Farayi Malek

Grace Kelly

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora

A frequently asked question since the start of this series has been: When is Jazz Urbane Cafe opening to the public?

Jazz Urbane Cafe is scheduled to open in June. And in the special series, we will discuss the specifics of its opening, its ideas, its artists, its programs, its menu and its commitment to Nubian Square becoming the new critical arts and culture hub in Boston.

Last week, Ron Mitchell, owner and chief editor of the Bay State Banner, published a much-anticipated article highlighting the growing assets of Nubian Square:

“Progress has not been a straight line, but a steady succession of developments that amount to strides toward making Nubian Square a cultural destination that stimulates Roxbury’s economy.

“The vision of Nubian Square, long ago the biggest retail center in Boston after Downtown Crossing, reborn as a cultural hub dates back more than a decade, when many envisioned Nubian as a culinary destination for ethnic meals and cultural expression that would dovetail nicely with other artistic and cultural events.

“Jazz Urbane will serve as a year-round cultural destination to complement events throughout the year. The periodic jazz concerts at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library have demonstrated a demand for such performances, with some attendees coming from outside the immediate neighborhood.

“Additionally, the Community Music Center of Boston is planning an expansion in the late fall.

“A rule of thumb in economic development is that private investment follows public investment. See the creation of the interstate highway system across the country, and the suburbs sprouting and sprawling. Let us see the same pattern evolve, right here near the heart of the city, in Nubian Square.

— Ronald Mitchell

One of Boston’s most anticipated club openings, Jazz Urbane Cafe is in the Bruce C. Bolling Building at 2300 Washington St. The building, with its recently city-landmarked 19th-century facade, was the site of the popular Ferdinand’s Blue Store, which sold furniture and other home goods.

This venue will further establish Boston as a premier music destination. As a classic supper club with thoughtfully curated arts programs, our vision is realized. Boston, renowned as a culturally diverse city and respected for its artistic achievements, boasts a world-class symphony and the esteemed music education institutions of Berklee College of Music, the Boston Conservatory, and New England Conservatory as well as the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge.

In his 2012 book “The Boston Jazz Chronicles” jazz enthusiast Richard Vacca described two kinds of Boston musicians: “The Boston-area natives, and those who came here to work or study. … A person who lived and worked here for some part of their professional life and contributed as an active performer, teacher, or mentor. The most famous were [saxophonist/clarinetist] Harry Carney and [alto saxophonist] Johnny Hodges.”

Besides Carney and Hodges, the Boston area was home to an amazing array of artists, such as Roy Haynes, Terri Lyne Carrington, Nnenna Freelon, Elma Lewis, Chick Corea, Alan Dawson, Grace Kelly, Leonard Bernstein and Donna Summer. Some were born here, others lived and worked in the city. Jazz Urbane Cafe is in conversation with notable industry talents, including Take Six, Jason Moran, Tia Fuller, Billy Childs, Donald Harrison, Blk Bak, Lenny White, Patrice Rushen and Andre Ward.

What it is

Jazz Urbane Cafe is a new arts restaurant and performance venue. It will spotlight local and national artists who define and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions that make Boston unique.

Our performance series will be complemented by an exciting dining program designed to make the Jazz Urbane a full sensory experience. The menu will showcase globally inspired flavors, with many ingredients sourced locally. This underlines our commitment to unique, sensuous flavors made from local ingredients. The cafe’s bar will feature craft spirits, local beers and a curated wine selection for both approachability and excitement.

The arts program will officially begin with the cafe’s opening in next month, featuring nightly musical performances by local artists on the Jazz Urbane Recordings label (the cafe’s sister company) and by artists from across Greater Boston. The organized calendar will include Monday piano nights with top players; Tuesdays curated by Boston’s own Terri Lyne Carrington; Wednesdays for local artists; Thursdays curated and hosted by Jose Maso; national acts on Fridays and Saturdays; and memorable Sunday afternoon brunches accompanied by Boston’s finest performers. Program schedules and start times will be announced closer to the opening.

And let’s be clear: Jazz in our ecosystem context simply means great American music, primarily from the excellence of jazz artistry, but that extends outward to chamber, gospel, spoken word, bluegrass, soul and progressive Black contemporary music.

Jazz Urbane Cafe will also offer other presentation models, such as film screenings, dance, dramatic theater and multimedia installations to provide a holistic presentation of many forms and expressions.

The mission

The venue envisions a progressive arts cafe and eatery in the city’s heart. The Jazz Urbane Cafe plan is thoughtful, innovative and creative. We pair entrepreneurial arts programming with a restaurant concept. The formula bridges top-tier arts, food, innovation and partnerships. The belief is this is Boston’s best model for a highart, entertaining music cafe that values music and great food.

JazzUrbane LLC

There will be afocus on artistic direction, community partnerships and strategic vision. CEO Charles Hunter manages day-today restaurant operations.

Welcome

For the past year and a half, I have reported that music and art touch our souls, spark imagination, lift spirits and cement our cultural heritage. Through songs, dance, images and sound, the arts remind us that we live together in harmony. Being in our space shows our commitment to the arts, education, heritage and community — our company’s core mission.

Every experience here is meant to welcome all into sharing. Arts, food, sights, sounds and performances are at the core of Jazz Urbane’s mission: to embrace and invite everyone into a creative, collaborative and joyful fellowship. Our purpose is to serve, lift and bring light through art.

We believe the artists we support are “the next.” The community needs, and deserves, to hear Boston’s best. We want to lead discussions about new voices, then help share them and build an ecosystem of the arts, education, advocacy and community.

This will make our mission real: the power of art and culture to inspire and uplift. Today, immersion in culture, heritage and values is vital.

The artists

“As a Black Latina pianist and composer who has spent the past 13 years building community in Boston, I believe music reaches people most effectively when artistic excellence, multiculturalism, and genuine human connection exist together.

‘As music director, my role is not only to curate inspiring artistry but also to help create a space where diverse cultural voices, traditions, and lived experiences can coexist authentically through music. What excites me most about the future of Jazz Café is the opportunity to continue building a space where people feel seen, challenged, inspired, and transformed through the power of live music,” says Zahili Gonzalez Zamora.

Featured local artists at the Jazz Urbane Cafe include Domas Zeromskas, Farayi Malek, and Grace Kelly, a well-known figure both locally and nationally.

Leading up to the grand opening, we will host events through Juneteenth, and the nation’s 250th anniversary — milestones that deeply matter to Boston’s communities.

Boston is a global crossroads for musicians, and Jazz Urbane Café and Jazz Urbane Community Arts (JU-CAT ). Transformation aims to continue this legacy in Roxbury and Nubian Square, building a community-rooted cultural hub.

Together, JUC and JU-CAT unify live music, culinary arts, education, storytelling, and engagement into a multicultural experience. Our vision is to put creative opportunity in the community’s hands.

Jazz Urbane stands as both a celebration of cultural legacy and a forward-looking investment in community-centered artistic life, offering a truly authentic gathering place.