The National Underground
The National Underground is a music venue chain that was launched in December 2007. It is a roots rock Americana music bar founded in Manhattan's Lower East Side, at 159 East Houston Street between Allen and Eldridge Streets. In 2011, a further venue opened at 105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201.
The chain is co-owned by brothers Joey DeGraw and Gavin DeGraw, and offers music, food, and drink. Joey DeGraw is an independent artist whose first record sold 40,000 copies without any label support. Gavin DeGraw is a multi-platinum J Records recording artist. The New York space once was home to Martignetti Liquors, and has been decorated with hanging tapestries and a pair of Texas longhorns above the bar.
The idea for the venue came about because the brothers wanted a place where they could hang out on a regular basis, and where other musicians could come in and listen and learn. "We were picky about the quality of musicians that played there," Gavin DeGraw says. "We wanted a place where the players were so good, other musicians were like, 'Wow! I really respect what they're doing.'"
Musicians that have played at The National Underground include Gavin DeGraw, Joss Stone, Chris Barron, and The Shells.
Irish musician Rob Smith played his first ever US show at the venue in 2010. Musician PARIS RAY played a weekly gig every Sunday in 2012.
R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers, and the Allman Brothers have stopped in to catch a show at the venue.
