The MP3 might being killing the record store, and video, I’ve heard, killed the radio star, but No Longer Empty (NLE) is taking back Tower Records, with a multimedia installation that includes all the technology that made the former resident obsolete.
Taking advantage of all of the unoccupied commercial real estate that the recession has left in its wake, NLE has been throwing up art exhibitions in closed storefronts for the past six months. So far, exhibitions have appeared in a number of locations, including the Caledonia and a former bait-and-tackle shop next to the Chelsea Hotel. The next exhibition, “Never Can Say Goodbye,” will open in the old Tower Records location on Broadway and East 4th Street this Friday (7–9pm).
Among its many highlights, this exhibition will feature the work of Kaz Oshiro, Ryan Brennan and Meredyth Sparks; performances by Broken Mirrors with John Miller, The Metropolis Ensemble and Disco Monkeys; and a panel including music industry representatives. Like the previous exhibitions, the works in this show are created to respond to either the theme of the financial crisis or to the history of the space. In this case, expect a trip back to the garish yellow and red signage of the old retail giant, musical performances, video and audio galore, and a whole lot of rock & roll–related art! —Emily Bauman
Click here for a full list of events and to purchase tickets to performances.
