Arlene's Grocery has come a long way from its roots as a Spanish grocery store. The former bodega closed up shop in the summer of '96 and re-opened in November of that year as a live music venue. Since then, they have housed The Strokes, David Gray, Joss Stone, Story of the Year, Space Hog, Vanessa Carlton and Jeff Buckley in his last New York performance.

The bar (known as the Butcher Bar since it used to be the butcher area of the bodega) is accompanied by comfortable tables and seating. The homely decor and fireplace add to the cozy atmosphere of the main level bar, which charges no cover. There's also a downstairs music room which has its own bar and large stage. The admission fee for most of the shows is an inexpensive $7.00 and drinks are moderately priced.

One of the most talked about events at Arlene's is the Monday night Karaoke, happening every Monday night at 10:00pm. Patrons can act out their rock fantasies by singing along with a LIVE band to punk and heavy metal tunes. So whether you are there to be the rock star on stage with the band or a spectator in the crowd, this night promises to be interesting to say the least. And with no cover charge, how can you go wrong?

Arlene's is also involved with One-Story, Arlene Grocery Picture Show, Triple 666 Sundays, & All Ages Afternoons. One Story is a literary magazine that contains, ingeniously enough, one story. Approximately every three weeks, subscribers are sent One Story in the mail. Then on the second Monday of every month, the author of the featured story has a reading at Arlene's, following a cocktail hour (6:30 -8:00) that entitles patrons to a reduced price on a drink of the author's choosing. (The last One-Story occurred Feb. 9th with author Amanda Gersh and bargain Gin & Tonics.)

The Arlene Grocery Picture Show is a film festival that the club supports annually. (Amateur filmmakers can submit their films on VHS tapes by March 15th for this year's festival.) This year, it takes place April 23rd -26th. Several clubs in the area help to showcase the films, and on the final day there is an awards ceremony called the "Groceries" where directors, actors and others are honored for their contributions. Check out www.arlene-grocery.com/events for more info.

Triple 666 Sundays happens on the last Sunday of each month, featuring a night of 80's metal, go-go dancers, and general debauchery. Five bands perform to make it a real rock & roll party. All Ages Afternoons are for the kids, sort of. Every other Saturday at 1:00pm, Arlene's Grocery showcases top New York bands for ALL- all ages, all music, all day!

If that weren't enough, they have just filmed two episodes for a new MTV2 show called "Album Covers," which features bands performing their favorite albums. The first show airs March 4th at 8 and the band is Dashboard Confessional, performing R.E.M.'s "Automatic for the People" (with special guest Michael Stipe himself.)

With live music 7 days a week and a variety of special events occurring regularly, what's not to like? If they maintain this level of quality entertainment, Arlene's will soon be known as one of New York's most dynamic and distinctive venues. For more info on upcoming events visit www.arlene-grocery.com