CBGB's faces the axe

Here's a piece in the Village Voice about a soulless, institutional landlord squeezing out a downtown Manhattan musical icon. But wait! They're staging a benefit! How do you respond, as a respected commentator on the music scene? Naturally, you roll up your sleeves and pump out some scathing prose regarding greedy landlords, the end of venues for live music, and how this cause must be rallied around by decent, right-thinking appreciators of culture everywhere.

Right?

Not so fast, says Jersey Beat's Jim Testa. This utterly refreshing post made our day.

(The alarming reality of CBGB's situation is brought home for good New Yorkers via a Voice passage stating that the club might be forced out to - shudder - Jersey. The Testa for Governor movement starts here.)

{UPDATE: Thanks to Gawker for the mention.}

{UPDATE 2: Jim recommends this New York Magazine article for some solid background on Hilly Kristal and CBGB's situation.}

{UPDATE 3: More intrigue - check out the comment from the mysterious Extrawack under Jim's post!}

Categories: Local blogging, Jersey City, Culture, Music