Since Pacha NYC closed at the conclusion of 2015, the NYC EDM scene has been missing something, forcing locals and commuters to take the L into Brooklyn to see their favorite acts. Over the past few years Tri-State area ravers have seen Pacha, Space Ibiza NYC and Webster Hall close their doors (though it seems Space Ibiza is making a comeback?). I woke up this morning and went about my day as I normally do, eat a hard-boiled egg, brush my teeth, shower, gel my hair then lay back in bed an google the essentials: New Music, Weather and what is going on with the Pacha NYC space!? Where is Freq? Then, Monday, August 21st happened…
Since the News dropped a few months back that Space Ibiza NYC Co-Owner Antonio Piacquadio was looking to open a new spot in place of the club your parents used to party at “Sound Factory” and most recently, “Pacha NYC”, things quieted down publicly. Having proposals approved by Community Board 4 back in June to open a new club, “FREQ”, it seems plans have turned south.
Last week, CB4 member, Morgan McLean shot down ideas of the plan. It appears residents of Hell’s Kitchen showed up to a later meeting to voice their concerns of re-opening the coveted Nightclub that once stood as one of the Top Clubs in the world…Blah, blah, blah…. You live in New York Friggin' City! You want quiet? That’s what Hoboken is for! Peasants. Hell’s Kitchen residents getting boujee about “noise” is like a Lower East Side resident saying they don’t like shots of Fireball… Not painting a picture? It's like a 20 something year-old dude from East Williamsburg saying he doesn't roll-up his jeans or wear Glasses without lenses… Unbelievable.
But wait, there is another proposed option. An art gallery, that will act as a Nightclub one night a week (on Saturday’s). Hell’s Kitchen Resident, Glenn Raymond, came fourth with the proposal that would act as a corporate event center, Acoustic music venue and art gallery during normal business hours and weeknight evenings. From 10am-6pm, 7 days a week, the walls of the once most renowned Nightclub in the world will be hammered into to hold paintings… Proof that Hipsters do not reside only in Brooklyn. Also, this art spot would be free to the public. They are saying the gallery could open as soon as the fall with the rest of the plan being implemented sometime in 2018.
Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t do Pacha more than one night at this point in my life, but, the plan for “Mekka” is everything I want to punch in the face about this industry. The acoustic thing is cool, I can totally vibe to some Johnny Mayer, but an Art Gallery? Who knows, this could end up being the raddest place around, but I don’t see it happening.
I am pretty amped that there are updates here and that there is a chance to once more rave until the sun comes up at the holy grounds of 618 W. 46th Street.
Time will tell. In the meantime, it looks like Space NY opened back up? Whatever…
Remember that time with the Chainsmokers? EEEEESH, 2014 was LIT!
