The Living Room

The Living Room was a music venue in Lower East Side where four to five singer-songwriters performed each night. The space operated on a one-drink minimum policy and accepted suggested donations for artists, with an additional performance room upstairs called Googies Lounge.

The venue was founded in 1988 by Steve Rosenthal and Jennifer Gilson in a former fried chicken restaurant. It relocated to Ludlow Street in 2003 as the operation expanded to a new home.

This venue served as a gathering place for singer-songwriters and folk musicians who performed for small, engaged audiences. Visitors could experience indie rock, alternative country, and acoustic music in a setting that felt personal and direct.

The space held around 180 people in the main room with direct sightlines to the stage. Arriving early helps secure good seating and allows you to soak in the intimate feel of the room.

A commemorative album called "The Living Room - Live in NYC - Vol.1" was released in 2002 featuring performances captured from the stage. This recording preserved moments that might otherwise have been forgotten by those who experienced them.