Photo: Danny Clinch

Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, Lucinda Williams, is bringing a piece of the South to New York City. The defining Americana artist has aligned with Laura McCarthy, the co-founder of one-time East Village institutions, Brownies and Lakeside Lounge, and others, to open a new Southern-inspired bar and live music venue, located at 169 Avenue A (the former Brownie’s location). 

The intention behind the space is to create a relaxed atmosphere that inspires Williams or patrons alike to take off their hats, listen, and stay awhile. A tribute to the late Jeremy Tepper, program director of SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel, and dear friend of the founder, who shared her affinity for songs, the space will lean into musical offerings with weekly bluegrass picking nights, songwriter open mics and more.

Adding to the roster of weekly expectations for the space, live music on weekends will run from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., including Friday nights. Saturday will see a live country band support the evening’s karaoke intentions. As a visual complement to the space, acclaimed photographer Danny Clinch and fellow artists Jon Langford and Michael Worthington will display and sell select works. 

Appealing to the Williams’ Southern spirit, the bar/venue will offer old-time drinks inspired by the Antebellum region, customary snacks like boiled peanuts, and a wine list assembled by the latter. Expressing jubilation for the forthcoming space, McCarthy commented: “We are really excited to have a down-home, honky tonk country bar in the East Village.”

She added, “There is some kind of magic for music in that location. I have felt it since we opened Brownies in the late 80s. It’s exciting to do this with Lucinda and the team.”

The space will soft launch with a private opening tonight, where Williams is expected to perform with her band, as well as fellow contributors to the event, Laura Cantrell, DJ Moonshine, and DJ Prison Rodeo.  The performances are set to stream live on SiriusXM’s Outlaw channel at 9 p.m. ET. 

The new bar and venue will open to the public on Thursday, July 31. Scroll down to view the initial activity and entertainment schedule. 

Lucinda’s 169 Avenue A, NYC:

Sun 3pm – 2am 

Mon – Thurs 4pm – 2am 

Fri 4pm – 4am, 

Sat 3pm – 4am 

Tues, July 29: Laura Cantrell 9pm, Lucinda Williams 10pm ET streaming live on SiriusXM Outlaw Country 

Thurs, July 31: Open to the public 

Fri, Aug 1: Live country music 8:30 – 11:30pm 

Sat, Aug 2: Live country music 8:30 – 11:30pm 

Every Friday: Live band country karaoke 

Sundays: Songwriter open mic Aug 28 

Last Thursday of the month: East Village Cxntry Club, all-inclusive queer country party