BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — CBGB is closed and Roseland Ballroom is closing, but the owners of a new Bed-Stuy venue wants to help make sure New York's music scene stays alive.
Olivia, the first-ever traditional rock music venue in Bed-Stuy, officially opens it doors on Friday, with a night of music, dancing, art and burlesque.
The venue, at 1073 Atlantic Ave., is the creation of concert promoter Mike Madrigal, 36, and local business owner Calvin Clark, 54. The two started working together by chance, when Madrigal, looking for a venue in the neighborhood to host a show, walked into one of Clark's other spaces, Bedford Hall.
While Bedford Hall doesn't have a stage for performances, Clark did have another location in mind.
"He showed me this space," Madrigal said. "I was like, 'this can be incredible.'"
Clark, meanwhile, owns the Atlantic Avenue building, where he runs Club Langston on Saturday nights. The business owner was looking for the right partner to transform it into a full-time venue.
The two meeting was kismet, Clark said.
"I thought it would be a good space [for a venue], I just didn't have the contacts," Clark said. "I was looking for him, he was looking for me."
The two-story space features a stage, bar and DJ booth, along with a second-floor green room for bands to prepare in. Madrigal said he hopes the venue will help foster live music in an ever-changing and developing neighborhood.
"In the city, all the live venues are closing," Madrigal said. "In this neighborhood, it's the perfect place and time."
Friday's event, which starts at 8 p.m., features a lineup of performers including Eva & Her Virgins, Keyke and Starbolt 9, followed by popuar drag dance party Dizzyland at midnight. For more information click here.
