Speaking of new venues...this one may not be new, but we're just hearing about it: Zebulon. It's in Willliamsburg (has been around since at least 2005 from what we can gather) and hosts every type of music your little ears could ever desire, including (but not limited to): jazz! Finally, a jazz venue we can afford. Zebulon may very well be the (more eclectic) version of the old Luna Lounge, offering no cover every night. Tonight Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio will be there playing a free show.
According to Citysearch, the scene is.."Akin to a smoky beatnik bar in Montparnasse, French-owned-and-operated Zebulon offers free experimental live jazz and blues nightly by mind-blowing local musicians and drop-ins by the occasional vagabond. Pale yellow spheres of light illuminate the dark room like a dozen mini-Parisian moons. The decor feels fresh with a smattering of old jazz concert posters and album covers. Perch atop a bar stool or sit at a stage-side tables for an unfettered view of the action."
Record shop geeks, French cuisine snacks and free music? Sounds...perfect (probably the type of place that should be kept secret). Has anyone dropped in there?
Kyp Malone, tonght: 9pm // Zebulon [258 Wythe Ave, Williamsburg] // Free
Photo by BrooklynVegan




yeah, i've gone there a few times...definately french (minus the smoking)
decent selection of french wines and belgium beers and french inpsired snacks
music on the weekends is okay, though gets quite packed and hot inside (no ventilation?)
the crowd is definately not your typical williamsburg hipster though, seems more park slope'ish - which isn't a bad thing for the hood
Oh yes! I do love Zebulon and don't go there often enough. As much as we love to mock the French, they do wine, hors d'ouvres and atmosphere very well. Great music too along the Afro-Latin beat variety.
I suggest you don't go there often much either. It should keep some of it's deserved "under the radar" cred
Blipster alert!
"Finally, a jazz venue we can afford."
There are actually quite a few inexpensive and laid-back jazz venues sprouting up around the city, like Barbes in Park Slope. Wish you would find someone to cover that scene!
They have radishes.
Way to be ahead of the curve. This place has been open for years and is pretty well known for its jazz and French food.
Eh, at least you didn't ruin it for those of us who have been going there. Now it's going to suck. So, actually, thanks for being slow on the uptake.
Where the hell has gothamist been, living under a f-ing rock? Barbes charges for their shows, and they are never as eccentric. blahhh. boring.