SLAVIC SOUL PARTY
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Slavic Soul Party returns to Barbès for its standing Tuesday night engagement, bringing a nine-piece New York brass-band lineup. John Carlson and Kenny Warren play trumpet; Peter Hess handles saxophone and clarinet; Peter Stan plays accordion; Tim Vaughn and Adam Dotson take trombone; Ken Bentley is on tuba; and Matt Moran and Chris Stromquist supply go-go, snare, and percussion. Expect the group’s stated mix of Balkan brass, funk grooves, Roma accordion, and jazz virtuosity.
The band has forged its brass-band sound in the heart of New York City and has kept this weekly Barbès gathering going for 18 years, making it a regular draw for local listeners and brass-band fans from around the world. Its music is described by the venue as “fiery Balkan brass,” “throbbing funk grooves,” “Roma accordion wizardry,” and “virtuoso jazz chops,” a combination that points to a hard-driving ensemble built around horns, low brass, accordion, and percussion.
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.