Latest news with #AvantGardner
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Brooklyn Mirage files for bankruptcy— Dance here instead
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. It's the end of an era for New Yorkers in the electronic music scene. Avant Gardner, the company behind the Brooklyn Mirage, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Originally launched as a pop-up nightclub in 2015, the 18,000-square-foot outdoor stage evolved into one of the City's most popular immersive concert venues, hosting a number of world-renowned DJs and producers such as David Guetta, Fisher, and ILLENIUM. In March, Avant Gardner's then-CEO Josh Wyatt unveiled ambitious plans for 'Mirage 4.0,' a futuristic reimagining of the venue that promised a state-of-the-art sound system and massive 270° LED wall boasting higher resolution than Sphere in Las Vegas. The project was slated to cost over $10 million, according to a report by the New York Times. Advertisement TikTokkers weren't convinced the complex developments would get done in time. Videos chronicling the construction progress went viral, with many expressing skepticism that the stage would be ready for opening weekend. Rumors were confirmed after the Mirage posted an update hours before DJ Sara Landry's show. When all was said and done, the venue did not meet the final inspection deadline. Landry expressed frustration with the abrupt cancellation on social media, offering refunds, as well as a surprise pop-up at the nearby Brooklyn Storehouse, and a second show moved to Queens' Knockdown Center the following night. Despite claims that the space was 'show-ready,' the Mirage has remained closed through the entire summer season. A string of concerts were canceled, and others ended up taking place at the Great Hall, an indoor warehouse that's part of Avant Gardner's gigantic complex. What began as bitter news for many longtime patrons of the Mirage has turned into an opportunity to venture into different venues — some fresh, others familiar, indoors and out. After a summer of trial-and-error, we spoke to ravers who shared their favorite spots to get down at now that the Mirage is no more. Advertisement Queens' Knockdown Center began as an experiment. The three-acre property was home to a factory specializing in Knock Down Door Frames when the current owner's grandfather purchased the Maspeth space. After a generational change in ownership, there was a need to sustainably preserve the complex. Plans to develop a venue began, and, now, nine years into their tenure, Knockdown is New York's largest independent music venue, featuring a world-class L-Acoustics sound system and sprawling space where fans move between industrial ruins, exposed brick walls, communal picnic tables, and quieter lounge areas. 'Knockdown Center is a New York City favorite…' explained Tyler Myers, the venue's managing co-founder and executive director. 'There are multiple rooms and set-ups, plenty of space, outdoor areas, and all that makes for a more relaxing way to experience the catharsis of music in a crowd.' There's also a sense of discovery at Knockdown. Kylie Chester, a 25-year-old who lives near East Village, has been coming to the venue for almost four years, and can't recall the number of artists she's seen there. The upcoming Honey Dijon show in September is the next on her list. Advertisement 'She's a multi-layered icon,' Chester stated. 'Her style is classic, but unique. Knockdown shows always feel like a space for artists to experiment, and I can't wait to see what she does with that opportunity.' Beyond its beloved Tiki Disco days, Knockdown brings in artists who span genres, from electro house and dub-step to grimy rock-and-roll and even some darker, deviant techno at the elusive 'Basement' club downstairs. Upcoming artists include AMÉMÉ (Aug. 9), Horse Meat Disco (Aug. 31), and Bonobo with Maribou State (Sept. 26). 'Some of my best nights consist of a seven-hour dance party at the Storehouse,' Gillian Sarrett, a 24-year-old who lives in Gramercy, shared while reminiscing about her visits. 'I never want to leave.' A newer venture within the historic Navy Yard, the Storehouse is situated inside the industrial waterfront complex, a maze of brick-and-iron warehouses now repurposed as flexible event spaces. Some are still calling the massive room a 'best-kept secret,' but probably not for much longer. Advertisement The flexible 105,000-square-foot warehouse opened last summer and has already secured a fleet of impressive artists such as Chris Stussy, Charlotte de Witte, and John Summit — packing the space with massive, sold-out crowds. Fortunately, there's still plenty of room to dance, according to Sarrett. 'There's always a long line, but they're fast and efficient… Once you're in, the sound system is unbeatable. The bass is in your face, and to me, there is no better feeling than strutting into the Brooklyn Storehouse to that bass,' she exclaimed. The Storehouse is still relatively new to the scene, but Sarrett already considers a visit to be a rite of passage for any house or techno lover in New York. She admits that traveling there can be a bit of a trek from Manhattan, but that separates 'the real fans.' 