Sad news for Jazz fans. 55 Bar closing tomorrow.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 22 May 2022 8:16 am

For New York area jazz fans, sad to report that the legendary jazz institution, 55 Bar, is closing for good after tomorrow nights early set. Mike Stern played here every week. Place only held 80 people. True New York institution.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 22 May 2022 4:45 pm

Was my regular haunt in the 80s, where I saw Mike and Leni (with Wayne Krantz) so many times and with so many amazing musicians in the rotation. On one of my favorite nights, Mike and I went for coffee at the Sheridan Square Diner and he wrote his phone number on the blank bill from the waiter for me to call him for lessons. He took my number too and ended up calling me one Sunday. I’ll never forget the barmaid at 55 Bar back then, an older women with a long ponytail and glasses.

Anyway, so sad this place is closing. The end of an era.

Brett Lanier · Post by **Brett Lanier** » 23 May 2022 5:02 pm

That's a big bummer. I went there often when I was in school down there. 10 bucks got you in and two free drinks! You won't find that deal anymore.

One of the best shows I've ever seen was at the 55 Bar. Dave Binney and friends, with Brian Blade, Craig Taborn, Chris Potter, Adam Rodgers, (blanking on the basssist).

Slim Heilpern · Post by **Slim Heilpern** » 24 May 2022 5:16 am

Saw this on Facebook, looks like a GoFundMe campaign has already raised $60k to keep it open, perhaps that will do the trick?

https://gofund.me/c4498a41

- Slim

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 24 May 2022 5:41 am

For those who have never been to 55 Bar, here is a set featuring Johnny Lam on steel guitar. https://youtu.be/ciGIsNPfvEI

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 24 May 2022 6:37 am

"Saw this on Facebook, looks like a GoFundMe campaign has already raised $60k to keep it open, perhaps that will do the trick?
"

Looks like this fundraiser was from 7 months ago, and new contributions have been disabled. Monday was its last, unfortunately.

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 24 May 2022 4:32 pm

Bill McCloskey wrote:For those who have never been to 55 Bar, here is a set featuring Johnny Lam on steel guitar. https://youtu.be/ciGIsNPfvEI

That was cool Bill, great playing by Johnny and Jim Campilongo has long been one of my favorite guitarists. Former San Francisco boy turned New Yorker - got to see him play live out here a couple times many years ago.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 2 Jun 2022 1:36 pm

This stinks...