LEO SIDRAN
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Leo Sidran comes to Barbès for a set by the Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, journalist, composer and producer. The listing presents the date as part of his celebration of 25 years of songwriting, record-making and performances around the world. No accompanying musicians or special program are named, so this is billed simply under Sidran’s name.
Sidran’s solo work explores the space between pop, jazz, Brazilian music and singer-songwriter forms. Beyond his own records, he co-produced Jorge Drexler’s Oscar-winning “Al otro lado del río,” Alex Cuba’s Latin Grammy-winning Healer, and recordings by his father, Ben Sidran; his collaborators include Kevin Johansen and Clyde Stubblefield. He also hosts The Third Story, an acclaimed radio and podcast series of conversations with musicians, producers, composers and other creators. Spanish critic Fernando Neira called him the “Discreet genius of pop jazz,” while Jazz Magazine said, “Leo Sidran makes pop music swing.” JazzTimes has described his compositions as “smart, sharp, and sparklingly original.”
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.