Atelier: Can't Let a Jazz Hall Go Thirsty
The event series "Hala Jazz" is organized by the craft beer brand Hala, and the format presents a rare influx of ideas from places that have shut down to those that survived the recent crises: the jazz musicians that play at Atelier until recently played in the semi-secret Try C bar next to the Sofia Court House.
It's very likely that regular visitors of Atelier can't remember where they used to go before it opened – the bar owned by artist Kalin Plugchiev only opened a couple of years ago, but has become a central location in the – only at first glance – quiet area between the streets Samuil, Pozitano, and Lavele, and is one of the hidden spots in the courtyard across from the German High School.
A sign inside the bar tells you that they play bands like Einstürzende Neubauten or Tuxedomoon, but for almost five months now, every Sunday has been set aside for live jazz.
The event series "Hala Jazz" is organized by the craft beer brand Hala, and the format presents a rare influx of ideas from places that have shut down to those that survived the recent crises: the jazz musicians that play at Atelier until recently played in the semi-secret Try C bar next to the Sofia Court House. (And the piano you see next to them moved there from the recently shut I Came Alone).
Photographer: Deyan Hristakiev
The musicians you're most likely to see in the courtyard or inside the bar are Dimitar Blagoev (guitar), whom you can count on for an interesting story about the piece he just performed, Stanislav Arabadjiev (piano), Stefan Goranov (drums), Vasil Hadzhigrudev (bass) and the Spanish saxophonist Arnau Garrofé. "We know them from the Try C stage, but we hope that Hala Jazz will have a unique charm of its own because of the location of the bar," says Deyan Hristakiev, co-founder of Hala and the online beer store Pivoteka. "Musically, the format is not a classic jam session, but the exchange of energy between the audience and the musicians is very powerful. This makes the performances lively and spontaneous. There are often guests among the soloists and the rhythm section, often from abroad, and this is an additional surprise for those joining us."
Photographer: Deyan Hristakiev
He likes the sense of secrecy in the courtyard creates and the opportunity it gives him and set designer Alexandra Ventova (who is often behind the bar) to decorate the place and offer something different to its regulars. "It feels like you're on the street but you're also hidden from its dynamics and noise. In short, the idea is to make this secret spot come alive with improvised live music.”
Meanwhile, Deyan is developing a new brew for Hala and hopes that the series will continue over the winter months, after a successful summer and autumn. "We've already moved inside, where it's just as cozy, so the jazz and the beer won't stop."