8. The Stone

What would a list of DIY music venues be without mentioning the legendary avante-garde performance space the Stone? Founded by avante-garde composer/saxophonist John Zorn, the Stone is located on E 2nd St. and Avenue C and is one of the last legitimate DIY spaces left in Manhattan. This particular venue specializes in promoting some of the most unorthodox genres of music and supports itself by releasing limited edition recordings and hosting benefit nights. Collaborations are the norm and regulars include Nels Cline, Thurston Moore, and Fred Frith.