A rogue brass band brought chaos to the Lower East Side, performing an impromptu concert in a Duane Reade cosmetics aisle and getting kicked out of a craft beer bar. The musicians from Ghost Band Plays Ghost Venues, dressed in white sheets and shower curtains to resemble ghosts, played their instruments with gusto as they marched through the neighborhood.
The band's visit caught the attention of locals, including Mahayana Landowne, who reminisced about her time at Meow Mix, a beloved lesbian bar that once occupied the building now home to the 269 E. Houston St. The scene was set for a lively and nostalgic procession as part of an event called Radiant Revelry.
The parade, which marked the third annual Ghost Band Plays Ghost Venues, paid tribute to shuttered cultural landmarks across the neighborhood, including the graves of former venues that fell to gentrification. The band made stops at several locations, including Gas Station, where an abandoned gas station turned into a metal workshop and music venue in the 1980s.
However, not all stores were pleased with the band's visit. The staff at craft beer bar d.b.a., located on the site of early thrash scene haunt Lismar Lounge, promptly kicked out the musicians. In contrast, the T.D. Bank branch that now sits at Mars Bar's old address welcomed the band with open arms, packing the place with brass instruments from ATM to ATM.
Event organizer Sara Valentine aimed to create a celebration of the neighborhood's history and spirit, rather than a somber tribute. The event brought together revelers armed with puppets, thunder tubes, and improvised percussion, marching through the biting December evening in search of ghostly venues and fond memories.
As the night drew to a close, some locations were skipped due to weather conditions, but organizers are already planning future events to include more venues. For Stefan Zeniuk, one of the event's cocreators, the parade serves as a way to connect with the past and preserve local history. "It's connecting with the past," he said. "Like the rings on a tree. They don't go away. There's still energy in those physical locations. There's still history there."
The band's visit caught the attention of locals, including Mahayana Landowne, who reminisced about her time at Meow Mix, a beloved lesbian bar that once occupied the building now home to the 269 E. Houston St. The scene was set for a lively and nostalgic procession as part of an event called Radiant Revelry.
The parade, which marked the third annual Ghost Band Plays Ghost Venues, paid tribute to shuttered cultural landmarks across the neighborhood, including the graves of former venues that fell to gentrification. The band made stops at several locations, including Gas Station, where an abandoned gas station turned into a metal workshop and music venue in the 1980s.
However, not all stores were pleased with the band's visit. The staff at craft beer bar d.b.a., located on the site of early thrash scene haunt Lismar Lounge, promptly kicked out the musicians. In contrast, the T.D. Bank branch that now sits at Mars Bar's old address welcomed the band with open arms, packing the place with brass instruments from ATM to ATM.
Event organizer Sara Valentine aimed to create a celebration of the neighborhood's history and spirit, rather than a somber tribute. The event brought together revelers armed with puppets, thunder tubes, and improvised percussion, marching through the biting December evening in search of ghostly venues and fond memories.
As the night drew to a close, some locations were skipped due to weather conditions, but organizers are already planning future events to include more venues. For Stefan Zeniuk, one of the event's cocreators, the parade serves as a way to connect with the past and preserve local history. "It's connecting with the past," he said. "Like the rings on a tree. They don't go away. There's still energy in those physical locations. There's still history there."
. The fact that it brought back memories of places like Meow Mix is a great sign that the neighborhood is still alive with spirit 
. I'm not sure about the craft beer bar, though...I mean, can't they just chill? 
And yeah, gentrification is a real bummer - it's awesome that this event is helping to preserve some of those lost spots 
. Still, I think there's something pretty cool about seeing these old venues come back to life in some way...whether it's the T.D. Bank branch or an abandoned gas station turned metal workshop 
.
Did u see that 1/3 of the locations we passed got skipped cuz of bad weather? 
Like, Dec in NYC is already super cold, so I feel us! 
But for real tho, the turnout was still MIND-BLOWING - there were over 500 people at the T.D. Bank branch alone 
Puppets, thunder tubes, and all that jazz... it's like they really got into character 
. I'm also low-key loving the brass band vibes - who knew a group of ghostly musicians could bring so much energy to the party 
! Anywayz, can we PLEASE get more info on the after-party? I heard rumors of a surprise DJ set at Mars Bar... 
. and can u believe some ppl actually kicked them out of a craft beer bar? like, what's not to love about a little chaos & music? 
. i'm totally here for more events like this! 
. I mean, who doesn't love an impromptu concert in a Duane Reade cosmetics aisle? 
and i love how Sara Valentine organized it 2 be a celebrashun of da neighborhood's history & spirit, not just somber tribute 
can't w8 4 next year's event!!!
. But seriously, it's awesome that the T.D. Bank branch was all about the brass band love 
. The whole thing just feels so nostalgic and fun! And Stefan Zeniuk's quote about preserving local history is spot on 
... now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go blast some old-school hip hop in my car 
The way they incorporated the neighborhood's past, visitin all those locations that fell to gentrification... it was like a love letter to the community 
and i loved how event organizer Sara Valentine aimed to create a celebration of history & spirit instead of somber tribute 
I mean, who wouldn't want to see a rogue brass band playing ghostly tunes in the Lower East Side? It's like they're bringing back the good ol' days when Meow Mix and Lismar Lounge were still around. And I love how Sara Valentine is all about celebrating the neighborhood's history and spirit - it's so refreshing to see people preserving the past instead of just pushing for gentrification 
.
... like Stefan said, those physical locations are like trees with rings, they don't disappear. I'm all for preserving local history and having a good time while doing it 
. Still, it's awesome that the T.D. Bank branch came through and gave them a warm welcome 
️. And Sara Valentine's idea of celebrating local history is pure gold 
.
... it's so true! There's still so much character in this neighborhood, and events like Radiant Revelry keep us holding onto it. Can't wait to see what other spooky good times these Ghost Band Players bring 
Sara Valentine is a genius for organizin' this event, it was like a big ol' party procession 
Stefan Zeniuk's right too, there's still so much energy and history in those locations that you can feel the vibes from the past 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a bunch of ghostly musicians march through the streets, playing their instruments and getting everyone in the mood for some good vibes? 
. The fact that some stores got upset with the band, though, just made me laugh – like, what's a little chaos when you're bringing people together and making memories? 
I MEAN WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GOOD PARADE, RIGHT? 
BUT SERIOUSLY, IT WAS SUCH A FUN NIGHT! I SPENT HOURS WATCHING THEM MARCH THROUGH THE STREET, PLAYING THEIR INSTRUMENTS LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW! 
. I mean, think about it - the Lower East Side used to be a hub for underground music scenes like the thrash scene at Lismar Lounge, but now those places are just empty shells waiting for some hipster cafe to move in 
. And that's exactly what's happening with the T.D. Bank branch on Mars Bar's old address - it's becoming a symbol of corporate gentrification 
. But at least events like Radiant Revelry are trying to keep the spirit of those original venues alive, even if they're not always successful 
.