Reviving Jazz in Bed-Stuy

Stepping into this Bed-Stuy brownstone feels like a leap back into a Brooklyn jazz venue from the 1940s.

This charming Victorian parlor, adorned with floral drapes and soft lighting, is alive with music and echoes the borough’s rich musical history. No DeLorean needed.

Welcome to Brownstone Jazz—a delightful, romantic spot that’s not only reigniting Brooklyn’s jazz scene but also drawing in new fans. It’s a place where the past meets the present.

Located at 107 Macon St., Brownstone Jazz was founded by Debbie McClain—a newly recognized “jazz hero”—and co-owned by Eric Lemons, who also serves as the music director. This venue is part concert hall, part museum, and every weekend, it pays homage to the borough’s vibrant jazz legacy.

“Most residents of Bed-Stuy are unaware of the musical history this neighborhood holds—concerts and recordings that shaped music worldwide,” Lemons shared.

Inside, the performance area showcases a trio of charming lamps, each a different color, casting a warm glow over the space.

With vintage mirrors, ornate flower-patterned walls, and framed black-and-white photographs of jazz legends like Billie Holiday from 1947, the ambiance is inviting. It feels like you’re in a jazz lover’s paradise—complete with upright pianos and double basses alongside classic vinyl records.

“When you walk in, it really feels like you’ve traveled back in time,” said performer Kathryn Farmer.

On a recent sultry Saturday night, Farmer joined a lineup of local talent for an engaging set, with the audience clapping and snapping along as they played popular tunes, including a rendition of Gershwin’s “Summer.” The atmosphere was electric.

Higgins, who has played alongside stars like Aretha Franklin, emphasized that their performances often blend planned songs with improvisation, frequently responding to audience requests.

Immerse in the Experience

Tucked away among the brownstones, this jazz venue also doubles as a celebration of Black history.

McClain, a Brooklyn native who grew up surrounded by music, transformed her family home into a bed-and-breakfast and later turned her backyard into a jazz sanctuary, Jazz Under the Stars.

Music has always played a pivotal role in their lives. McClain initially met Lemons when he was hired to perform during her backyard sessions, and they’ve been collaborating ever since.

The duo has created the Brownstone Jazz Weekend Series, which often sells out multiple shows each weekend. The “After Brunch” set, priced at $55.30, usually draws a crowd.

Guests, encouraged to bring their own food and beverages, have found that the inviting atmosphere enhances their experience, featuring vintage decor and live jazz that captivates the audience.

What started as an open mic event has evolved into a curated concert venue. They frequently host renowned talent in the jazz scene, and post-pandemic, they’ve seen a significant resurgence thanks to social media buzz and a growing interest from younger audiences.

“Many of these young people might not be avid jazz fans, but they’re drawn in by what they see online and want to experience the energy live,” Lemons explained.

A Legacy of Jazz

Each night, Lemons shares fascinating tidbits about Bed-Stuy’s rich jazz history, recounting stories of legendary figures and the rise of jazz culture in the neighborhood.

Once a competing hub for jazz alongside Harlem, Bed-Stuy had over twenty vibrant jazz venues in its heyday. Today, Brownstone Jazz stands out as a preserve of that legacy.

For Lemons, jazz represents much more than musical notes; it’s a vital piece of American culture, holding stories that deserve to be told.

“There’s much work to be done to honor this history,” he noted.

Connecting Generations

Many patrons are traveling from afar to attend shows, discovering the venue through social media algorithms. One attendee noted that he even drove four hours after his daughter gifted him tickets.

Excitedly, McClain remarked on the younger crowd attending their performances, reflecting a growing interest in the genre.

McClain and Lemons take pride in their shows, especially when they see audiences truly engaging—singing along, setting their phones aside, and immersing themselves in the music.

It’s heartwarming for them to witness this connection across generations, as families return together, eager for more.