NEW YORK (AP) – Supporters of the famed rock club CBGB’s, whose lease is running out, are planning a series of events to rally people to the cause of keeping open the spot, the birthplace of punk.

There will be a show almost every night at the space during August, the last month of the lease, and a big event on the 31st at Washington Square Park, said singer/songwriter/”The Sopranos” star Little Steven Van Zandt, who has been involved in the preservation efforts for the last several weeks.

The club is in conflict with its landlord, the Bowery Residents Committee, over back rent and an increase to the monthly rental cost, which is about $19,000. The committee provides shelter for homeless people in the building where the club is.

Van Zandt said a proposal was submitted to the landlord last week, offering to increase what the club pays in rent and to host events to raise money for the cause. He said no response to the proposal has been received.

A telephone call to the committee seeking comment was not immediately returned Monday.

CBGB’s, with its familiar white awning, holds a special place in the city’s music history. It was there that the Ramones, the Talking Heads and Blondie created the punk scene for small crowds that paid a $1 cover charge.