The Lion’s Den 214 Sullivan Street Bet. Bleecker and W. 3rd 212.477.2782

In the heart of Washington Square Village lies a sweet spot known for funky music, reasonably priced beverages and a super friendly staff. When you walk into the Lion’s Den, be prepared for a night of dancing. Whether you’re there to see up and coming jam artists, funkitified party bands, or a local singer-songwriter, the Den’s sound system will not disappoint. Plus, with an 18+ age limit on most nights, NYU students don’t need to spend their time perfecting fake ID’s while they should be studying.

In the lobby, you will find one of the Creative Entertainment Group’s staffers (Howie, Mike or Matt) collecting the obligatory $5-10 cover charge and one of several kind hearted bouncers that are there more to keep the vibe than the peace. Get your hand stamped and you can enjoy an entire night of music, or bounce around to different Bleecker Street destinations and return thanks to their easy-going door policy. Once you pass thru the velvet curtain into the main room, you will be greeted by a long bar to your left. Stop off before making your way to the front of the stage and you will be treated to a congenial bar staff with an ample buyback policy (remember to tip well and you will be taken care of). On some nights, there are special promotions from the Jameson party crew, where free drinks flow and beautiful women tease you with their too tight shirts and tongue in cheek flirts.

The stage itself is quite small and exposed to the audience on two sides. The sight lines are fantastic, especially from the small platform in the rear that doubles as waitress served seating section and a VIP area.

Though small in stature, something about the Lion’s Den stage, indeed the atmosphere of the entire club, leads bands to pull from the well of their creativity and perform at their peak. The crowd is usually rambunctious and the energy is often shared between audience and act. With soundman Brian behind the mixing board, you can be sure that your band will sound best, and the full spectrum monitor rig helps bands stay right in the pocket.

The web site has loads of information for the patron and the artist as well. The first thing you may notice when you go there is a pic of Trey Anastasio and Jennifer Hartswick on stage at the club. No, this is not photo compositing or false advertising, I was actually at that show and it was mind blowing (btw, though the club is small, its not uncommon to see Mike Gordon hanging in the band room or Wycleff Jean and his entourage drinking Hennessy in the house- but seeing the two of them exchange contact information, priceless!). Picking up advance tickets is extremely easy thanks to the LD’s association with Ticket Web. Simply print out your confirmation, show it at the door, and you’re in like Flynn.

Bands should go to the web site and click on the Advance Info & Promotions tab. There you will find a wealth of information from complete backline and pa specifications to helpful hints about promoting your show in NYC. CEG is ever mindful of the costs of a tour, so they allow bands to keep 100% of their merch sales. Bands are allowed two guests per member and are given a stack of drink tickets. The only drawback is that bands are required to use the house kit and bass rig, though headlining tours can usually work something out in advance.

So whether a patron or a player, the Lion’s Den has a lot to offer. Artists will appreciate their superb support policies and helpful information, while concertgoers will be treated to a great vibe. Check out a show at the Lion’s Den today, you won’t be disappointed.

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