Roxy Bar Presents: Pianist Michael Garin
Roxy Bar2 Avenue of the Americas, New York 10013
At Roxy Bar, pianist Michael Garin brings his solo-piano act to the room. Roxy describes the performance as a “beguiling musical experience” that “blur[s] the distinction between pianist and D.J.” Garin’s free-flowing approach can move from Shaggy and Om Kalthum to Rossini, Jobim, Zappa and Raymond Scott, with audience requests and comic asides part of the mix.
Originally from Greenbelt, Maryland, Garin has become a longtime fixture of New York nightlife and a resident pianist at the Roxy Hotel. His work also spans songwriting, singing, poetry, acting and song-and-dance performance. He co-created and co-starred in the Drama Desk Award-winning Song of Singapore, has appeared in Spike Lee films, and has performed “for and with” Frank Zappa, James Chance, David Lee Roth and Kool & the Gang. Reviewing him at the Roxy, Will Friedwald of The New York Sun called Garin “perhaps the most compelling musical omnivore I’ve ever encountered,” noting his shifts between pop and rap, including Lizzo, Busta Rhymes and Jay-Z, and writers such as Sondheim and Noël Coward.
Roxy Bar offers a stylish setting where live jazz fills the air, accompanied by a menu that caters to diverse tastes including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The room features plush seating and a well-stocked bar, creating a comfortable environment to enjoy performances by resident musicians or special guests. Shows typically run in the evening with sets from 6pm to 10pm, followed by DJs spinning vinyl late into the night. Weekend brunches also feature live music, blending dining and entertainment seamlessly. The venue balances attentive service with a relaxed vibe, making it a place to savor both cocktails and music without distraction. Its location in Tribeca adds a downtown charm, inviting guests to linger over oysters or a crafted cocktail while soaking in the sounds.