Q: Where did you get the name Rozz-Tox and what does it mean?
A: The Rozz-Tox concept was created in the 70's by Gary Panter. It was Influenced by the L.A. punk scene and was meant to be a phony art movement. Panter wrote The Rozz-Tox Manifesto, which argued that artists should work within a capitalist system to reach a larger audience. Though originally, Rozz-Tox was a sci-fi idea of the music that would come after rock and roll died. Gary is a brilliant artist that you should go check out right after you read the rest of these FAQs (www.garypanter.com). We will be forever grateful for Gary's consent to use this amazing name.
Q: Is this a bar?
A: No. We prefer cafe, or cultural space, or art house, or… whatever. It's what you want it to be, really. We do serve beer and wine, but no cocktails, no draft, no hard liquor. Everything on our menu is available anytime during business hours. FYI, we have award-winning cupcakes, great coffee and tea from Intelligentsia (www.intelligentsiacoffee.com) and also serve some delicious sandwiches and flat bread bruschetta. Or maybe you want a bowl of Fruity Pebbles and a slice of toast at midnight? We got you.
Q: How long have you been here?
A: We opened on April Fool's Day 2011.
Q: Is it true that you guys have another space in China?
A: Yes, in Guangzhou. It's called LOFT345 Art Space (www.loft345gz.com)- a 3 floor, 40 studio, 1 bar, 2 gallery artist refuge. This is something else you should check out right after you read about Gary Panter. The space itself has been open, in various iterations, since 2003. Benjamin (the long-haired guy behind the counter) and his then girlfriend Wen Jun took it over in 2007. LOFT345 is still open and doing well under Benjamin's direction. Desmond Yip, who has worked with Benjamin and Wen Jun since nearly the beginning is managing the space.
Q: Why China?!
A: Benjamin used to live in China.
Q: So, what's the story behind the logo?
A: A great friend, Max Lyons, was making t-shirts with this print (without the Rozz-Tox text) he made from a photograph of a girl in Jersey at her birthday party. We sold these shirts at LOFT345. The "Rozz-Tox" text was added after we had already been open. Our cupcakes were becoming a real hit and Max's cupcake girl was just too perfect not to use. Thanks again, Max. We love you.
Q: Who's the dog?
A: His name is Duke. He's Benjamins' dog and he's from China.
Q: What's a Vietnamese coffee?
A: We use Trung Nguyên Vietnamese coffee, slow dripped over sweetened condensed milk. Think butter roasted beans. Mmmm…
Q: What's a Brooklyn egg cream?
A: It's an old soda fountain shop recipe from the 1910's. It's a cold carbonated chocolate milk drink. The secret is the chocolate syrup... U-Bet we buy directly from Brooklyn :)
Q: Who makes your cupcakes?
A: Marisa (Benjamin's mother and half owner of Rozz-Tox).
Q: Can I take this beer outside?
A: No, you cannot take that beer outside. This is America.
Q: Who's that a picture of with the Rozz-Tox shirt?
A: Philip K. Dick.
Q: Holy shit! Why does he have a Rozz-Tox shirt on?
A: Because when Gary Panter interviewed him for Slash Magazine in 1980 he gave P.K.D. a shirt and took a photo.
Q: (for musicians) Can I book a show here?
A: Please send your band info (links, bios, photos, press) to headwestproductions@gmail.com and we'll get back to you. FYI, we do not book cover bands.
Q: (for visual artists) How can I exhibit my work in Rozz-Tox?
A: You can send submissions (images, bios, links, artist statement) to info@rozztox.com.
Q: Can I rent Rozz-Tox?
A: No. Rozz-Tox is a public place. You are more than welcome to have your event here as long as you are okay with our regular customer flow and provided we do not already have an event booked on the date in question.
Q: Do you have wifi?
A: Yes, free and no time limit. However, you do have to buy something from us first.
Q: How late are you open?
A: Until 1:00am Tuesday- Saturday, and until 11:00pm on Sundays. CLOSED MONDAYS.
Q: What nights do you have live music?
A: No set nights. We cater to local and touring musicians, so a magical night of live music at Rozz-Tox could literally be on any given day. Keep checking out our website for updated information on upcoming events and news.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Just 3 blocks east of Circa '21 on 3rd ave & 21st street, on the south side of the avenue. It's a long orange old building. Look for a naked lady in the 2nd floor bay window. That's the place.
Q: Do you accept cards?
A: Nope, cash only. But we do have an in-house ATM.
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©ROZZ-TOX 2011
©ROZZ-TOX 2011
