The Hot Club with Matthew "FAT CAT" Rivera Mondays at Cafe Bohemia

In the 1930s, French record collectors and enthusiasts of le jazz hot began record listening groups under the name of the Hot Club of France, a major institution of jazz listening and appreciation in Europe when rare imported records were scarce and threatened by the eminent rise of Fascism. Listening to a record was a communal and rarified ritual, replete with the fun of discussion and replay.
Hot Club brings the experience of these original listening sessions to any venue or occasion. Hosted by DJ and jazz expert Matthew “Fat Cat” Rivera (WKCR-FM), Hot Club plays classic jazz recordings from the 1920s-50s from original 78rpm pressings in their finest sound. The Fat Cat brings his years of jazz research and collecting to each set, offering a chance to hear scarce records in a thoughtful, beautiful and relaxaing presentation.
With top-notch equipment and a unique collection of carefully curated jazz 78s, Hot Club delivers the special presence of classic jazz records played live. Its mission is to, as stated by legendary jazz DJ Phil Schaap, “bring people in touch with classic jazz recordings.
What to expect
Wait service. Small Plates, Beer, Wine & Specialty Cocktails available. Two drink minimum or equal value of food per person/show.
History of Cafe Bohemia:
Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Lester Young, Charles Mingus, Roy Eldridge, Ben Webster, Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey, Kenny Dorham, Randy Weston all not only played here at the Cafe Bohemia but RECORDED legendary albums here. Cannonball Adderley was discovered here overnight. Monk hung out here. Oscar Pettiford led the house band. Charlie Parker invented the place. Before it was the Cafe Bohemia, it was the Pied Piper where Max Kaminsky and Frankie Newton led the house band at different times and James P. Johnson and Willie "The Lion" Smith had cutting contests. 15 Barrow Street was an epicenter.
With Jazz landmarks on the brink everywhere, the reopening of Cafe Bohemia is truly a triumph of Jazz preservation and continuity.