Nublu is a renowned nightclub, music venue, and cultural hub located in New York City, United States. Established in 2002 by Turkish saxophonist Ilhan Ersahin, Nublu emerged in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village before eventually moving to the nearby Avenue C location in the Lower East Side. Its origins can be traced to Ersahin’s vision of creating an inclusive space that defied genres and boundaries, focusing on the intersection of jazz, electronic music, funk, world music, and the avant-garde.

Quickly, Nublu became a breeding ground for experimentation and collaboration, cultivating what came to be known as the “Nublu Sound,” heavily influenced by Ersahin’s diverse international network and strong local ties. The club earned a stellar reputation for its bohemian atmosphere, artist-centered philosophy, and improvisatory jam sessions, making it a magnet for both established musicians and emerging talent. In 2011, due to licensing issues, Nublu temporarily suspended its operations at its original Avenue C location, but reopened in 2014 at a new address on Avenue C, continuing its legacy and further solidifying its role in the city’s nightlife and underground music scenes.

The venue has played an integral role in shaping modern New York jazz, frequently hosting genre-bending performances, late-night parties, and a range of cultural events, while maintaining an understated, insiders-only allure cherished by both artists and aficionados. Among the many notable artists who have graced Nublu’s stage are Sun Ra Arkestra, John Zorn, Butch Morris, Herbie Hancock, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Bill Laswell, Clark Gayton, Norah Jones, David Byrne, Jose James, Arto Lindsay, and Brazilian Girls. The venue has also fostered in-house projects and collectives such as Nublu Orchestra, Wax Poetic, Love Trio, and Forro in the Dark, while providing a home for acts like Jorge Continentino, Kenny Wollesen, Erik Truffaz, Karina Buhr, and Hess Is More, further highlighting its reputation as a melting pot for international and local talent alike.