21 years ago, June 1982 to be exact, something began to bubble on Varick Street in lower Manhattan. Fueled by a total commitment to exposing the musical wealth and heritage of the Afro-Latino Diaspora to as many people as possible, Larry Gold opened the doors to what would become New York City's premier venue for world music; Sounds Of Brazil, commonly known as S.O.B.'S.
At the time, Varick Street wasn't exactly a hub of culture in Manhattan. The area South of Houston wasn't yet known as the trendy, cutting-edge community of “SoHo” that has since developed. It was simply a strip of asphalt that led to the Holland Tunnel marked by non-descript warehouses and a squat, grey post office. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly inviting. But true to his can-do New York spirit, Larry Gold forged ahead with his dream and due to his dedication, the corner of West Houston and Varick Streets was transformed from a family diner in the middle of a harsh commercial landscape to an internationally known, highly respected oasis of world music and fine cuisine in the heart of SoHo. The venue instantly began to draw the young, hip and creative crowd that would eventually help to transform and revitalize the area from a virtual no-man's-land to a vibrant and exciting community of artists and cutting-edge commerce.
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21 years ago, June 1982 to be exact, something began to bubble on Varick Street in lower Manhattan. Fueled by a total commitment to exposing the musical wealth and heritage of the Afro-Latino Diaspora to as many people as possible, Larry Gold opened the doors to what would become New York City's premier venue for world music; Sounds Of Brazil, commonly known as S.O.B.'S.
At the time, Varick Street wasn't exactly a hub of culture in Manhattan. The area South of Houston wasn't yet known as the trendy, cutting-edge community of “SoHo” that has since developed. It was simply a strip of asphalt that led to the Holland Tunnel marked by non-descript warehouses and a squat, grey post office. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly inviting. But true to his can-do New York spirit, Larry Gold forged ahead with his dream and due to his dedication, the corner of West Houston and Varick Streets was transformed from a family diner in the middle of a harsh commercial landscape to an internationally known, highly respected oasis of world music and fine cuisine in the heart of SoHo. The venue instantly began to draw the young, hip and creative crowd that would eventually help to transform and revitalize the area from a virtual no-man's-land to a vibrant and exciting community of artists and cutting-edge commerce.
Fast-forward 21 years to New York City, 2003 and the SoHo scene that S.O.B.'S helped to create. The venue and the neighborhood remain an important and vital part of the cultural fabric of New York, drawing both locals and tourists from around the world. S.O.B.'S caters to the tastes of both seasoned New Yorker's as well as visitors by providing top-notch entertainment in an intimate setting. In fact, S.O.B.'s has developed a reputation amongst artists and industry insiders as the place to check for trends and artists on the cusp of a breakthrough to the mainstream. The list of performers who have honed their pre-fame chops on the artist-friendly stage at S.O.B.'S is a veritable who's who of well-known artists. Even more impressive is the number of artists who have reached mainstream success but still chose to return to S.O.B.s to maintain an intimate connection with their audience.
Beyond the music, S.O.B.'S is known for serving some of the finest cuisine in the area with a menu that features Latin and Brazilian specialties in a relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere where the party never stops. Whether you enjoy the familiar or the eclectic, there is always something special happening at S.O.B.'S, much like the neighborhood of which the venue is a part. So take some time out from your hectic schedule and treat yourself to a tropical getaway right in the heart of SoHo! Come in, check your troubles at the door and enjoy dinner, an exotic cocktail and a great show!
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