While the demise of rock is perpetually predicted, it seems like downtown Manhattan is really running out of places to kick out the jams. Just as gentrification and rising rents tossed the infamous CBGB’s to the curb, The Knitting Factory has been forced to relocate to Brooklyn; bidding it’s raucous farewell on New Year’s Eve with Akron/Family, Deerhoof, and the Dirty Projectors.  While I’m a big fan of Brooklyn, and happy that the historic rock venue has a new home (unlike CBGB’s), it saddens me to see further proof that Manhattan is losing it’s teeth, favoring souless homogeniety and luxury condos over passionate diversity and creative outlets.

The last time I was at the Knitting Factory I even pondered how the gritty club maintained amidst the shine of it’s newer neighbors.  I would have loved to have been there for the final hurrah, which was surely a wild event given the bands.  Here’s Joan Jett to remind us how to properly rock out:

takepart by supporting the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls , which offers young girls the opportunity to rock out in a supportive environment.  Long live Rock ‘n’ Roll.