Lincoln Center : Appel Room

Lincoln Center’s Appel Room (formerly Allen Room) is located on the fifth floor of the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle, with an official ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’ entrance...

Lincoln Center : Allen Room

tUnE-yArDs

Lincoln Center’s Appel Room (formerly Allen Room) is located on the fifth floor of the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle, with an official ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’ entrance at 33 West 60th Street.  It is not actually in Lincoln Center proper, which is two blocks to the north.  It is part of the Frederick P. Rose Hall complex, which also includes the larger Rose Theater and smaller Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and opened in October 2004.  In addition to being part of ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’, the Appel Room is the main venue for Lincoln Center’s ‘American Songbook’ series.

Jazz at Lincoln Center entranceThe Appel Room actually stretches across the fifth and sixth floors, with nice outside waiting areas on both floors.  The stage is located at the center of the auditorium-like semi-circle; behind it is a sloped window looking out onto Central Park West, providing an absolutely stunning view.  The audience area is roughly divided between the nightclub-like tables and chairs up close to the stage, and the raised levels with seats, as well as higher, box-like seating on either side.  There are ushers directing you the entire way, from when you come out of the elevator, right to your seat.  Naturally, the lighting and sound system are top notch, though there’s less of a ‘light show’ than at rock venues.  The raised semi-circles of seats provide great views from pretty much anywhere – even photographers, limited to where they can shoot from, can get great photos (though only approved photographers may take photos of any kind, and ushers are on the watch for cameras from the seats).  Drinks are sold in the waiting area, but it appears that only those at tables can have drinks inside the Appel Room.

The ‘American Songbook’ series, held January through March, provides more modern, even indie acts (often locals, though big-name indie locals), and can draw a crowd that might otherwise be unfamiliar with the venue.  Tickets are more expensive than the same act at, say, a Bowery Presents venue, but the sound, atmosphere, and view are superior – the stunning view of Central Park West is almost worth the ticket price alone (plus, the Lincoln Center hook can bring in special guest stars).  The more modern feel of the venue, and Time Warner Center as a whole, also counteracts any ‘too classy’ feel.  Really a special place to see a special act do a special performance.

 

Capacity: 483 seats

all ages

Address:

30 West 60th Street (also entrance around the corner, on Columbus Circle)

By Subway:

A, B, C, D, 1 & 2 trains to 59th Street/Columbus Circle – cross Broadway/Eighth Avenue on 60th Street; to the left
F, N, Q, & R trains to 57th Street/7th Avenue – walk 2 blocks north on Seventh Avenue, one block west on Central Park South, cross Central Park West, south side of 60th Street
B, D & E trains to Seventh Avenue/53rd Street – walk 6 blocks north on Seventh Avenue, one block west on Central Park South, cross Central Park West, south side of 60th Street

 

QRO Coverage:

-Vuyo Sotashe, February 21st, 2019 – photos

-Rachael and Vilray, February 2nd, 2019 – photos

-Lizz Wright, February 14th, 2018 – photos

-Tanya Tagaq, March 9th, 2017 – photos

-William Bell, February 24th, 2017 – photos

-Buffy Sainte-Marie, February 23rd, 2017 – photos

-India.Arie, February 22nd, 2017 – photos

-Heather Headley, February 4th, 2017 – photos

-Okkervil River, February 3rd, 2017 – live review, photos

-Terri Lyne Carrington, February 27th, 2016 – photos

-La Santa Cecilia, February 25th, 2016 – photos

-‘Swimming in Dark Waters – Other Voices of the American Experience’, with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla and Bhi Bhiman, February 24th, 2016 – photos

-Talib Kweli, February 13th, 2015 – photos

-San Fermin, February 12th, 2015 – photos, backstage photos

-Meshell Ndegeocello, February 11th, 2015 – photos

-Lea DeLaria, February 5th, 2015 – photos

-Norm Lewis, March 8th, 2014 – photos

-Marty Stuart, February 19th, 2014 – live review, photos

-Tom Morello, February 16th, 2013 – live review, photos

-Kristin Chenoweth, February 15th, 2013 – photos

-Mavis Staples, February 14th, 2013 – live review

-tUnE-yArDs, February 9th, 2012 – photos

-Kate Baldwin, February 19th, 2011 – photos

-Shara Worden (performing the songs of My Brightest Diamond), January 27th, 2011 – photos

-The Low Anthem, January 13th, 2011 – live review, photos

-Dirty Projectors (performing Getty Address), February 19th, 2010 – photos

-St. Vincent (with special guests including David Byrne, Justin Vernon and Bryce Dessner), January 29th, 2010 – live review, photos

St. Vincent

American Songbook

Click here for the festival’s website

Lincoln Center

Click here for the venue’s website

Categories
Venue Reviews

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