Wetlands Preserve

[3] The original concept for the Wetlands Preserve came from founder-owner Larry Bloch,[3] who set its course for over eight years before passing the helm to Peter Shapiro in 1997.

Shapiro remained faithful to the mission until September 2001, when the gentrification of TriBeCa caused the building to be sold and the club was forced to close before being converted into condominiums.

[4] Neo-soul duo Jazzyfatnastees launched their weekly women's showcase "Black Lily" at Wetlands before moving it to The Five Spot in Philadelphia.

[5] The Wetlands' independent, in-house booking strategies and the freedom to play all night nurtured a scene that helped bands develop a following.

It was the intimate connection fostered between artist and audience, the continuity of a live DJ connection to the vibe of the night, and carefully balanced sound throughout the club, including the halls and bathrooms, that would bring the 7,500-square foot, two-level space to a pulsing unity that John Popper of Blues Traveler would lastingly nickname "Sweatglands".