'This is the kind of place where you know you're about to lose track of time and come out changed, and I know that sounds kind of dramatic,' Sarrett admitted. 'But, that's how I feel.' Tickets for the highly anticipated Mau P set are already selling fast. Sarrett's already eyeing other upcoming shows — Pawsa in October, and the heavy-hitting Halloween extravaganza, Circoloco. Another local favorite, Under the K Bridge, is a public park tucked beneath Greenpoint's soaring Kosciuszko Bridge. The venue affords picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline and East River, adding to what the ravers called 'a very relaxed vibe.' In true Brooklyn fashion, there's something for everyone under the bridge. By day, the Garden Club welcomes volunteers to tend to the Native Nursery. By night, the space sweeps into a stage, hosting sets from household-name headliners like The Chainsmokers (Aug. 8) and Swedish House Mafia (Sept. 12), to rising stars like Disco Lines (Oct. 10). 'I saw a Four Tet set under the K Bridge, and it was super dope,' said Alex Rushin, a 26-year-old consultant from Williamsburg, who frequents the scene. 'The lights are really cool, and I just thought it was an awesome venue. A fun experience for a show.' Advertisement Like many other music venues in the area, Rushin acknowledged that drug use is not uncommon. The 'K Bridge' nickname has drawn some attention with the tongue-in-cheek references to ketamine, the controversial party drug that's also been studied as a treatment for depression. 'You definitely don't need to do drugs to enjoy these shows,' Rushin clarified. 'You just have to love dancing, music, community, culture, and art…' — the kind of fusion that Under the K Bridge has cultivated with its diverse day-to-night programming. He wouldn't go as far as to say that Under the K Bridge is much safer than enclosed warehouses like Mirage, but he does acknowledge that it's smaller and easier to navigate. 'If someone has an 'issue,' they could get to safety faster or be noticed quicker.' Flushing Meadows Corona Park Nestled in one of the city's most iconic parks, and the site of two twentieth-century World's Fairs, Flushing Meadows Corona Park has also become a destination for some of the biggest names in house music, as well as famous multi-day music festivals like Governor's Ball. Advertisement 'It's kind of far away from Manhattan and Brooklyn, but you can get there on the subway pretty easily,' said Marly Gallo, a 25-year-old living in Chelsea who attended the Keinemusik show last weekend. The German electronic DJ crew rarely performs together on the East Coast. 'They're kind of sacred as far as melodic house music goes, so the fanbase is huge, especially in New York City. You need a big, open venue for this kind of set, and Corona Park just makes sense,' Gallo explained. 'It felt like a music festival. Everything you need in one place.' Gallo went to the Rüfüs Du Sol show in New Jersey the night before, and said that stadium was a 'complete mess' in comparison. Hour-long waits, understaffed bars — 'Literally, you could not get a drink that wasn't beer.' She added that Corona Park was much easier to navigate and 'better-prepared,' even with a swarming crowd. 'They had a million porta potties — in trailers — so they're not gross, free water refills, and it was super easy to walk around and get drinks and food,' she shared. 'It was definitely a big concert, but everyone could see and hear the artists, no matter whether you were GA or VIP.' Advertisement She plans to be back for Diplo's Run Club in October, a scenic five-kilometer jog through Flushing Meadows, followed by a post-race concert by the Grammy-winning producer. 'It's the ideal location for something like that,' she added. For two days only, John Summit will host the inaugural Experts Only Festival at NYC's spacious festival destination Randall's Island. Notable names joining Summit on the Sept. 20-21 lineup include LP Giobbi, Kaskade performing B2B with Cassian and Green Velvet alongside Layton Giordani. DJ Seinfeld, Pete Tong, Kasablanca, AYYBO and TEED round out the party-starting bill. Advertisement In total, 19 artists are booked as of now with more to be announced for what they've dubbed the 'Gen Z cultural moment of the year' at a later date. 'This one's been years in the making so we knew we had to go all out for u guys,' Summit shared via Instagram. Note: If you click into the Brooklyn Mirage link here (which can also be found above), you'll see that events are still listed on their upcoming calendar. We believe they're all in a state of limbo; the Mirage is simply a 'mirage' or placeholder until Avant Gardner figure out where to move the shows or cancel them. Based on what we've seen, that's been the case this summer. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Sorry EDM fans, you won't be hanging out at Brooklyn Mirage this year—or anytime soon
