Global Jazz Competition Founders To Open Music Cafe In Park Slope

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Popular Brooklyn eatery Nargis Cafe may be closing their Park Slope outpost, but the storefront won't stay vacant for long. A jazz cafe headed by the founders of a global music competition is already set to take its place, likely bringing some of their well known performers to Fifth Avenue.

Made in New York Jazz Competition, which has been hosting an international contest for several years, will open its first brick and mortar spot at the 155 Fifth Ave. spot next month. The cafe will replace Uzbek eatery Nargis Cafe after owners chose to close the Fifth Avenue location to focus on their flagship restaurant in Coney Island.

Competition founder Michael Brovkine said that creating a space for the jazz contest's international network of musicians has been in the works for quite some time. The new spot will serve food and cocktails in addition to its slate of live music performances, he said.

"It's been a number of years since we first spoke to our partners about a possibility to host our international jazz community with artists from 59 countries, including jazz legends that are working with our brands," Brovkine told Patch.

Park Slope seemed like the perfect spot for the organization to settle down, he said, given its growth over the last few years that has made it "one of the most desirable neighborhoods" in the city.

On top of that, the borough's long list of native famous musicians made it a great fit for the musical cafe.

"Brooklyn is very similar to our brand, many different communities, different cultures, but we all enjoy learning about each other and live happily together," Brovkine said. "We want to support local artists and give an opportunity to upcoming musicians to perform and enjoy the moment!"

As for that roster of upcoming musicians, Brovkine said he is keeping the official schedule of performances a secret until everything is finalized.

But, he hinted that the schedule might include some of the noteworthy artists that Made in New York Jazz Competition has worked with over the years. That list has included the likes of three-time Grammy winner Lenny White, well-known bassist John Benitez, Blood Sweat & Tears guitarist Mike Stern and many others.

Brovkine added that the cafe will add a "fresh, creative spin" to the eatery's existing menu, which was led by Nargis chef Boris Bangiyev, who has appeared on the food network and been featured various times for his cuisine.

The jazz cafe will likely open in mid-August, Brovkine said.