Upcoming Shows at the Highline Ballroom

Stephanie Pitera

Most concert venues take years to build up artist galleries full of A-list performers. However, the Highline Ballroom has built up an impressive lineup in just less than six years. Since its grand opening in 2007, the Highline Ballroom has hosted hundreds of popular artists including 50 cent, Adele, Amy Winehouse, James Blunt and The Backstreet Boys. The ballroom, located less than 10 minutes from the University on West 16th street, is known for being “the artistic heart of New York.” Although it hosts artists of all genres, the ballroom is known for its jazz artists. Each year, the venue is host to the Blue Note Jazz Festival, which features performances by influential jazz performers.

With a history of best-selling artists playing at the Ballroom, this fall’s lineup is as promising as ever. From R&B and top 100 artists to up-and-coming indie performers, the Highline Ballroom has something for everyone.

Grammy-winning artist Vanessa Carlton is one of the stars set to perform at the ballroom in October. Carlton, a seasoned performer whose hits include “A Thousand Miles” and “Ordinary Day,” has been performing for just over thirteen years. “I was excited to hear that Vanessa Carlton will be performing at the Highline Ballroom,” said freshman Amanda Perez. “From what I’ve heard, she’s a great performer.” Tickets for Carlton’s Oct. 15 show are $35 in advance, and $40 on the day of the show.  Fans should expect the show to start by 8pm.

One of the fall’s most anticipated October events is the Gentlemen Give Back Concert presented by GQ. This year’s headliner Robin Thicke, was one of the summer’s most popular artist with his chart-topping single, “Blurred Lines.” Although Thicke’s show is one of the venue’s most expensive, proceeds from the Oct. 23 show will benefit the Gentlemen’s Fund, a charity that works to raise awareness to issues important to men.

General admission to the event is $100, with VIP packages ranging from $200-$300. VIP packages include access to floor seating, refreshments and much more. The Gentlemen Give Back Concert starts at 10:30pm.

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Mario is also set to take the stage of the Highline Ballroom on Oct. 27. Since entering the music scene in 2002, Mario has achieved great success with songs like “Just a Friend 2002” and “Let Me Love You.” More affordable than Thicke’s performance, tickets to see Mario are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show. The show is expected to begin by 8pm.

Other artists playing in October include Jonny Craig with William Beckett (formerly the lead singer of the band The Academy Is…), Kyle Lucas, Hearts & Hands and Bleach Blonde on Oct. 6, Alice Russell on Oct. 7, Good Life Saturdays, Diego Garcia on Oct. 22 and Huey Mack on Oct. 25. Good Life Saturdays plays every Saturday night at 11. The prices of these shows vary depending on the artist.

Part of the Ballroom’s success comes from the fact that it gives fans the opportunity to see largely popular artists in a smaller, more intimate venue. “I’ve been to a lot of shows at the Highline Ballroom,” said freshman wwstudent Laura Sills. “It’s a small venue, but you can always expect to see big-name artists playing there.”

Tickets to the ballroom’s upcoming concerts can be purchased through the venue’s website, http://highlineballroom.com.