Where to rock out in New York

Bottom Line 15. W. 4th St., at Mercer St. (228-7880 for info; 228-6300 for box office). A gothic space with a mixed bag of music entertainment--from jazz to kitsch to country to the theater to rock-and-roll by over-the-hill singers. Recent shows run the spectrum from Roger McGuinn to Broadway Diva Betty Berkeley. Crowd and mood varies from show to show in this large, cave-like venue. Double proof of age required, or come with a parent or guardian. Some all-ages performances. Cover $15-25; Shows nightly 7:30 and 10:30 pm. Bowery Ballroom 6 Delancey St. between Chrystie St. and The Bowery. (533-2111; for tickets call 866-468-7619). Subway: J, M, Z to Bowery. This medium-sized club retains some of the details from its original 1929 Beaux Arts construction. The venue attracts popular bands, and its stage has recently been graced by REM, the Black Crowes, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Tickets $10-20. CBGB/OMFUG (CBGB's) 315 Bowery, at Bleecker St. (982-4052). The initials have stood for "country, bluegrass, blues, and other music for uplifting gourmandizers," since CBGB's 1973 opening, but the New York Dolls, Television, the Ramones, Patti Smith, and Talking Heads rendered this venue synonymous with punk. The music remains loud, raw, and hungry. Shows nightly around 8pm. Cover $3-10. Next door, CB's Gallery, 313 Bowery (677-0455) presents softer live music.