(Le) Poisson Rouge


Poisson Rouge is a music venue and multimedia art cabaret in New York City founded in 2008 by Justin Kantor and David Handler on the former site of the Village Gate at 158 Bleecker Street. The performance space was designed and engineered by John Storyk/WSDG. It has become known for its focus on artistry, bringing contemporary classical music into the club setting, and offering a variety of set ups so that a seated classical performance can be followed by a standing set by a rock band or a DJ. Responding to a performance of Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time featuring pianist Bruce Brubaker at LPR, The Wall Street Journal reported: "The crowd – many of whom wouldn't even have known who Messiaen was – sat in rapt silence, and roared their approval at the end."
Kantor and Handler, both graduates of Manhattan School of Music, founded LPR with the stated desire of creating a venue that would foster the fusion of "popular and art cultures" in music, film, theater, dance, and fine art.
The venue is home to a myriad variety of genres focusing on classical, new music, avant garde music, indie rock, and jazz, but also playing host to readings, comedy, film, DJs, parties, theater, and burlesque.
A number of live albums have been recorded at Poisson Rouge, including an improvised album by J. Spaceman and Kid Millions and Grand Valley State University's New Music Ensemble recording of Terry Riley's In C.

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