Irving Plaza Box Office   

17 Irving Pl
New York, NY 10003
212-777-6817
www.irvingplaza.com

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Irving Plaza is every bit a legend as the artists who have played here -- and given past appearances by Bob Dylan, Debbie Harry and Johnny Cash, that's no faint praise. The building's history is as wildly diverse as its booking schedule: Over the years, the three-level auditorium has served as Polish Army Veterans headquarters, a Yiddish theater, a burlesque house (Gypsy Rose Lee stripped here), and even a boxing arena. Today it's one of the prime midsize venues in the northeast, perfect for national acts seeking a more intimate venue or smaller bands amping up their mass appeal. From a patron's standpoint, it's no less exceptional. You can mosh with abandon at the foot of the stage -- or get out of the crush easily, taking in the whole spectacle from the safety of the balcony. Sound is excellent, and there isn't a bad sightline in the house -- unless you're occupying one of the flea-market sofas in the upstairs lounge. -- Dan Glass