Studio Ghibli Jazz x Victor Lin Trio
The Red Pavilion256 Ingraham Street, New York 11237
At The Red Pavilion, the Victor Lin Trio turns Studio Ghibli and other classic anime melodies into a live jazz program. Pianist and violinist Dr. Victor Lin leads bassist Julian Wittich and drummer Ian Wacksman through cinematic reworkings, including “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Princess Mononoke and “Merry-Go-Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle. Formed at the venue in early 2025, the trio has become a signature Red Pavilion act, bringing its anime-score set back to the room where the project began.
Lin is a Taiwanese-American musician and longtime advocate for AAPI representation in the arts and industry. This trio marks his return to a dedicated performance project after more than 20 years, drawing on decades of work as an educator at Columbia University and the Stanford Jazz Workshop. Wittich and Wacksman are described as rising figures in New York’s jazz scene. Together, the group is known for electrifying energy, lightning-fast musical choreography, and cinematic reimaginings of Studio Ghibli soundtracks. The listing also notes that the trio was slated to release its first EP in fall 2025.
The Red Pavilion offers a striking blend of Asian neo-noir aesthetics and live jazz performances that create a captivating evening. The venue’s interior channels a 1960s Hong Kong vibe with red lanterns, velvet curtains, and smoky lighting that envelop the room in a cinematic glow. Guests can expect a dynamic program featuring jazz, cabaret, aerial performances, and culturally rich events that honor AAPI heritage. The space functions as a teahouse by day and transforms into a sultry nightclub with a full bar serving inventive Asian herbal cocktails by night. Shows often include multiple sets and sometimes late-night DJ sessions, encouraging both attentive listening and socializing. The Red Pavilion’s intimate stage brings performers close to the audience, making every note and movement feel immediate and immersive.