All That Jazz In PLG
PROSPECT-LEFFERTS GARDENS — There’s a burgeoning new music corridor growing and it’s in Central Brooklyn. PLG, a commercial/residential-mix, which sits just East of Prospect Park, is turning into Brooklyn’s Jazz corridor.
Starting in 2014, venues began to offer live music, and the momentum hasn’t stopped. Bars opening as late as this year picked a jazz night and carted in their favorite musician.
Bklyner made a list of where locals can go nearly every day of the week.
Monday
We’ll designate Erv’s on Beekman as the godmother of this music movement for its variety and early start.
The laundromat-turned cafe and cocktail bar open in 2014. It’s tucked one of PLG’s dead-end blocks off Flatbush Avenue. Located at 2122 Beekman Place, you can’t miss it, it’s the sole commercial place on the residential block.
The “come one, come all” scene on Monday’s is open to folks who want to partake in the venue’s jazz jam. The festivities start at 8:30 pm when a producer starts the jam session and later invites people to join in, according to Joshua Ropson, the general manager.
If you want a more curated scene pop in during the first and last Wednesdays.
Check out their social media pages, Ervsonbeekman, for listings of upcoming events.
Tuesday
Jessica Callender and Caleb McMahon run things over at Salem’s Hour. Known for their savory brunches, the co-owners hand over the place to Kezemde George on Tuesday nights.
George, a saxophonist, mixes the sound of his horn with “strong” urban beats.
Located at 1110 Nostrand Avenue, the eats are as good as the music. Choose from the Carribean, Cowboy or Salem’s burger. As for drinks, try the Shawny or Gingered Alysia. Find out the stories behind those two mouthwatering cocktails.
Jazz hours: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm on Tuesdays.
Wednesday
As the newcomer to PLG, Jeremy Stratton, of Bar Bayeaux wasted no time jumping into the growing music scene. You see, he’s a jazz musician.
The bass player promised a jazz night when he first opened at the start of the year. Now, locals can sip cocktails and catch the cool vibes every Wednesday night. There’s no rhyme or reason as to who’ll show up but be prepared for jazz favorites.
“Drummer and Jazz Legend Victor Lewis was here last week,” Jeremy told Bklyner, adding that the mellow setting doesn’t take away from the bar’s atmosphere.
Patrons can expect different musicians every Wednesday, but you won’t see Stratton in any trios for now.
“I’ll break out my base one of these says but at the moment I’m too busy, ” he said.
Jazz hours: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Thursday
Thursday nights at Erv’s On Beekman is a bit more structured and jazz performances are up at least twice a month.
Most recently, guitarist Nicco Soffiato joined Zach Swanson on bass and Deric Dickens on drums for a trio at Erv’s. The three get to show off their musical talents at the cocktail bar some Thursday evenings.
“It’s a very positive vibe, people are listening, we’re not just playing background,” said Soffiato who lives in the area but hails from Padua, Italy. “The folks are super into it.”
Their sets usually start around 8:30 and last around a little over two hours with two 45 minute sets and a break.
Fridays
The Owl Music Parlor offers a robust assortment of jazz and other genres of music. Located at 475 Rogers Ave. The concert venue showcases innovative modern music and groundbreaking musicians, according to their website.
Enjoy the likes of The Westerlies, a New York-based brass quartet or Dina Maccabee, a sought after violinist and vocalist from Bushwick.
Most events start around 7:30 pm and there’s usually a $10 suggested donation.
Check venues to confirm events.