CP NEWS: CMJ Hangover

[ddm-news]

-Erin DeJesus

Even if you've been living under a rock for the past week, you’ve probably noticed an even more obnoxious conglomeration of hipsters than usual. If you’ve been particularly proactive or are into up-and-coming new music, you’ve hopefully joined in the fun and caught a CMJ show or two. (If you’re completely oblivious as to what the CMJ festival is, here’s the quick rundown: Every year, over the course of five short days, more than 1,000 indie bands and DJs infiltrate 50+ local music venues – this year, performers included The Walkmen, George Clinton, The Rapture, Apples in Stereo, and Hot Chip. Still lost? Maybe you should get out of the clubs more often. Just sayin’.)

But regardless of whether or not you’re into new live music or if you’re just glad the whole indie fest is over for now, CMJ does help to expose some of the city’s best underground venues and clubs – places where hipsters are more plentiful than B&Ts. So shake off your CMJ hangover, thrown on a healthy fear of the unknown, and get your regular clubbing on at some favorite CMJ//hipster locales:

The Annex

152 Orchard St. | 212.673.3410

Avoid the pretentiousness of trendy Midtown establishments and try out the pretentiousness of the “I’m-trying-hard-not-to-be-trendy” trendiness of the Annex. The stellar sound system churns out old-school dance and new wave, which is a nice break from the usual pounding house beats, and Wednesday nights host the weekly Dark Room hip-hop parties.

Lit Lounge

93 2nd Ave | 212.777.7987

This two-level lounge draws musicians, artists, and other assorted malcontents who strive to break away from the mainstream. The upper level features local DJs who spin rock and indie, while the basement level often showcases live bands. Even if the crowd isn’t your scene, the aptly named NC-17 party, which crosses good ol’ rock-n-roll with good ol’ nudity, drunkenness, and debauch, is a must-do at least once in your life.

BLVD

199 Bowery | 212.982.7767

On paper, BLVD, a self-proclaimed “entertainment megaplex,” does seem a bit like a mall tourist trap – the space squeezes in a restaurant, café, nightclub/bar, and live music venue in its 18,000 square feet. But the whole dinner-to-drinks-to-dancing-all-under-one-roof perk is a great draw on those cold nights when you don’t want to walk around outside, and the Ultra Lounge provides a swanky setting to down your pricey Nolita drinks.

The Delancey

168 Delancey St. | 212.254.9920

If the cold weather has you missing your favorite outdoor haunt, The Delancey’s rooftop deck, complete with its tacky inflatable palm tree décor and awe-inspiring view of the Williamsburg Bridge, remains fully heated and open all year. The venue’s event calendar includes a healthy number of free DJ events and no cover nights – which makes the cash you plop down for their drinks (and their view) more worth it.

Link To Original Article