BEN MONDER / THEO BLECKMANN
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Ben Monder and Theo Bleckmann bring their long-running guitar and voice duo to Barbès. Their work has been described as “jazz art song,” bringing together jazz, classical, ambient and rock elements; their collaborations include No Boat and At Night.
A New York-area musician for more than 35 years, guitarist and composer Monder has worked with artists including Lee Konitz, Paul Motian and Maria Schneider, and contributed guitar to David Bowie’s Blackstar. The New York Times praised his playing for its “impeccable craftsmanship, technical dexterity and way left of center originality.”
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.