tonic

Rumors had been circulating, but it's coming out in the blogs now: Melissa and John are closing tonic. Can't say it's a surprise. And it's part of a larger set of positive developments for M&J, so I also can't say that it's an altogether bad thing for them. Running tonic hasn't been easy. My relationship with M&J goes back way before tonic existed, so as their friend, I wish them the best with all these developments. The music scene in New York was vastly improved by their influence, proving that when genuinely tasteful, generous, respectful people are in charge, even the nasty world of NYC bars can be beautiful.

Beyond my personal feelings for M&J, having been involved with tonic since the days when it was still full of wine casks (upstairs!), I'm sad to see the official passing of an such an important institution. There are other great places to play and hear music in New York which have emerged since tonic opened, but none of them is the nexus for musicians and listeners (and random people who like to drink and hang out) that tonic was in its heyday. I hope that somewhere, some other smart, ambitious, charming, honest, open-minded young people are scouting out an old commercial space in an ungentrified corner of the city and calling their musician friends.

I leave you with one story from tonic's opening musical performance (Oh do I have tonic stories). Mark Stewart (of the Bang on a Can All-Stars, Paul Simon's band, etc.) is on stage in front of a rather sparse crowd, preparing to play the first note ever at tonic, on a daxophone. He bows, producing an overtone-rich howl. A chihuahua runs through the center aisle at breakneck speed and barks, vehemently- the first of many scandalized audience members to come. Don't get me started on klezmer brunch.....