A New York City pianist will orchestrate the grand opening of a new Park Slope jazz venue next month.
The Made in New York Jazz Cafe & Bar will replace the shuttered Uzbek eatery Nargis Bar and Grill at 155 Fifth Ave. between Lincoln Place and St. Johns Place, and is part of musician-owner Michael Brovkine’s effort to revive what he described as Brooklyn’s ailing jazz scene.
“My music started in Brooklyn. Lots of friends, gigs, the most talented artists I met, all happened in Brooklyn,” said Brovkine, a one-time Midwood resident, who now resides in Staten Island. “I feel that nowadays — especially in Park Slope — that has changed drastically for the past couple of years, and there are a lot of undiscovered opportunities.”
Brovkine is among the founders of the Made in New York Jazz Competition — an online tournament that features aspiring musicians from around the globe annually. The organization behind the competition hopes to bring their jazz chops to a brick and mortar venue in Brooklyn, said its founder.
“After the success of the competition we have created multiple, unique shows with never seen before lineups,” said Brovkine. “I think it’s time for us to have our own little stage to be able to do our own production and to showcase artists that are part of our community.”
Brovkine, who has been working on his cafe concept for over two years, said the 70-person space — plus a seasonal garden — will feel “cosy,” but the tight confines will produce killer acoustics.
The venue will feature jazz music sets from Thursday through Sunday from renowned artists and up-and-comers alike, according to Brovkine, who said the venue would host music for all ages.
“We are planning to create family days, and to bring entertainment programs for kids,” he said. “It’ll be jazz for everyone.”
