Tonic was a music venue located in New York City founded by Melissa Caruso Scott and John Scott. First opened in 1998, it described itself as supporting "avant garde, creative and experimental music" and known for its commitment to musical integrity.[1][2] Tonic was a former kosher winery and after opening quickly became a focal point of the downtown avant-garde scene.[3] The small and unassuming building provided a sense of intimacy by setting the performers within arms length of the audience. Tonic also doubled as a place for a variety of musicians to record live.[4]
In April 2007, Tonic would permanently close its doors due to soaring rent on the Lower East Side.[5] As gentrification spread through the Lower East Side, apartment high-rises were built on either side of the club, eventually pushing the club to close its doors.[3] On Friday, April 13, 2007, Tonic would host its final show, an evening of improvisation organized by John Zorn and a techno party, The Bunker, hosted by Bryan Kasenic (DJ Spinoza).[1] The closure the following day was accompanied by a symbolic protest. There were more than 100 protestors and two musicians, (Marc Ribot and Rebecca Moore) refused to leave, resulting in an arrest for trespassing.[1] The Bunker moved the following week to Luna Lounge in Brooklyn which was also a club that had recently displaced from the Lower East Side.[6]
