The Stone

John Zorn's experimental haven for avant-garde improvisation

View upcoming events

The Stone is a world-renowned experimental music space founded by John Zorn, now located within The New School in Greenwich Village. It is famous for its 'music-first' philosophy, where 100% of admission goes directly to the performers and no food or drinks are served.

Greenwich VillageIntimateExperimentalAvant-Garde Focus

Overview

Bring drinks from outside

There are no drinks or food served; grab a coffee or water nearby before heading in.

Arrive 20 minutes early

Seating is first-come, first-served; arrive 20 minutes early to snag a seat in the front row for the best view of the performers' techniques.

Zorn fans must visit

Essential for fans of John Zorn and those looking for the cutting edge of the NYC improvised music scene.

Sets start exactly 8:30

Sets start promptly at 8:30 PM; unlike many jazz clubs, there is no 'jazz time' delay here.

Bring cash for admission

Bring cash for the door, as they typically do not accept credit cards for the nightly admission.

About

Founded in 2005 by composer John Zorn in a former Chinese restaurant in the East Village, The Stone was created as a non-profit space dedicated to experimental music. In 2018, the venue transitioned to its current home at The New School’s Glass Box Theatre, maintaining its rigorous artistic mission. It has hosted a 'who's who' of the avant-garde scene, including Fred Frith, Laurie Anderson, and Bill Frisell. The current space is a minimalist 'glass box' theater that emphasizes acoustics and sightlines, stripping away the traditional club distractions. With a capacity of about 70 people, the room fosters an intense connection between the performer and the audience. It is a dedicated listening room where silence is expected and the focus remains entirely on the sonic exploration happening on stage. The Stone maintains an intimate, sound-focused atmosphere: folding chairs tightly arranged, minimal visual distractions, and acoustics suited for close listening. Programming runs Wednesday through Saturday, almost always beginning at 8:30 PM. The audience is a dedicated crowd—listeners who come extremely interested in the art more than the social scene.

Details

Cover Charge
$20-35
Drink Minimum
None
Reservations
Tickets are sold at the door only; no advance sales and proceeds go entirely to performers.
Seating
Folding chairs in tight rows (general admission seating, not reserved or tables)
Capacity
70 people
Food & Drink
None

Location & Contact

55 W. 13th Street, New York, NY 10011