The Stone

Always love this place.
A Frank London and his band were extremely entertaining rocking out with great energy. Psychedelicatessen an eclectic mix of Klezmer and bangara music with spoken word of various poets was a nonstop lively
Revelation and now I’m hooked.
The venue small and intimate holds about 30 –50 people.
Every seat in the house presents a closeup view of the stage just a few feet from the band.

This place makes Issue Project Room look like a sports bar.

Some of the most wonderful artists are presented here… at what is unfortunately a pretty subpar venue. The lack of climate control, the absence of a raised stage for sightlines, and the loud street noises make this a sweaty, strained experience…
If you go on a relatively cool day to see a relatively unknown artist then you’re quite possibly in for a one-​of-​a-​kind treat that you’ll always treasure. If you go on a hot night and/​or to see a name artist, get ready for serious discomfort.

This is one of the worst places I’ve been to see live music in my entire LIFE! It was quite a surprise — SHOCKING!
To be clear, I’m not some experimental music tourist or someone who decided to stop by out of novelty or to try to get «culture.» I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of shows (like the Stone puts on) in a variety of places. After seeing the numerous listings online of so many compelling sets and lineups at this venue (I live outside of NYC) I knew I had to check it out once I got the chance. YES, I did come with expectations, somehow thinking it’d be more of a «Tonic junior» type place but this was so off the mark and subpar, I couldn’t believe it! THIS is NEW YORK’S lil nexus for «out» music? YIKES…
A small space is just fine… unassuming, bare, concrete, hole in the wall — all fine! I’ve seen great sets in the smallest corners of living rooms, basements, and lofts. But THE STONE… entering to a room full of plastic IKEA chairs all in a row I felt immediately doubtful about the place. Plus $ 15 for ONE SET? It’s New York, OK you guys have bills to pay, rent… fine, fine, I would still give it a shot, but…
I sat down and it immediately felt like school — but in the worst way. The black and white musician pictures on the wall made me feel like I was in some terrible brochure for a music school, sterile but «skilled» and certainly not interesting or lively. I hesitate to use the word «academic» (someone might say — «duh!!! John Zorn bro!») but even the musicians and artists in the pictures who I have seen play excellent sets before somehow seemed reduced to the blandest image possible, with any signs of LIFE and excitement removed. Just technique… touching instruments…
Being here was like being in the embodiment of a wikipedia page about «avant-​garde/​experimental music» rather than actually experiencing any evidence of true expression or energy. How unfortunate!
ALSO
It was dark, I couldn’t see faces. No people in the room, just bodies. This is probably THE MOST ANTI-​SOCIAL PLACE EVER in which I have seen live music. OK, I get it, pay attention to the music, that’s what it’s about — THE PERFORMANCE. But if I’m going to venture outside of my own private space, into PUBLIC, and pay money… in addition to hopes of seeing live music of quality I also like to feel enticed by the idea that I might have at least one little conversation with another human being while in a «social setting.» But everything about the Stone says NO to this possibility. Sit down in the chair. Listen. Ok, the set’s over — that’s it! There’s no «in between» performances to chat, unless you go to multiple sets (and pay twice, which just seems foolish), there’s no place to convene in the sea of chairs except maybe while waiting in line for the toilet? OR maybe outside but… in the heart of winter? Just terrible… The Stone is completely unconducive to any form of relating to others, in conversation or even in just simple regards to the act of taking in MUSIC!
ALSO
It’s quite difficult to see… just heads of strangers blocking the view of most of the musicians who are playing. Audio-​wise an amp or speaker CRACKLED badly, repeatedly. One person in the collab set I witnessed just bowed out early due to the technical issues.
OVERALL… NOT SO GOOD…
MASSIVE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT HERE!

It might be my favorite way of listening to live music; relax, intimate, no pushing, no stage (I do not like stages!)
If you really like a band who is playing and are familiar with their music then its def 4 star or more experience in my opinion (again considering no nonsense — no pushing and shoveling and …)
But if you go to some random performance just keep in mind that it is more experimental type music and some might be uneasy on your ears– specially if you are like me and blessed with pallet but not so much with hearing «gift» ! just saying…
I still will go back and try many more performance here and would recomend it

