Music venues seem like a dime a dozen in New York City, especially Williamsburg, but we'll miss Glasslands. The performance space announced Tuesday that it will be closing its doors at the end of 2014.
The venue opened during 2006 and quickly became one of the most vibrant showplaces in Brooklyn, hosting groups such as TV on The Radio and MGMT (we consider ourselves lucky to have caught Owen Pallett there in May). Those behind Glasslands didn't hint as to what may have inspired to closing in its official statement, but many are already suggesting that financial issues weren't the problem, according to The Gothamist.
Two other popular waterfront venues have already announced their respective demises during 2014: Death by Audio and 285 Kent (located on the same street as Glasslands). The popular rumor, although not confirmed by any of the parties involved, is that growing media giant VICE Media would be moving into offices on South 2nd Street, where Death by Audio was previously located. If that's the true reason, the irony of media counterculture forcing out musical counterculture is not lost on us. Other developments in the area include the Domino Sugar Factory project.
There is a modicum of good news however: Unlike with Death by Audio and 285 Kent, Glasslands doesn't seem to plan on being out for the count. Management ended its letter to fans by stating "goodbye for now, but not forever."
Obviously that doesn't mean Glasslands v2 will just pop up down in Red Hook but it seems those responsible must be scouting ideas. We can't wait.
