The Bitter End

ALL ABOUT JAZZ - November 2002 Issue - Like most Americans born in the 1960s, Iridium Jazz Club owner Ron Sturm grew up with rock 'n' roll, not jazz. "I got more involved with jazz when I was in college at Boston University," Sturm says. "Boston was really hot then - there were a lot of jazz clubs and good things happening, and I caught a lot of shows." When the Sturm family decided to open a club, Ron is the one who suggested jazz. The name Iridium was chosen for several reasons. Iridium is a silvery white metal, but the word derives from iris, so it also refers to a rainbow. The Sturms liked the sound of the word, and better yet someone told them that saxophones were once lined with iridium.

The 40/40 Club, an all-American sports bar and lounge owned by hip hop mogul Jay-Z and partner Juan Perez (6 West 25th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway), opened its doors to the public in the Summer of 2003. Created by the three longtime friends, 40/40 is 8,000 square feet of pure sports and entertainment in an opulent lounge setting, providing a unique experience not found elsewhere in New York City. <br> The 40/40 Club is named after one of baseball's most prestigious achievements. A benchmark for power and speed, The 40/40 Club includes players who hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one season. Only Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Jose Canseco (1988) and the newest fourth member, Alfonso Soriano (2006) can call The 40/40 Club home. The four jerseys of these men grace an area of the lounge to honor their great accomplishment.

Escape the cold and sink into pure comfort at this Bronx hotspot where the vibe is warm and the energy is electric. Perfect for those looking to unwind this winter, it's the place where locals gather to celebrate, connect, and make unforgettable nights happen.

Tucked into restaurant row, this intimate venue wraps you in warmth the moment you step inside—especially welcome on those bracing winter nights. Exposed brick walls glow softly under dim lighting, while marble-topped tables and plush leather seating invite you to settle in for the evening. The bartenders craft thoughtful cocktails and pour from an impressive wine selection, while the kitchen turns out satisfying dishes that pair beautifully with your drink. The crew working the floor genuinely seems happy to be there, which sets a refreshingly relaxed tone that keeps people coming back.

Located at 61 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg– redefines the entertainment experience for the 21st century. Centered around a 16-lane bowling alley, 600-capacity performance venue, and food by Blue Ribbon, Brooklyn Bowl stakes out expansive new territory, literally and conceptually, in the 23,000-square foot former Hecla Iron Works (1882), one block from the burgeoning waterfront.

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure set to open in 2008 as a public open space. Running through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell's Kitchen, it was built in the 1930s to remove dangerous trains from Manhattan’s streets. No trains have run on it since 1980. Friends of the High Line (FHL), a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. FHL is currently working with the City of New York to transform the structure into a park. The High Line south of 30th Street was donated to the City by CSX Transportation in 2005. The team of Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro is now at work on a design for the High Line’s public landscape. Construction began in spring 2006. The first phase (Gansevoort Street to 20th Street) is projected to open in 2008. For more information, and to see designs for the new park, please visit www.thehighline.org.

Named "Best Jazz Club" by New York Magazine, Jazz Standard presents an extraordinary lineup of world-class artists, warm hospitality, perfect sound, and comfortable seating -- and earlier sets so you can drop in after work. From classic jazz to funk, R&B, bluegrass, and more, Jazz Standard presents the legendary artists of today and the brightest stars of tomorrow. Plus, Jazz Standard serves Blue Smoke's award-winning barbecue and a great selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a budding fan, visit us at Jazz Standard for a fun and memorable evening filled with soulful music and mouthwatering barbecue.

Travel by Car. From the East side, take the FDR to 14th Street or to Houston Street, Exit, go west to 3rd Avenue(from the north) and turn left (heading South), or Bowery heading north from Houston, go east to 11th Street at the Sony Theater.) <br> From the West Side take the West Side Highway to 14th St. or West Houston St.-Go East to Third Ave. (Heading South) or Bowery (heading North) To East 11th St.

By Subway 1; A, C; B, D at Columbus Circle, then walk west along 56th St. Terminal 5 will be on your left between 11th and 12th Avenues. <br/> By Car - Within Manhattan: Take 8th Ave., 10th Ave. or 12th Ave./West Side Highway North. If you choose 8th Ave. or 10th Ave., turn left at W. 55th St. Then turn right on 12th Ave. Turn right at W. 56th St. Terminal 5 will be on your right. If you take the West Side Highway, turn right at W. 56th St. Terminal 5 will be on your right. <br/> From Brooklyn: Take the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to West St. Follow to Route 9A/West Side Highway. Turn right at W. 56th St. Terminal 5 will be on your right. <br/> From New Jersey: Take the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhattan. Turn left on W. 41st St. Turn right at 12th Ave./West Side Highway. Turn right at W. 56th St. Terminal 5 will be on your right.