Been twice to this unsuspecting institution of experimental music and small venue glory, but that was enough to experience what I’m sure are opposite ends of the spectrum.
The first time was late fall of 2013. I was early to the 10 p.m. show (every night of the week has a show at 8 p.m. and one at 10 p.m.), which involved a quartet of brass and reeds going absolutely nuts. Despite the rousing music, there was a sense of balance and peace in the small venue; basically a black box, this little home to a not-​for-​profit that gives all of its proceeds from shows and specially recorded CDs straight to the musicians (after rent and operations come out, of course).
The second time was early this May. My friend and I were quite early to the Wednesday 8 p.m. show of the current artists in residence: jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, computer musician Ikue Mori and cellist Okkyung Lee. For those of us expecting something at least mildly akin to Iyer’s clean, tender riffs, the show was whack. Several walked out; the screeching noises of the cello (normally such a lovely and mellow instrument) and Rainforest Café-​esque sound effects generated by the computer were just too avant-​garde for at least a third of the folks in the room. But this wasn’t even my main complaint, since almost all live music shows are inherently valuable whether they turn out to be your jam or not.
My complaints begin with the fact that, after my friend and I had a drink around the block at Elsa bar because we were just TOO early, we found that the doors had just been opened and the hard folding chairs were already packed with people; or people and the bags they ruthlessly laid down to save spots for significant others or cronies who were going to be super late anyway. I produced the stated $ 15 in cash, and was told that the cover was actually $ 20. That’s fine, but if so, they should have «noted otherwise» on their website (as their website declares:
)! Not everyone in NYC carries cash around all of the time, not even in the E.Village.
Soon enough, the overflow ground seating behind the artsists’ floor space was also chock full, as was standing room against the walls. But there was still some room, you know what I mean? Having scored the last two seats in the back row, I wouldn’t have cared, except for the fact that one poor dude got cast out before the show began, on the grounds that the building’s capacity had simply been exceeded. But then, a couple art school chicks pushed their way inside DURING the performance, holding huge Blick Art bags and gasping about how their projects had made her late. And guess what? They got in. That struck me as very 18+ of the establishment, and made me genuinely feel for the humble, single male fan (and believe me, I rarely feel bad for males) who was now probably standing directly outside the too-​thin walls for a two hour wait until the 10 p.m. set, sure to be equally whack.
Speaking of the too-​thin walls; every car, every Spanish argument, every siren, every word of cigarette smokers’ conversations hideously polluted the sound and noise of the show itself. I hadn’t noticed this before. It was almost unbearable, especially the sounds of people talking and smoking directly outside. Then inside, the door guards left on a terribly bright lamp that illuminated a guestlist. Why would this be necessary after the doors had officially closed?
Anyway, The Stone has solid appeal as a venue in favor of emerging musicians. However, my bipolar experience there causes me to urge the rest of you to temper expectations generated by the hype. These steps should increase likelihood of landing on the good side of the experience:
*Go early and sit right in the front. If you only see a few people in line, stick around because it won’t stay that way. Otherwise, your view of the proximal artists will still be seen through a filter of craning heads.
*Don’t be an asshole; arrive with all parties intending to attend, so you are actually sitting in the chairs that you claim to have claimed.
*Bring like 25 bucks because who knows what will ever happen; they call the price and you don’t want to lose out because you need to find a fee ATM.
*Go on like a Sunday night at 10 p.m. in the middle of a snowstorm to see someone «obscure» or who you do not yet know. This way, you’ll not only become acquainted with something new, but will truly be supporting new artists and getting a bona fide experience of a miniature venue rather than an incongruously large-​club aura owing to sheer overcrowding What I’m saying is don’t buy into the myth that begging your way inside, then standing with your back against the wall with breath held and seeing something is a novelty. That’s like everything in NYC; too small, too crowded, and bare bones. I say that sitting here comfortably on a quiet night with a full view of world class musical fronteirism is the novelty to enjoy. And The Stone can definitely deliver that, some of the time.

This is the real deal. Anyone that attends a venue for nothing other than music has found their home base in the Stone. No nonsense, folding chairs and instruments in a small, dark room. Some of NYC’s (and abroad) deepest musicians and bands pass through here… I’ve seen sets from Nels Cline, Ben Monder, and a ton of other incredible players. This is not a place that non musicians will flock to and the lack of bar and décor rubs some the wrong way. This is in my top 5 music venues in NYC and certainly one of a kind.

Experimental music that makes you think… or sleep (for some). The music is of nice quality but not to please everyone’s ears. No food/​drinks, simple folding chairs and $ 15 cover.

If someone you like plays here, go. I can’t imagine a more intimate venue and I highly doubt one exists. When I came here there were about 30 steel chairs and about an 8×8 space for the performers (Carla Kihlstedt and Theresa Wong). The AC was turned off during the duration of the performance so it was super hot but it was one of the greatest show-​going experiences of my life. Also, the nature of the performers who are invited here’s appealing to me, so I’d love to just come here and give some artists I’ve never heard of a chance. I think anyone with an open mind would enjoy such an experience. This place is really hard to find as there’s no sign over the door and is cash only, so bring cash and try to arrive a bit earlier than you might for normal venue’s. I had to look around and try opening some doors to find it.

