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The classic marquee and Gramercy location of this former movie house might inspire romantic notions about good, old New York but inside, the no-frills décor and walls adorned with framed covers of Blender (the magazine took over as the principal sponsor in 2007) dash such frivolous thoughts. Corporate tie-ins aside, the theater offers an ultimate rarity among the city’s mid-sized music venues: a mix of actual seating in back with general admission standing room in front, and a sound system that carries well to both. The venue books a mix of up-and-coming bands (the Blow), indie-circuit stalwarts (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) and the occasional chart-topper (Dashboard Confessional) which puts its programming on par with the Bowery Ballroom and Irving Plaza. Though there are two bars on the main level and another on the lower, the Blender lacks an inviting lounge space so you’ll have to take your post-show after-party to the street. — Kaitlin Jessing-Butz