You may complain about getting there, but I suspect you'll shut your trap once when you amble through the lounge and see the stage: The Bell House, a Gowanus music hall owned by the folks behind Union Hall and opening this week, is a showstopper. Sprawling through a 1920s warehouse previously used as a printing press, the two-room venue will play host to bands that co-owner Jack McFadden couldn't book at his Park Slope space, where the basement room only fits about 100 comfortably. The Bell House, on the other hand, with its 25-foot arched ceilings, 450-square-foot stage, and possibly perfect sightlines, can welcome up to 350 at a time, with an additional 150 in the bar in front. (And all on one floor! The things you can do with space in industrial neighborhoods.) Think dark wood, plush curtains, and huge chandeliers. Think also A.C. Newman's sole upcoming performance, on November 16; he did, after all, have his wedding reception at... More >>>