Once, a coffee barge dreamed of music. This is the story of Bargemusic. This floating concert hall has been a cultural icon in Brooklyn since 1977. It all started with Olga Bloom. She transformed a simple coffee barge into an intimate music venue.
Bargemusic is moored at Fulton Ferry Landing. It sits right on the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge. The barge itself dates back to 1899. Isn’t it amazing? This old barge found new life as a classical music stage.
Olga Bloom created a special place. She said water has a universal pull. People connect with nature here. They might even spot a seagull. Bargemusic offers a warm social experience. Audiences are small. They share values and experience great music. All in one visit.
The barge you see before you is not the first. Bloom actually purchased two others. The acoustics weren’t right for concerts. This one, 102 feet long, was found near the Statue of Liberty. A tugboat captain told her about this free slip by the Brooklyn Bridge. Bargemusic has been here ever since.
In 2003, disaster struck. A pipe burst in freezing weather. Hundreds of gallons of water flooded the barge. It started to sink. A repair crew pumped out 1,500 gallons. They leveled the barge just in time.
Bargemusic faced uncertainty with Brooklyn Bridge Park’s redevelopment. But in 2017, they secured a twenty-year lease. Mark Peskanov has been the artistic director since 2006. He produces over 200 concerts each year.
After 9/11, Bargemusic struggled. Attendance dropped. Bloom rented the barge for weddings to make money. She also sought donations. Landmark status could help secure corporate sponsorships for Bargemusic.
Bargemusic is committed to local audiences. It enhances New York’s cultural life. It offers frequent chamber music performances year-round. The setting is intimate. It is the perfect place to hear chamber music.
The barge was once somber railroad green. It hauled coffee for the Erie Lackawanna railroad. Now, it’s painted white. “EL 375” is embossed on the steel deck. It’s a reminder of its past.
Bargemusic is a special place. Both established and emerging musicians perform here. The backdrop is the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Critics call Bargemusic the perfect chamber-music hall. Artists say it’s unlike any other place to perform.
Currently, Bargemusic is seeking a new boat. The old one served for nearly 50 years. It can no longer be restored. Until then, concerts continue at the Boathouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Bargemusic remains a valuable jewel. It is a testament to the power of music and community.