Lucinda Williams Opens Country Bar Lucinda’s in NYC

"A newly opened bar at 169 Ave. A near E. 11th St. co-owned by singer Lucinda Williams, Laura McCarthy, and Kelley Swindall, launched with an intimate ~150-person private show in which Williams performed newer songs like “Lowlife,” the rollicking “Let’s Get the Band Back Together,” and closed with “Joy” from Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. The space is curated to feel like a Southern-flavored, local dive—Williams helped select southern folk art and a playlist heavy on Delta blues—and is decorated with framed rock-and-roll photography (Danny Clinch), outsider art (Mike Worthington), work by Jon Langford, and memorabilia such as a “Jimmy Carter for President” poster, a Sister Rosetta Tharpe varsity jacket, and prominent Muddy Waters tributes. The upfront jukebox leans country and Americana (Tim McGraw, Drive-by Truckers, the Carter Family, Ray Charles, even a “Toby Keith Mix”), drinks on the night included High Lifes and a tequila–Cherry Heering mix, and regular programming will feature live-band country karaoke on Fridays, songwriter open mics on Sundays, and special events like a queer country party (East Village Cxntry Club). The owners wanted a laid-back spot where the music is cool but not too loud, with local flavor and plenty of live music." - Chris Crowley