Some good news is coming to my fellow East Village artists and performers.
Francis Kite Club is a brand-new bar concept from owner John McEnerney currently set to open in the East Village later this year. The concept is described as a “collectively built space created for sociality, leisure, collaboration, debate, conversation, and play.” It will be located at 40 Loisaida Avenue, also known as 40 Avenue C, between East Third and East Fourth streets.
The space at 40 Avenue C was previously home to Bedlam, a popular queer-owned nightclub that was known for hosting fabulous burlesque and drag nights. Bedlam sadly closed in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but thankfully owner Daniel Nardicio has just recently debuted his latest project, Red Eye. Established at 355 West 41st Street, Red Eye brings guests “highly caffeinated queer nightlife & concerts, radio, TV & Film, and virtual streaming events,” and opened up earlier last month.
Thankfully, Bedlam finally has a suitable replacement with the Francis Kite Club. According to their website, Francis Kite will function as an art venue center, featuring art, theatre, and various presentations. Sample events that guests may discover include “a garage musical, a book launch, live music, a sewing party for a carnival, dance, an urban herbalism visit, and mutual aid projects,” among numerous others. Patrons are also invited to visit the Kite to record new works with the record producer in residence, or to see the publisher headquartered in the back about a new book.
The location at 40 Avenue C is expected to be able to seat about 37 guests inside at one time. Additionally, Francis Kite Club will be offering light snacks and sandwiches like cheese plates, mixed nuts, and tinned mackerel. John and his team are currently in the process of meeting with the community board to acquire the necessary liquor license, and they are proposing operating hours of 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday through Thursday (and also on Sunday), 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday, and will close down on Mondays. For more information as the story develops, you can follow Francis Kite Club on Instagram.
