Culture Lab LIC puts a jazz quartet inside a working art gallery every Friday and charges nothing for it, which in this city is close to unheard of. The Robert Silverman Quartet closes out an August run that included John Yao's 17-piece big band and Peruvian vocalist Corina Bartra. Seating is limited and the room is small enough that you hear the drum kit unamplified. If you want a low-key night that still counts as a real gig, come early.
What to expect
You walk into a gallery hung with current work and find chairs set out facing a small performance area, with the band playing at close range in a room that seats a limited number. Expect a neighbourhood crowd, a ninety-minute set, and the current exhibition on the walls around you as part of the evening.
Good to know
- The 7 to Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue or the G to 21st Street both put you a short walk away
- Seating is limited and first-come, so arriving early is the difference between a chair and a wall
- The room is a gallery rather than a club, so the volume and the etiquette are quieter
- The current exhibition is up while you listen, which makes it worth arriving with time to look
- It suits people who want live music without a cover or a two-drink minimum
- Vernon Boulevard restaurants are a couple of blocks away for before or after
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Common questions
Does Sunset Jazz cost anything?
No. Culture Lab LIC states the series is always free and open to the community, though seating is limited so early arrival is advised.
Who is playing this week?
The Robert Silverman Quartet. Earlier August dates featured Ben Barnett, John Yao and His 17-Piece Instrument, and Corina Bartra.
Where in the building does it happen?
In the art gallery space at Culture Lab LIC, a converted warehouse arts centre in Long Island City that also holds a theatre and an outdoor venue.
More this weekend
