Our Wicked Lady: A Bushwick Music Venue on the Brink

Our Wicked Lady, a cherished 200-person capacity concert hall in Bushwick, is facing closure. This beloved venue, opened in 2015, is the latest casualty in the shrinking NYC DIY music scene. Owners Keith Hamilton and Zach Glass attribute the impending shutdown to a confluence of factors, primarily the post-pandemic slump and skyrocketing costs, especially insurance which has more than doubled.

The Shrinking NYC Music Scene

The article highlights the decline of smaller music venues in NYC, citing several closures in recent years, including Trash Bar, Shea Stadium, and Kingsland. While some, like the Knitting Factory, have relocated, many have disappeared entirely, significantly impacting the city's vibrant music culture.

Financial Struggles and Changing Habits

Hamilton and Glass explain that the venue is struggling to maintain profitability due to increased operating costs. They have even had to reduce programming, particularly youth events, due to high insurance premiums. Furthermore, they observe a shift in the nightlife habits of younger generations (Gen Z), who are reportedly going out less frequently and consuming less alcohol. This decreased patronage has significantly impacted revenue.

Gentrification and the Changing Music Landscape

Musician and documentarian Drew Stone adds another perspective, suggesting the increased accessibility of music today has diminished the unique appeal of live shows. He contrasts this with the “golden” era of live music in the 80s and 90s, where live performances were central to the New York experience for young people. He also points to gentrification, including the corporate takeover of venues booking big names over emerging talent, resulting in a homogenization of the music scene.

A Community Rallies to Save Our Wicked Lady

A community-organized fundraiser is planned to help keep Our Wicked Lady afloat. Local businesses and artists are donating their services, and patrons have been contributing generously. The owners emphasize the importance of preserving this unique venue as essential to the cultural fabric of NYC.

The future of Our Wicked Lady remains uncertain, but the community's efforts demonstrate the significance of preserving the city's diverse music venues.