Located in the heart of Times Square, the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill caters to an older audience with table seating (with cover charge) and bar seating (without). Arrive early and you usually will be able to get a table close to the stage. In any case, the seating arrangement allows excellent sightlines throughout the venue.
The club offers a wide selection of beer, wine and a full dinner menu. Recent oldies performance have included Gary U.S. Bonds, a Bob Marley tribute band and a "Memories of Elvis" night.
B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
237 West 42nd St.
New York, New York 10036
212-997-4144
bbkingblues.com
Once the home of the legendary "Gerdes' Folk City" (where Bob Dylan began a-strumming), the Village Underground in Greenwich Village is an intimate hangout with lots of side booths and candle-lit tables. Wednesday through Friday, the Village Underground's house band plays a classic rock standards, R&B, reggae and even country music. Reservations are accepted.
Village Underground
130 W. 3rd Street
New York, NY 10012
212-777-7745
thevillageunderground.com/
Though a little less intimate than a standard nightclub, the Apollo still showcases (on occasion) the sounds that made it a legend. Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and countless Motown bands all have appeared on its stage. In more recent times, the venue has featured acts such as Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings whose sound returns to the roots of soul music.
Apollo Theater
253 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
212-531-5305
apollotheater.org
Ironically, the easiest way to see live oldies bands in New York City is to make the voyage over the bridge into New Jersey. The website NJfreesummerconcerts.com offers a comprehensive guide and schedule of free outdoor oldies concerts in public parks. Throughout the summer, A-list oldies bands like the Cameos, The Duprees and Joey Dee & The Starliters play gigs around the Garden State. Check website for dates and locations.
NJfreesummerconcerts.com