PANGARI AND THE SOCIALITES
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Pangari and the Socialites bring their Brooklyn ska and early reggae project to Barbès. Fronted by bassist Ari Folman-Cohen, the group works with a rotating cast of Brooklyn improvisers rather than a fixed lineup, so the band’s personnel can shift while its focus stays on vintage Jamaican songcraft. Expect a set rooted in classic ska, rocksteady, soul and early reggae, with tributes to foundational artists including the Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo, Alton Ellis and Jackie Opel.
Based in Brooklyn, Pangari and the Socialites unite players from the city’s improvising community around the sounds of classic Jamaican groups. An older listing documented drums, guitar, bass, piano, vocals and alto sax, while one review described an ensemble of roughly ten musicians, suggesting an expansive band built for arrangements as well as solos. New York Music Daily called them “a bunch of up-and-coming jazz types playing ska,” praising the group for doing justice to both Skatalites classics and obscurities. The review also notes that they “really stretch the songs out,” a useful clue to how this repertoire becomes a vehicle for the players’ own improvising voices.
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.