Live Music Venues NYC

S.O.B.'s (Sounds of Brazil)
204 Varick St. at Houston St. (212) 243-4940Authentic brazilian dance spot and more. Shows include all kinds of live Latin music, plus Hip Hop, Reggae, and African. Hip Hop shows are 18 and over, all others are 21 and over. Doors usually open at 6:30pm and tickets vary between $0 - $20. Every weekend is like Carnival in Rio. Subway: 1, 9 to Houston St.
Knitting Factory (see events)
74 Leonard St. (btw. Broadway & Church St.) (212) 219-3055Wide ranging musical tastes continue to drive the beat at the Knitting Factory. Cutting Edge music combined with great acoustic performances make this place a favorite. There are three performance spaces: the Knitting Factory, the KnitActive Sound Stage, and the Old Office. Cover: $8 and up. All ages, but you need ID to drink. Subway: A, C, E, N, R, 6 to Canal St.; 1, 9 to Franklin St.
Madison Square Garden (see events)
Seventh Ave. and 33rd Street. (212) 465-6000Madison Square Garden has been called America's premier entertainment facility. Apart from rock concerts, the Garden hosts many sporting events and exhibitions, and the odd political party convention. Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 9 to 34th St.
Downtime, 251 W. 30th St., btwn 7th & 8th Aves. (212) 695-2747
This three-level night club boasts live music on the Main floor, plus a DJ dance hall and a Game Room. Live shows include Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop music. Must be 18 or older to get into the club (with two forms of ID). Open Wed - Sat from 5pm - 4am, and other days for special events. The cover charge is usually $5 after 7:30pm, $10 on Fridays, and $10 - $15 on Saturdays. Subway: 1, 9 to 28th St.
Izzy Bar, 166 1st Ave. at 10th St. (212) 228-0444 (see events)
A bi-level bar with DJ's and live bands every night. Styles include House, Techno, Funk, Latin, Armenian, World Vibes, and more. Open 7pm - 4am every day, usually with a $5 cover. Ages 21 and over. Subway: L to 1st Ave.; 6 to Astor Pl.