Found Sound Nation presents: Mara Rosenbloom + Selendis S.A. Johnson
Mara Rosenbloom, Selendis S.A. Johnson
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Found Sound Nation brings Mara Rosenbloom and Selendis S.A. Johnson to Barbès for a two-artist program shaped around short, salon-style sets. The series draws from Found Sound Nation’s global network and is built on artists sharing bills across ethnic, cultural, and stylistic boundaries. Each musician is set to offer a 20 to 30 minute performance of sound and story. The listing identifies the occasion as a Found Sound Nation presentation, but does not specify the instruments, repertoire, or whether Rosenbloom and Johnson will perform together.
Rosenbloom is identified in the supplied material as a pianist and composer, with work in other ensembles noted, though no further details of this appearance are given. Selendis Sebastian Alexander Johnson was born in San Francisco and has been based in New York since 2018. A vibraphonist and trombonist, Johnson’s work is described as engaging especially with “the history and tradition of experimental, improvised African-American music,” and includes leading projects and large ensembles. The available material does not establish a prior Rosenbloom and Johnson collaboration, name additional players, or provide reviews of the pairing.
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.