Sating the Musical Beast: 5 Spots for Genre Variety
Add musical diversity to your night out with these joints offering a full-spectrum of quality grooves!

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Artistic expression manifests in myriad forms. Music, in particular, is an amorphous beast at best—ranging from shuddering dub-step bass drops, to stripped-down acoustic folk numbers—variety is inherently enmeshed within the medium. With a surplus of musical diversity comes an equally ravenous following of enthusiasts. While some may confine themselves to one genre, there are the pioneers out there—those who thrive in the poly-rhythmic chaos of aural variety.

For those desirous of venues with a multiplicity of musical options, look no further: here are 5 spots that range the spectrum—providing the panacean sounds of your choice!

 

S.O.B. 

Where:204 Varick St.

Vibe: Brazilian, African, Latin, South Asian, Hip-Hop, R &B

S.O.B. touts serious clout in the music-sphere—particularly the rap and r&b game. Such greats as Kayne West, John Legend, Drake, and Kid Cudi have started out and graced the stage of S.O.B. A somewhat “unknown known” of sorts, S.O.B. is the unspoken spot for catching the next rap/hip-hop star. On top if its already impressive rap credentials, S.O.B. champions diversity in its eclectic weekly variety of Brazilian, Indian, and Latin tunes. Essentially diversity incarnate, S.O.B. has the answer for even the most fickle musical palette!

 

Webster Hall 

Where: 125 East 11th Street

Vibe: Intimate live performances (The Studio @ Webster); rock, rap, dub, electro (The Grand Ballroom)

The infamous village spot has long been a haven for an array of music enthusiasts. With their addition of “The Studio” in 2008, Webster has added an intimate live performance venue to its already multi-faceted (and illustrious) “Grand Ballroom." Whether you take in a quiet indie-rock performance, rage magnificent to gypsy outfits Gogol Bordello, or immerse yourself in the beats of Skrillex—Webster is the spot for vintage musical goodness!

 

Mercury Lounge 

Where:6 Delancey Street

Vibe: Part of “The Bowery Presents”: alternative, indie, folk, rock

“The Bowery Presents” is a musical initiative that strives to provide fresh acts and quality sounds through a variety of venues. Currently encompassing 5 venues, the Mercury Lounge exists as the crown jewel of the batch. Offering a medley of rock, indie, folk, alternative, and all other derivatives of the genre—Mercury continues the long-flourishing Bowery tradition of supplying tasty tuneage.

 

Bar 13 

Where: 35 East 13th Street

Vibe: “Dubday Monday”, Reggae Wednesday, Top 40 & House on Weekends

While an unassuming venue, Bar 13 brings the diversity with healthy doses of Dub-step, reggae, and the omnipresent Top 40 fare. Their “Dubday Mondays” celebrates the latest in EDM, and provides “Dub-heads” the perfect vehicle to release the beast. Further complimenting this musical sojourn is “Reggae Wednesday”, which brings the freshest reggae grooves. Bar 13 caps it all off with the typical “Weekend Rager Recipe” (Top 40 & House)—yet the spread is impressive, with each day offering quality jams in the genre of choice!

 

Columbus 72 

Where:246 Columbus Ave

Vibe: Two room, two vibes. Room 1: Hip-Hop, R&B. Room 2: Latin, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata

Naturally, any compendium of musical hotness is incomplete without the mentioning of some sensual Latin sounds. Columbus72 manages the ever-precarious “balancing act” by offering the ole “two room, two vibes” scenario. For the Latin enthusiasts (that need to tear up the floor all night), there is a room offering a medley of Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. While for the casual reveler, the other room offers the latest in Hip-Hop, R&B, and Top 40. Musical harmony is a tempestuous storm to bottle, yet Columbus72 weathers the fray with two distinctly bangin’ vibes.