*It’s the end of an era for B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
The flagship spot will close down for good this month after 18 years in business, citing rising rents in the neighborhood it says it helped revive, according to Billboard. Since opening in 2000 on West 42nd Street, the club named for the late blues legend has hosted the likes of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Jay-Z and other influential acts.
“Despite many sold out shows, the [Times Square] location’s rent escalated to an unsustainable level, leaving us no choice but to close our doors,” said Tsion Bensusan of venue operator TSE Group. “Unfortunately this has become a growing trend in New York City, with other iconic music venues and businesses falling victim to opportunistic property owners. This venue’s legacy extends much further than the stage, playing a role in Times Square’s revitalization two decades ago. It is a shame that wasn’t taken into consideration regarding its future in the area.”
The club said Tuesday that its last show will take place on April 29 with blues legend Buddy Guy. Rick Ross, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh and George Clinton are also slated to perform in the venue’s final weeks.
A new location in Manhattan is reportedly being sought, but no further details were given.
The B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is now independent from the B.B. King’s Blues Club chain, which launched in 1991 on Beale Street in Memphis and currently has locations in Nashville, Orlando, New Orleans and Montgomery, Ala.
Below, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill Closing Week Celebration Show Schedule:
April 17 & 18: Buddy Guy
April 22: William Bell’s Memphis Soul Revue
April 23: Rick Ross
April 25: Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh + Special Guests
April 26: El Gran Combo
April 28: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic + Special Guests
April 29: Buddy Guy
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