaurant on 11th street (with loud bulgarian pop stars every weekend night). in a few years this area will be totally buzzing.

#15 Anonymous / 1 months ago

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