Between the Bass

Live music in Greenwich Village often leans toward the acoustic, but Between the Bass carves out a different groove. This band specializes in low-end-driven sets that fill the room without overpowering conversation—ideal for nights when the crowd wants to listen as much as they want to sway. The neighborhood has long been a magnet for performers who play by feel rather than formula, and this group fits neatly into that tradition.

You’ll find their rehearsal space at 116 MacDougal St, a stretch of pavement where jazz clubs and indie venues have traded sets for decades. The address places them steps from Washington Square Park, where the hum of the city fades into the kind of quiet that lets a bassline breathe. No marquee announces their presence, just word of mouth and the occasional flyer taped to a lamppost.

Sets typically run the gamut from funk-inflected originals to reworked standards, all anchored by a rhythm section that keeps the pulse steady. Horns and keys weave in and out, but the real draw is the way the bass lines lock in, giving the music a physical presence that’s hard to ignore. When the band takes a break, the Village’s ambient chatter—students, street performers, the occasional siren—fills the gap.

For set times or last-minute gig updates, a quick call to (332) 248-8932 usually clears things up. Directions are straightforward: map here. The block itself is a mix of old-school charm and modern foot traffic, where a single set can feel like a throwback to an era when music was the only thing on the agenda.