Birdland banner has been reborn in midtown. After a decade of neighborhood success on the Upper West Side, John decided to move the club back to Midtown. The new Birdland offers top-flight jazz in a world class setting, good sight lines and acoustics, elbow room, and a menu ripe with award winning Southern Cuisine. <br> Since the reemergence of the club, midtown Manhattan has been treated to some of the best jazz on the planet, including memorable sets by such musicians as Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, Lee Konitz, Tony Williams, Mark Murphy, Diana Krall, Michel Petrucciani, John Scofield, Kevin Mahogany, Dave Holland, and Tito Puente, as well as the big bands of Chico O'Farrill, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Maria Schneider.

Greenhouse has already staged a number of high-profile events both in the United States, and internationally. With successful events executed by the Greenhouse brand at the Sundance Film Festival, Paris Fashion Week, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival, Greenhouse has generated enormous interest among celebrity clientele and globally recognized corporations and charities. These satellite events have had attendees such as U2, Al Gore, Bruce Willis, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Jodie Foster, Felicity Huffman, Mary-Kate Olsen, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Benicio Del Toro, Steven Soderbergh, and other celebrities of similar caliber. <br/> Greenhouse is located at 150 Varick Street, in SoHo, and is designed to be a unique “green” experience. One of Greenhouse’s most spectacular attributes is the transparent ceiling fixture, comprised of over 5,000 individually hung crystals, which is designed to emulate a rolling landscape. The bars are clear recycled glass panorama designs, which displays lush natural scenes. With two floors and two separate sound systems, Greenhouse offers multiple VIP sections both upstairs and down, and a raised performance stage and backstage section. All of the décor is made of eco-friendly materials.

Some come for our acclaimed Coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Others visit Providence take in the surroundings of the space that decades earlier was a landmark church, followed by a world-famous recording studio in which Hendrix, Sinatra, The Stones, Streisand and The Ramones created historic records. Still others frequent Providence to soak in the after work lounge vibe or to groove at one of the few remaining venues in the city where dinner and dancing are offered under one roof. http://www.lebarbat.com/

74 Leonard Street (4 Blocks South of Canal Street, Between Broadway &amp; Church)

M2 Ultralounge is The Premier Venue for Events, Entertainment, and Nightlife

Visionary nightlife pioneer behind legendary venues like the Roxy and Palladium channeled his expertise into launching this rooftop destination back in 2006. What started as an ambitious project quickly earned a global reputation for delivering something special to New York's social scene. The sprawling outdoor garden stretches across the rooftop with partial heating that keeps things comfortable even when temperatures dip during the colder months, creating that magical interplay between crisp winter air and cozy warmth. The fully enclosed penthouse lounge offers an alternative retreat with sweeping views, and together these spaces form the city's most expansive rooftop experience. Whether you're bundled up under the stars or tucked inside watching snow dust the skyline, the atmosphere here rewards both the weather and the moment.

Just a short trip from the heart of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, this nightclub pulses with energy throughout the year. Winter evenings bring a particular buzz—step inside from the cold air and find yourself surrounded by quality sound spinning from live DJs who keep the dance floor moving. The proximity to three boroughs makes it an easy destination when you're looking for a night out in the warmer months or seeking refuge in dynamic nightlife during the quieter winter season.

Located in Chelsea, this iconic nightclub features an expansive 2,000 square foot dance floor, full stage, cutting-edge lighting, and impressive video displays across multiple levels. The thoughtfully designed venue has earned recognition as one of New York City's premier nightlife destinations, with accolades from leading publications like The Village Voice and New York Magazine. With its state-of-the-art sound and visuals, the club delivers an energetic atmosphere perfect for dancing and celebrating into the night.

Walk through the doors of this legendary Manhattan venue and you're stepping into decades of showbiz history. The stage launched careers for everyone from Danny Thomas to the Martin and Lewis duo, each performance adding another layer to the nightclub's mystique. Barry Manilow immortalized the place in his 1978 hit, while filmmakers from Scorsese to beyond have used its intimate ambiance as a backdrop for cinema magic—Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Tootsie, Carlito's Way, and Beyond the Sea all featured scenes within these walls. Winter evenings here carry an especially electric charge, the kind of crisp Manhattan night that makes you feel like you've slipped into a scene from a classic film. The venue continues to capture that intoxicating blend of glamour and grit that defined New York's golden age of nightlife.

When winter winds pick up outside, there's a warm, electric energy waiting inside where groups of friends gather to celebrate their big moments. Whether you're marking a bachelorette sendoff, ringing in another year, or just claiming a night out with the crew, this venue delivers the kind of atmosphere that turns ordinary evenings into stories you'll retell all season long. Snag your tickets in advance through their website and lock in better pricing, or reach out to 1-866-USA-HUNK if you need the details sorted first.

