Hidden Gems in New York City’s Music Scene

Music in New York City is many things. It is sold-out concerts in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, tour stops by global superstars at Barclays Center, awe-inspiring subway performances and world-class theatrical productions both on and Off-Broadway. Lesser known are the hidden-gem venues whose history and prowess make them integral to New York City’s musical identity and ideal for visitors seeking a more intimate concert-going experience this winter.

Examples include:

The Apollo Theater, Harlem, Manhattan

Apollo Theater (Harlem, Manhattan)
Celebrating its 85th anniversary next year, the historic Apollo Theater plays a key role in developing emerging African American and culturally diverse artists and launching the careers of icons like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Jimi Hendrix through its Amateur Night series. A pillar of the Harlem community, the Apollo presents additional programming throughout the year, including dance, theater, spoken word and more.

Kings Theatre, Flatbush, Brooklyn

Kings Theatre (Flatbush, Brooklyn)
The Kings Theatre has been a Brooklyn staple for nearly 90 years, originally serving as one of five original “Loew’s Wonder Theatres.” The 20th-century movie palace underwent a $95 million restoration of its 1929 design and reopened in 2015 as a state-of-the-art live performance venue with 3,000 seats.

St. George Theatre, St. George, Staten Island

St. George Theatre (St. George, Staten Island)
Originally unveiled in 1929, Staten Island’s St. George Theatre has been one of New York City’s most beloved cultural spots for nearly a century. Following a recent multimillion-dollar renovation, the historic 1,900-seat theater now offers all the luxuries of a modern state-of-the-art performance venue.