Arts & Entertainment

Music Venues for Seasoned Performers Also Nurture Up-and-Comers

Two years ago, a 16-year-old Ali Isabella became the youngest artist ever to perform at Wembley Arena in London. At that 12,500-seat venue, she was the opening act for country singing star Reba McEntire.

Isabella landed in that British spotlight by virtue of having spent part of her adolescence doing what she thought necessary to find out how the pros did it.

“I had to sneak into a couple [of bars]” said Isabella, after performing in a plaza outside 7 World Trade Center.

Whether sneaking into adult clubs or honing their skills through youth-focused programs, young artists such as Isabella are carefully carving a place for themselves in the modern music world. Often, they are doing so with the help of adults with far more experience in the industry and a commitment to grooming a next generation of artists.

Involved in this handing down of artistry and industry know-how are such groups as Future Music Moguls. Also, The Bitter End, a rock-and-roll club established in the 1961, frequently showcases young talent.

The Bitter End collaborates with organizations such as The New York Songwriters Circle. Modeled after the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tenn., the Songwriters Circle’s showcases performers, young and old, twice a year.

“The Bitter End is definitely a venue that I’ve played a few times,” said Noah Chenfeld, the 17-year-old front man of the pop-rock band, The Box Story. “I’ve probably played here six or seven times.”

Currently working on an extended play recording, Chenfeld sees venues like The Bitter End as networking sites to promote his band. “It’s been great to build relationships with other musicians over the past few years,” he said. “Networking has never been more important.”

Isabella’s manager, John Velasco agreed, saying that having connections is crucial for a young musician’s success.

“The most important thing to do is networking with people and working and understanding it’s a business,” said Velasco. “It worries me that a lot of the young talent don’t really know what they’re doing in the industry.”

Outside of The Bitter End, Gale Cecelia, a 17-year-old singer songwriter from Brooklyn had just finished three songs, including, “Over,” a ballad she wrote and set to piano.

“As a young artist, it is very important for one to understand that true success will not appear instantaneously,” Cecelia said. “It is important for a young musician to always believe in themselves, because others can only believe in your work if you do.”