Comedienne Jessica Delfino Opens ‘The Unicorn’ Music Venue on Henry Street
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Jessica Delfino has been gigging on the Lower East Side music-comedy circuit for well over a decade. Her naughty brand of toilet humor – oftentimes controversial – is usually dressed up in melodic songs performed on Ukelele, guitar, and even “rape whistle.”
Now the comedienne has created her own venue. It’s a multipurpose incubation space on the eastern edge of Chinatown. Or, as she calls it, “Condotown.” Meet The Unicorn, the latest entrant into the struggling downtown arts scene. Perhaps the new venture – soon to be headquartered at 105 Henry Street – will help breathe some life back into the beast.
The Unicorn is described as a “boutique entertainment school, store, and venue offering music lessons, a variety of events, classes, rental space, and instrument sales.” Classes and lessons are planned for daytime hours, while nighttime is earmarked for performances, readings, and shows.
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“I was touring a lot and wanted to be near my husband more, so I decided to start teaching music lessons,” Delfino quipped when asked about the impetus behind The Unicorn. “I quickly got about 40 students and it was too many for the apartment I was teaching out of.”
Delfino will appear before Community Board 3 next Monday to obtain beer-wine approval for the six-table establishment. Sandwiches will also be served, and hours limited to 10pm on all nights.
The Unicorn could be a good fit for the eighborhood. Cautious optimism all around.
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