This past week we have informed you of two local gems closing down–both Body Actualized Center and Brooklyn Fire Proof East will be missed dearly. Bushwick bar/music venue, Goodbye Blue Monday has closed its doors for good as of November 30.
GBM’s former owner Steve Trimboli has announced the closing on his Facebook last week. The current owners of GBM didn’t reply to our phone calls and emails requesting a comment but Trimboli told Brooklyn Paper that GBM’s lease was expiring and the landlord tripled the rent.
Goodbye Blue Monday, a music venue known for its open booking policy as well as junk-shop-like decor has been in the neighborhood for a decade. In the past 12 months, the venue has been struggling with the thread of expiring lease as well as with over $7,000 in fines payable to the city. They have held a series of benefit concerts as well as a crowdfunding campaign to stay above the water. Unfortunately, it seems that the triple rent was the last nail to the coffin of a venue where a ton of local musicians (including Vampire Weekend) have started their careers.
One beam of good news light has been shed by Nyssa Frank of The Living Gallery who has announced that they will be hosting traditional Tuesday Goodbye Blue Monday’s Open Mics at The Living Gallery space.
Is Goodbye Blue Monday signaling an end of an era in Bushwick? Please discuss in the comments section below.