New Music Venue Plans To Open In Chelsea Market Space

CHELSEA, NY — A new music hall taking inspiration from the 1980s folk music scene in New York is looking to open a space in Chelsea Market.

Folk City filed a liquor license application with Community Board 4 outlining plans to open up shop at 409 W 15th St. amNY was first to report news of the new venue's plans to move in. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The planned restaurant and cabaret takes its name from the legendary Gerde's Folk City, the longtime Greenwich Village bar and music spot. Icons including Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary and Simon and Garfunkel all performed at the historic space before the original Folk City closed in 1986 after 25 years. It briefly opened in another location in the East Village before closing for good in 1987. The fabled venue has been credited with launching artists' careers and profoundly shaping New York City's music scene in the 1970s and 1980s. Dylan debuted "Blowin' in the Wind," one of his most recognizable songs, at Folk City, and it was the first venue to host Peter, Paul and Mary as a group.

The new Folk City is looking to open in a Chelsea Market space facing 15th Street. The restaurant, which would be located in the basement level, would be able to host up to 249 people and would be open each night from 5 p.m. until 4 a.m., according to the restaurant's application.

Lead image credit: Larry Busacca / Staff / Getty Images Entertainment.