On February 8, 2019, after over 10 years of performances and shows, New York’s Highline Ballroom is closing its doors. Co-owner Daniel Nardicio posted on Facebook: “RIP Highline Ballroom.” The venue closing is happening not long after the shuttering of BB Kings back in April 2018, its related 42nd Street venue. Blue Note Entertainment Group, the company which owned these venues and several others, blamed rising rent issues for the closure. Remembered for some of the city’s most high-energy shows over the years, Highline Ballroom has hosted performances by such acts as Robyn, Hot Chip, Lily Allen, and Brockhampton.
Highline Ballroom co-owner Steven Bensusan stated, “Unfortunately after 12 years our landlord has decided not to renew Highline Ballroom’s lease. For over a year we were led to believe that a renewal was imminent, however it is now clear that the landlord has other plans for the building. This is obviously a growing trend within the New York real estate market impacting various entertainment venues and businesses.
“We plan on reopening Highline Ballroom at a new location in the Chelsea/Meatpacking District and are currently looking at options. We hope to be able to announce our plans soon. In the meantime our final show date and programming will be announced shortly. We have been very fortunate to present some of music’s biggest names in a small club atmosphere such as Lou Reed, Paul McCartney, The Killers, Amy Winehouse, The Black Keys, Artic Monkeys, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, The Roots and so many more have performed on the stage in the Ballroom. It is a shame that we have to close our doors, though we are grateful for the support we have received from fans and artists over the years in making the original Highline Ballroom location a truly unique experience.
Make sure to check out the remaining Highline Ballroom schedule, which includes weekly Sunday Drag Brunches, a Beatles tribute, a few comedy shows, and more. Stay tuned for details regarding any more official venue closure announcements: http://highlineballroom.com
Don’t be sad about this news — there’s plenty of new openings in the city, including The Shed, the Hudson Yards’ new venue opening in spring 2019.