New York bluegrass

[Cary Fagan]

I'm looking for bluegrass-related suggestions for Manhattan. I know the city well but haven't been since the mandolin bug entered my bloodstream three years ago. I won't be able to get to Staten Island (Mandolin Bros.) but is there any store in Manhattan worth checking out? Does anyone know of bluegrass on friday and Sat nights?

[J. Mark Lane]

There are no music stores in Manhattan worth bothering with. Trust me.

For info on area events, check out Ben Freed's website at:

http://banjoben.com/

Remember, NYC is not the heart of bluegrass country....

Mark

[Tom C]

Cary,
When are you going to be in N.Y? Mondays is good atPark Side Lounge (http://www.parksidelounge.com) to see bluegrass. Buddy Merriam on the 15th will be great. Why wouldn't you be able to get to Staten Island? I used to work on S.I. and would visit once a month but that does not happen any more.
Tom

[Jim Garber]

There are no music stores in Manhattan worth bothering with. #Trust me.
Well, perhaps there is no Mandolin Brothers or First Quality in Manhattan but Rudy's Music (http://www.rudysmusic.com/) on 48th usually has a small bunch of mandolins. Last time I was there they had two Rigels, an A9 and some Kentuckies and a few I can't recall plus a handful of vintage ones. The young guy who runs the acoustic department is pretty knowledgeable and it is a pleasant place to play, away from the electric guys downstairs.

The other manhattan shop worth visiting is Matt Umanov's (http://www.umanovguitars.com/) on Bleecker Street in the Village. He usually has a pile of vintage mandolins and a handful of Collings, Gibsons and the like.

There is also Lark Street Music (http://www.larkstreet.com/) in Teaneck, NJ, more or less across the river.

Jim