The National Underground
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| Type | casual dining, restaurants, live shows |
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| Website | |
| thenationalunderground.com | |
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.[1] 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.[2][3][4] 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.[5] 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.[6][7]
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.[8] "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.'"[9]
Musicians that have played at The National Underground include Gavin DeGraw, Joss Stone, Chris Barron, and The Shells.[10][11] Irish musician Rob Smith played his first ever US show at the venue in 2010.[12]
R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers, and the Allman Brothers have stopped in to catch a show at the venue.[13]
See also
The National Underground hosts a weekly open mic night every Monday from 7-10 P.M.
References
- ^ "National Underground". The National Underground. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ Carlson, Erin (May 8, 2008). "Gavin DeGraw Doesn't Wanna Be Another Singer-Songwriter". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ Friedman, Roger (March 6, 2008). "Patrick Swayze Slammed by National Enquirer". Fox News. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ "Soul of the City: New York City". Glide Magazine. August 29, 2008. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ "The National Underground: About Us". The National Underground. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ [1]. Citysearch.
- ^ [2]. urbandaddy.com.
- ^ Adams, Patty (July 27, 2008). "Six Seconds with: Gavin DeGraw -- Why the Singer-Songwriter Believes in Speaking Softly and Carrying a Big Pizza". New York Post. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ Tomcho, Sandy (August 15, 2008). "Gavin DeGraw Performs at Monticello Gaming & Raceway: Singer Plays Homecoming Show at Monticello Track". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ Miller, Kirk (February 15, 2008). "Inside: National Underground: Gavin DeGraw Brings the Bleecker Street Drinking Experience to the LES", Metromix. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
- ^ [3]. recordonline.com.
- ^ http://showsavant.com/bands/rob-smith/concert/manhattan/2010/Sep/15 showsavant.com
- ^ Niemietz, Brian (April 13, 2008). "Making the Scene ... The National Underground". New York Post. Retrieved September 5, 2009.