Two days after the presidential election left New Yorkers feeling divided, the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM) hosted its ninth annual House Party at its central location in Park Slope, offering Brooklyn residents a sense of community.
Every room of the five-story, 143-year-old Victorian brownstone was transformed into a music venue, with names like Rugcutters, Best Kept Secrets and Havana Social. The night featured performances by bluegrass band Cole Quest & The City Pickers, jazz bassist Brandi Disterheft, the Xylopholks, and Latin-jazz ensemble the Camila Cortina Quintet — just a few of the 34 musical acts involving more than 100 musicians.
Attendees tested their songwriting skills with AI Music Madlibs in the Robots vs. Humans lounge, while others tried their hand at Karaoke Chaos.
One of the evening’s highlights was Eggs Benatar, who filled the concert hall on the first floor with ’80s rock tunes, drawing eventgoers to the dance floor.
In addition to the musical acts, revelers enjoyed specialty cocktails and eclectic food from Brooklyn vendors, served at spots labeled Witch’s Brew, The Top Shelf, and Dumplings of the World.
This year’s House Party also featured an outdoor portion open to the public. The Main Stage, set up on Lincoln Place, showcased performances by Tonewall of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and singer Olatuja, while the Sugartone Brass Band performed in front of the BKCM on Seventh Avenue at a setup titled Sugar & Shine. Nearby, bakery Cousin John’s highlighted artists from BKCM’s Studio Collective.
The annual fundraiser supports BKCM’s music education and music therapy programs across New York City. Chad Cooper, BKCM’s executive director, told Brooklyn Paper that the nonprofit music school serves 7,000 students and 2,500 clients with disabilities across the five boroughs, supports 80 music sites citywide, and works with 2,000 emerging and professional musicians.
“And all these things we do depend on our fundraising. It’s fun to throw parties, but it’s also crucial that we raise this money,” said Cooper, adding that people have called the House Party the best charitable event of the year because it’s so enjoyable.
“It’s such a unique experience to be able to experience so much diverse music packed in this space with really terrific artists so intimately,” Cooper said. “You’re just sitting on the ground in the studio three feet from a world-class artist, and then something radically different in the next studio.”
Park Slope residents Emily Gardiner and Ben Herzog, who have attended the annual event since its inception, told Brooklyn Paper that the variety of music genres is what makes it special.
“In every room is another beautiful little musical jewel box,” Gardiner said. “The musicianship is really stunning. It’s fun. And you’re in like a little living room just listening to this great music.”
Herzog added that the event introduced attendees to new music.
“I like hearing stuff I’ve never heard before. Maybe something Middle Eastern or music I’m totally unfamiliar with,” Herzog said. “The musicianship is just always top-notch across the board.”
Chicagoan Liz Wain, attending the event for the second time, said she was impressed with BKCM’s work and looked forward to the music’s diversity.
“[The event] is exciting, and it’s positive, and it’s a good spirit and a good energy,” Wain said. “And after the week we’ve had, we need that. And so it’s just great to come out and celebrate the global world of music. Music really does bring us all together.”
