Blackthorn 51

more than fate's cd release show.this place is  lucky to have them play there !

Definitely a set sort of crowd, mostly overly dressed guys and girls. It's good for when you have a group and bottle service, plus there is plenty of space...other than that I didn't see the hype.

Came here since my friend's band was playing here last Friday night.
I should've gotten here a bit earlier since they went on earlier than stated
since the opening act didn't show up, and I only caught part of their set
which really was circumstances, plus partially my own fault.  Otherwise, this place's
name has changed it's not called Arena anymore, there was no signage
outside denoting its new title, Blackthorn 51. Otherwise, this place is really more like a small, neighborhood bar/club it's reasonably tiny inside, but intimate for live music
which is a major plus. No frills but the staff were friendly and everybody was
cool even the door guys were chill.  Sparse crowd but that was ok everyone
that did show that night was clearly there to support their bands and each others' bands which was nice to see for a change.  The sound was decent, stage small but sightlines fantastic, not much seating inside but a good large bar to the right.  I think this bar has great potential to be the premier live small music venue of Elmhurst and Rego Park environs of Queens, which for the most part is something that is sorely lacking over here. It also might not be Maxwells of Hoboken but it's still a good place to get your band out there and heard in a safe, small intimate space, which I think is a major positive thing. Plus, there is actually plenty of parking at night on Queens Blvd. and even on 51st Avenue and there's a small parking lot across the street from the bar if memory serves.