Location: New York, USA
Capacity: The Brooklyn Mirage - 5000, The Great Hall - 3400, The Kings Hall - 800
Brooklyn-based Avant Gardner almost didn't exist. The gargantuan entertainment site — which comprises the Brooklyn Mirage, the Great Hall and The Kings Hall — is now defined by its industrial-alternative aesthetics. But, back in 2016, until last minute licenses came through, the venue was a series of empty warehouses. Now, with a combined capacity of over 8,000 people across an 80,000-square-foot area, it’s the second-largest venue in Brooklyn and has become a sought-after venue for any artist to perform in.
Having hosted the likes of Black Coffee, Aphex Twin, Dixon, Rezz, Disclosure, Kaskade and RÜFÜS DU SOL, the ever-changing venue is also a playground for Cityfox, the New York-based label which focuses on house and techno. After closing during the majority of the pandemic, Avant Gardner opened back in July. Celebrating the re-opening through sets from Bonobo, Maceo Plex and Stephan Bodzin, the venue is now looking forward to continuing its mission of “celebrating community and culture through a diverse calendar”. In particular, their Higher Level series — meant to showcase artists “at the top of their craft” and focus on figures of “historical importance” — the series epitomises the excellent craft and skill needed to perform at this stand-out venue.