Use bathroom before you come. Bring cash and arrive on time. Enjoy.

I called the number listed on here (on the evening of March 15, 2014 at roughly 8:30 pm) because I was having a hard time finding the Stone. The person who answered confirmed that he was responsible for providing information on the Stone.
This man proceeded to use the most condescending, impolite tone to connote my stupidity for not finding the location on my own. I quote: «Well, there are four corners at the intersection. There’s a gas station. That’s not it. There’s a park. That’s not it. There’s a grocery. And that’s not it. So you tell me, what’s left?»
I told him that I was still having a hard time finding it. And he proceeded to repeat, in the same EXACT way, what he said previously. Luckily my phone ran out of battery. I was about to snap at him.
The result: myself and two friends didn’t go to the Stone (even though we later found it) and will never go again. You might want to reevaluate letting this person answer the phone.

I love San Francisco, but I’ve got to hand it to New York for their stellar jazz scene. Places like this are true gems. Hot sweaty jazzy gems.

I have an interest in experimental music and I’ve lived in the EV for over 8 years but I’ve resisted this place. Mainly because I thought that their «no drinks» policy was a tad Draconian. On a recent, cold January night, I decided to commit, as one of my favorite jazz artists, Rudresh Mahanthappa, was playing there. The show was amazing and the atmosphere was pretty cool, given the minimal set-​up. I didn’t even mind not drinking for an hour. I am now a fan of this venue and resolve to support it more often. Long live The Stone!

A little place where you can sit and enjoy experimental jazz. Probably one of the most vanguard places in town. And the profits go 100% for the musicians that play there

You will be hard pressed to find better music. You would also be hard pressed to find a sauna hotter than The Stone in July. I don’t know if I’ve ever been sweater in my life, and that’s saying a lot.

It’s tough to rate a music venue, it depends on the performers more. The stone has been around a while and is an institution. No food, no drinks, just music. Exit and repay between sets. Small, maybe 50 people tops. Sound quality good. Usually good performers. Gets ultra hot inside in summers.

Be it a boiling summer evening or the sub-​freezing dead of winter, the Stone will inevitably be filled to the brim with humid heat and discrete fan-​flappers. It can get uncomfortable in the tiny corner space, but the Stone just wouldn’t be the Stone if it didn’t offer some sweat to go with that avant garde.
The line-​up ranges from improvised electronic solo players to obscure trombone and box-​player duos (as in, a real cardboard box), right on to larger orchestras that struggle to all fit in the cramped stage. Regardless of style or size, each performance offers a transcendent and intimate musical experience.
The music may not always appeal to the ears, but one thing is for certain: it’ll blow your mind.

The Stone certainly deserves five stars for the musicians, the community and the concept. As for the facilities, it’s probably about two or three stars. Though I would be willing to check it out again in the winter, I don’t think I would want to go in the summer again, to quietly suffocate in the stuffy room with little fresh air. But I suppose you go for the music, anyway. It’s fine when the air is on, but it would be too noisy during a performance so they turn it off.
Also, the bathroom is directly behind the performance space with just a door knob lock that makes me wonder if it’s really locked so that someone doesn’t just fling the door open. And it would be really nice if they had some hand soap… The next time I go, I will try to avoid the bathroom or remember to at least take hand sanitizer.

The Stone is a great, great place to hear jazz; several other reviewers have called it no-​frills – but at least it has a restroom. The other night I saw Jonah Parzen-​Johnson play solo sax there and was suitably impressed; the man plays overtones and does the sort of things with his sax Janis Joplin did with her voice.
«You’re a virtuoso!» I said to him after; he gave me an aw-​shucks look, but I was just speaking the truth.

I was walking by the Stone, and I stopped to chat with the two guys standing outside.
peter d: Who’s playing tonight?
Guy 1: We are.
peter d: Oh… who are you?
Guy 2: [insert name of band]
peter d: Oh… that’s cool. How much is the cover?
Guy 1: $ 10. Come in and check it out. If you don’t like it, I’ll give you your money back.
I couldn’t very well leave after that, it would just be rude. (Yes, ruder than asking who they were.) And I’m somewhat glad I stayed, because the concept of the Stone is awesome.
This is a place devoted to music, and nothing else. They run shows. That’s it. There is no booze, there is no food, there is no bullshit. You pay your cover, and you sit down and watch the show. If you are into the act, this is an extremely intimate, very cool place to catch them. I highly recommend doing so.
However, once you’re inside, there really isn’t anywhere to go. And if you just wander by and go in because you feel guilty, you could end up listening to a long show by a weird band, trapped next to a frighteningly stinky woman who claps at inopportune times.