Cutting the ribbon (center, left to right): Council Member Shaun Abreu, Smoke co-owners Paul Stache and Molly Johnson, jazz drummer Al Foster and Council Member Gale Brewer. Photo courtesy of Shaun Abreu
On September 1, City Council Members Shaun Abreu and Gale Brewer celebrated the reopening of uptown Manhattan’s celebrated Smoke Jazz Club at a ribbon-cutting with co-owners Paul Stache and Molly Johnson. Musicians who performed live on stage were the Al Foster Quintet with Nicholas Payton, Chris Potter, Kevin Hays and Vicente Archer.
After being closed for two years, the revered club on Broadway between 105th and 106th Streets recently reopened after an expansion and renovation that readies the club for the post-pandemic 21st century. Smoke’s return brings much-needed hope and rejuvenation to the city and the music community.
“We are so happy to celebrate the reopening of Smoke Jazz Club,” said Abreu. “We know we need music not just to celebrate the good times but to get us through the tough times, as well. Congrats to owners Paul and Molly!”