By Mathew R. Warren
In a neighborhood dominated by sports bars and pubs, Session 73, on the corner of 73rd Street and 1st Avenue, is something different for Upper East Siders looking to have a drink. With live music almost every night of the week, bar patrons can rock out to their favorite covers, and an occasional original tune from acts such as Morgan Clamp, Play on Red, the Characters, Stump the Band, Half Blind, and many others. Even co-owner Corby Thomas is known to frequently jump on stage and jam.
Originally a jazz club when they opened in 1998, Session 73 still maintains some of its lounge atmosphere, with couches by the stage and tables in the back. But as co-owner Hunter Hulshizer explained, “jazz didn’t take off, so we chose to go with rock, funk, and blues bands for a more lively atmosphere.”
Session 73 mixes it up with generally small acoustic sets during the week and builds to four and five piece bands on Fridays and Saturdays. The weekends can get pretty jumping, as performer Morgan Clamp, stated, “they book bands that play crowd pleasers.”
At Session 73 you will regularly hear shouts of excitement at the beginning of a song, and the crowd will often sing along in participation. Though the band is the main attraction, the intimate space allows the crowd to get into the show and share in the spotlight. A regular, Alegra Levy explained why she liked Session 73, “It’s just a great neighborhood bar, with good local bands.”
When asked why they chose to open a live music venue on the Upper East Side, Thomas responded “We recognized a clear void of live music on the Upper East Side, we decided to provide what no one else seemed to be offering, no cover live music. Customers can walk in and check out a band without committing to any entrance fee.” With no cover charge Session 73 is a neighborhood bar that offers something extra. Hulshizer added “It was a niche that needed to be filled. Everyone had to go downtown to hear live music and we wanted to keep people uptown.”
Session 73 has filled that niche in a big way, drawing solid crowds every night. Even numerous celebrities have been sited there including Derek Jeeter, Vin Diesel, Tiki Barber, Will Ferrell, and Kate Hudson, who filmed a scene for a Saturday Night Live Skit on the back bar. Some celebs, such as John Popper and Jimmy Falon have even gotten up on stage.
As well as meeting the needs of music lovers on the Upper East Side, Session 73 has also served as a welcomed refuge for local musicians. Referring to the situation faced by local bands, Clamp, who lives across the street from the bar said, “There are not a lot of venues to play at around here.” Many of the Session 73’s bands play there regularly, and as Thomas explained, “Some bands have developed quite a following and we see people coming back to see their favorite band.”
Upper East Siders looking to hear live music with no cover charge, and without leaving the neighborhood should definitely check out Session 73.
| Session 73
1359 1st Avenue (between 72nd & 73rd)
New York, NY 10021
212-517-4445 |
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