TAMAR KORN & A KORNUCOPIA
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Tamar Korn brings A Kornucopia, her own ensemble, to Barbès for a set built without a fixed template. The advertised program points to the way Korn moves through a repertoire in real time: early jazz, Western swing, American roots music and Yiddish songs may sit alongside vocal solos, recitations, and texts drawn from new and old poetry or philosophical essays. Friends may join her, though no specific guests or lineup have been announced. Expect a performance shaped by Korn’s choices in the moment rather than a prescribed songbook.
New York-based vocalist Tamar Korn has spent formative years with The Cangelosi Cards, a group described as pioneers of New York’s hot-jazz revival, and is also associated with Brain Cloud. Her work is rooted in traditional New Orleans and early jazz, Western swing and American roots music, while making room for a notably wide range of material. A Kornucopia works with a revolving roster of musicians around New York City and Brooklyn, rather than a fixed personnel list. Korn has appeared at venues and festivals including Barbès, Sunny’s and Jalopy Theater. The Syncopated Times called her a “Winged Jazz Totem.”
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.