The Groove is the home of rhythm, blues and funk in New York City. Admission is always free and we carry a complete restaurant menu and a well stocked bar.

Step into a spot where Long Island's nightlife gets a serious energy boost, especially during the colder months when people crave that indoor gathering vibe. The calendar here fills up with rotating themes—Latin Night brings the heat, Euro Night keeps things sophisticated, and Ladies Night draws crowds looking for a good time. Sports fans camp out for Superbowl Sunday, while hookah enthusiasts appreciate the smooth selection on any given evening. Live performers and DJs keep the momentum going throughout the week, and the kitchen backs it all up with solid food that pairs well with whatever you're drinking. Winter nights hit different when you've got a warm lounge to settle into on 28th Street.

21 years ago, June 1982 to be exact, something began to bubble on Varick Street in lower Manhattan. Fueled by a total commitment to exposing the musical wealth and heritage of the Afro-Latino Diaspora to as many people as possible, Larry Gold opened the doors to what would become New York City's premier venue for world music; Sounds Of Brazil, commonly known as S.O.B.'S.

Laugh lines deepen faster when you're wrapped up warm and heading downtown to catch rising talent. This newer addition to the city's comedy circuit brings fresh energy to where comedians test their best material, mixing polished surroundings with the kind of relaxed vibe that lets you actually enjoy your drink between sets. Winter crowds tend to pack the room tighter, which somehow makes the comedy land harder—there's something about shared laughter on a cold night that hits different. The refined setup never feels stuffy, just comfortable enough that you can settle in for a few hours without thinking about anything except what's funny.

Located in Midtown Manhattan's esteemed Theater District. Featuring Grammy Nominated and Award Winning Artists. Perfect for Parties and Special Events.

Conveniently located in the heart of Times Square near Penn Station and Port Authority, The B.B. King Blues Club & Grill offers music fans a unique experience. Owned by the Bensusan Family, proprietors of the world renowned Blue Note Jazz Club, the club features world-class musical talent and consists of two distinct spaces: the Showcase Room & Lucille’s Grill.

Walk into a space where improvisation meets intention, where musicians translate raw emotion into sound in real time. The genre's roots run deep through American culture, drawing from African rhythmic traditions, gospel intensity, blues vulnerability, and the creative resilience of communities who turned struggle into art. What emerged was something entirely new—music that refuses to sit still, that breathes and changes with each performance. The word itself carries history, once tied to underground venues and spaces pushed to society's margins. But the music transcended those origins, becoming a sophisticated art form celebrated worldwide. Whether a musician follows a composed structure or ventures into spontaneous territory, jazz demands conversation between players and audience alike. Winter evenings hit differently here. The warmth radiating from the stage, the intimate crowd gathered close, the way breath becomes visible in the cool air outside—it all sharpens the experience. There's something about experiencing live improvisation when the world outside feels still and cold that makes the energy onstage feel even more alive, more urgent, more human.

The first time Eddie Murphy came into the club, he was only 18 and had a little too much attitude. A few days later, he apologized and we gave him a shot. Saturday Night Live soon followed and the rest is show biz history. Eddie in turn discovered Chris Rock at The Comic Strip one night. Rolling Stone magazine recently described Rock's career as "ballistic." Like so many acts, television Superstar Jerry Seinfeld worked for many years at the Comic Strip. Everybody called Seinfeld "Doctor Comedy" because there wasn't a bit Jerry couldn't fix. Paul Reiser was asked by a fellow Comic Strip performer to accompany him to a film audition. The Director asked Paul if he wanted to read for the part as well. He did and got the part! That film was "Diner" and it launched Paul's illustrious career.

Social Bar Grill and Lounge is a neighborhood Irish pub with something for everyone every day of the week. Stop by after work for one of the best happy hour crowds in town. Our house DJ spins Top 100 songs every Wednesday through Saturday night. We have more than 20 flat screen TVs throughout to catch the game. Daily lunch specials are available for $6.95, noon to 4 p.m. Social offers a large draft and bottled beer selection as well as plenty of bar-food favorites like burgers, sandwiches and starters. Private party space is available.

Tucked away just off Queens Boulevard, this spot brings together cold-weather comfort and lively energy year-round. The 13 plasma screens mean you're never missing the action, whether it's playoff season or catching up on your favorite teams. The kitchen handles both hearty classics and creative cocktails that hit different on chilly evenings, while the atmosphere works equally well for a laid-back guys' hangout or when the crew gets together for their night out. Winter or otherwise, there's a reason people keep coming back to find their crowd here.