It's official: The Brooklyn Mirage is going dark for the rest of 2025—and possibly beyond. Avant Gardner, the parent company behind the sprawling East Williamsburg nightlife complex, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, following a chaotic summer that saw the highly anticipated reopening of its flagship outdoor venue implode before the season even began. Originally slated to debut its revamped space with a May 1 set from techno star Sara Landry, the Mirage never got past the front gates. Hours before doors were supposed to open, the company canceled the show and issued refunds, citing a missed inspection deadline. 'The venue is show ready,' they insisted on Instagram at the time, but TikTok sleuths and frustrated fans pointed out the floors weren't even poured yet. Now, three months later, the Mirage is shuttered, the CEO has been replaced, and Avant Gardner has filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware court. The company owes more than $10 million to various vendors, including a whopping $1.8 million to DJ Black Coffee's entertainment company, and holds as much as $500 million in liabilities against less than $100 million in assets. In a public statement Monday, new CEO Gary Richards—brought in two months ago to stabilize the company—called the bankruptcy 'the most viable path forward' after 'catastrophic' financial fallout from the Mirage's failure to open. 'Everyone I speak to has had the best sets and very special memories at the Brooklyn Mirage,' Richards said. 'I believe this Chapter 11 restructuring is the most viable path forward.' The Mirage's closure also comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the venue's safety and culture. In 2023, two concertgoers died after separate events at the site, prompting widespread criticism and raising questions about drug use and emergency access at the venue's industrial, off-the-beaten-path location. Avant Gardner's two indoor venues, Kings Hall and Great Hall, will remain operational during the restructuring, and some Mirage events are being relocated there. But for those hoping to party under the open-air skyline this summer, it's not happening. What started in 2017 as a pop-up rave paradise has now hit pause indefinitely. Whether Brooklyn Mirage can ever bounce back remains to be seen. For now, your next night out will have to be under someone else's lasers.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Storied NYC music venue files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy just MONTHS after a series of murders
The owner of iconic New York nightclub Brooklyn Mirage has filed for bankruptcy. Avant Gardner had failed to re-open the club in East Williamsburg after conducting an expensive renovation following two grisly murders of its club clients in 2023. Brooklyn Mirage was meant to reopen in May but was beset with delays, permitting issues and spiraling costs. Part of the reopening were proposals to improve safety for its customers. The closure of the famed nightclub was 'catastrophic' to Avant Gardner's finances, the company's CEO Gary Richards said in a court filing posted this week. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware citing $155.3 million in debt, Bloomberg reported. Brooklyn Mirage will likely be auctioned off with the company's other assets in order to repay creditors. One of the company's major creditors has already indicated that it will use $45.8 million in debtor-in-possession financing to bid for assets. On April 29 Avant Gardner were informed by New York City building inspectors that it was revoking its temporary permit. Despite a number of follow-up meetings the nightclub was not able to get a new one, Richards said in the legal filings. Richards also blamed builders for construction problems during the renovation as well as 'increasingly aggressive collection activities' from creditors. Richards, a former DJ and veteran of the nightclub scene, only took up his post two months ago. 'Two months ago I was brought in as CEO to rebuild the Company's culture and turn the business around,' Richards said in a statement. 'I believe this Chapter 11 restructuring is the most viable path forward.' Prior to that the company had run into major trouble after hosting the Electric Zoo Festival in 2023. The first day of the event was cancelled on short notice and other festival attendees were refused entry. CEO Gary Richards took up the post two months ago John Castic (left) and Karle Clemente (right) were both murdered after attending the nightclub in 2023 The failure to reopen the Mirage was 'catastrophic' to the company's finances Avant Gardner was then hit with a class action lawsuit as a result. The issue came just months after two people, who had attended Brooklyn Mirage that night, were found murdered on separate occasions not far from the venue. A spokesperson for the nightclub said at the time that 'while both incidents are extremely tragic, it remains our position that we do not bear responsibility.' 'Both deaths were unfortunate accidents which took place blocks away from the venue and not on an Avant Gardner property.'
