It's not getting any easier for New Yorkers to see great concerts. Manhattan's sky-high rent has claimed plenty of local music venues over the years, and now B.B. King's Blues Club in Times Square is one of them.
B.B. King's Times Square representatives announced this week that its final performance will take place on April 29. The final show will feature the Harlem Gospel Choir, reports Pollstar.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the news about B.B. King Blues Club's closing,” stated venue COO Tsion Bensusan. “Despite many sold out shows, the location’s rent escalated to an unsustainable level, leaving us no choice but to close our doors.”
The final performances at B.B. King's will include shows by Buddy Guy tonight, April 18; Rick Ross, Monday, April 22; and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic on Saturday, April 28.
In addition to the final big ticket shows, B.B. King's all week will celebrate its 18-year run at the Times Square location.
Shows scheduled beyond April 29 will be moved to other city venues. The club says it is working closely with Harlem Gospel Choir to find another local venue for its weekly Sunday residency.
“Unfortunately this has become a growing trend in New York City, with other iconic music venues and businesses falling victim to opportunistic property owners,” Bensusan said. “This venue's legacy extends much further than the stage, playing a role in Times Square's revitalization two decades ago. It is a shame that wasn't taken into consideration regarding its future in the area."
B.B. King's Blues Club has become a nationwide chain of music venues, the original one being in Memphis, TN. The Times Square location was one of the club's flagship venues.
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