Concert Venues
Park Slope has more creative types per capita than even purportedly arty neighborhoods like Williamsburg, according to a recent New York magazine survey. To commune with them, head to the neighborhood's music venues. The largest is Southpaw, which plays host to hip-hop dance nights, bluegrass jams, storytelling slams and indie acts from rock to punk to country. Newcomer The Rock Shop hosts a straight-up rock lineup, with standard-bearers like Bob Mould (formerly of Hüsker Dü) and up-and-comers like Austin-based indie quartet Oh No Oh My. The more intimate Union Hall—renowned for its indoor bocce courts—hosts musical acts as well as big-name comedians trying out material at Eugene Mirman's legendary stand-up nights. More-obscure groups fill the tiny stage at Barbès, named after the multicultural Paris neighborhood; expect bourbon-soaked jug bands, Tuesday-night Slavic soul parties (courtesy of Slavic Soul Party) and psychedelic cumbia (an amped-up version of the traditional Latin American dance).