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Brooklyn Mirage owner files for bankruptcy after venue fails to open for season
Avant Gardner, the company behind the outdoor music venue Brooklyn Mirage, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday. The filing comes three months after the venue failed to open for the season. The company says its two indoor spaces, known as the Great Hall and the Kings Hall, will remain open during the Chapter 11 process. "The decision to file for Chapter 11 relief follows several months of financial distress, culminating with Avant Gardner being unable to open its newly constructed Mirage event space for the 2025 season," read a statement posted on the venue's Instagram account. "Many of the Mirage shows are being moved to the Great Hall or otherwise relocated for the remainder of 2025." Brooklyn Mirage unable to open for 2025 season The popular outdoor venue in East Williamsburg had to postpone its grand opening with DJ Sara Landry after organizers said they failed to meet an inspection deadline. Avant Gardner canceled the first show just hours before it started on May 1 and said ticket holders would receive a full refund. "We want to be clear: the venue is show ready and the New Mirage has been built to exacting safety, structural, mechanical, and technical specifications. However, we were not able to meet the final inspection deadline today," the company said in a statement at the time. The company eventually brought in a new CEO, but the new Mirage never materialized. "The Avant Gardner complex is a truly special music venue that has provided cutting edge experiences over the years for artists and fans from all around the globe. Everyone I speak to has had the best sets and very special memories at the Brooklyn Mirage," CEO Gary Richards said in Monday's statement. The Brooklyn Mirage, which started out as a pop-up party, opened in 2017 and later expanded to include the indoor spaces, hosting big-name artists year round. More from CBS News Clark Street subway station closed indefinitely after awning collapse Search continues for suspect in deadly Brooklyn deli stabbing Video shows hotel awning collapse over Brooklyn subway station Shark sightings at Rockaway Beach force swimmers out of the water Brooklyn Renee Anderson Renee Anderson is a digital producer at CBS New York, where she covers breaking news and other local stories. Before joining the team in 2016, Renee worked at WMUR-TV. © 2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
New York Post
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Brooklyn Mirage closed for year as troubled owner files for bankruptcy
The curtains will fall on the Brooklyn Mirage for the rest of the summer after the venue's troubled owner filed for bankruptcy Monday. Avant Gardner LLC took the drastic step after it faced ongoing financial snags and failed to reopen the prized East Williamsburg open-air concert hall in time for its 2025 season of shows – as newly minted CEO Gary Richards claimed he had no choice but to plunge into a reorganization. 'Two months ago I was brought in as CEO to rebuild the Company's culture and turn the business around,' Richards said in a statement. 'I believe this Chapter 11 restructuring is the most viable path forward.' 3 An aerial view of Brooklyn Mirage. NY Post The company faced a mountain of bad publicity and scrutiny over safety after two ravers were found dead near the Mirage in 2023. Each died after leaving separate shows at the isolated location. The venue has also been criticized as a haven for hard drugs even as Avant Gardner has argued it has strict protocols in place. The business was dinged up after chaos unfolded the same year at the Electric Zoo festival – a three-day event operated by Avant Gardner. The annual set of shows didn't take place last year and hasn't been scheduled for this year. 3 Safety issues have dogged the Mirage. Adam Gray for NY Post The Mirage was supposed to open in May after a massive renovation, but was dogged by delays and will remain shuttered for now, according to the company. 3 The Mirage won't be open until next year. Getty Images The other venues in the sprawling complex, the Great Hall and Kings Hall, will still be operational, but the closure of the Mirage has been 'catastrophic' for the company's finances, Richards said in a court filing, according to Bloomberg. The Mirage is expected to reopen by next year, the company said. Avant Gardner, which is owned by co-founder Juergen 'Billy' Bildstein, owes various vendors more than $10 million, including a cool $1.8 million to South African DJ Black Coffee Entertainment, according to the Chapter 11 filing that paints a bleak financial picture. The company hopes to borrow up to $45 million to go toward the Chapter 11 proceeding and keep operations going, the filing shows. Meanwhile, the company has up to $500 million in liabilities and only at most $100 million in assets.
