Polish Cultural Institute New York

Night two of the 10th edition of Jazztopad Festival New York brought something entirely unique to the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center with the stunning premiere of SutariNova, joined by legendary New York multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily.⁠
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𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫!⁠
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The evening was a masterclass in musical evolution. SutariNova (Basia Songin, Kasia Kapela, and Filip Zakrzewski) completely transformed ancient Polish and Lithuanian vocal traditions, weaving intricate polyphonic harmonies through deep, tranced-out electronic dub and FX textures. Paired with Shahzad Ismaily’s brilliant, fluid additions on the double bass and guitar, it was an unforgettable cross-cultural conversation that pushed the absolute boundaries of improvised music.⁠
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A massive thank you to the artists for a spellbinding performance, the incredible audience who packed the Atrium, and the fantastic team at Lincoln Center for hosting us.⁠
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The energy of this festival just keeps building and we can’t wait for what’s next!⁠
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→ Learn more about Jazztopad New York https://bit.ly/4ei4qPe

Join us this weekend at Rehearsal for Truth: If I Had a Gun I’d Take Them All Down

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Bohemian National Hall, New York

A monodrama, originally created in Kiev by Ukrainian playwright Piotr Armianovski and reinterpreted by Paul Bargetto and Michael Rubenfeld. Inspired by the true story of Dmitry Bogrov, a Ukrainian-Jewish lawyer, double agent, and revolutionary who, in 1911, assassinated Russian Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin at the Kyiv Opera House. Through innovative use of video and sound design, the production immerses audiences in both historical and contemporary Kyiv, tracing the path that led the young Bogrov to his final act, while echoing the author’s own lived experience of conflict in Ukraine today.

Written and with video by Piotr Armianovski
Director/co-creator Paul Bargetto
Performer/co-creator Michael Rubenfeld
From FestivALT FestivALT and Teatr Trans-Atlantyk Teatr Trans-Atlantyk
In partnership with The Adam Mickiewicz Institute and The Polish Cultural Institute in NY Polish Cultural Institute New York

Presented in English.

🎭 Rehearsal for Truth Festival 2026
📍 Bohemian National Hall, New York City
📅 June 16-27

RSVP: https://www.rehearsalfortruth.org/program/if-i-had-a-gun-id-take-them-all-down

The 10th edition of Jazztopad Festival New York is officially underway, and we couldn’t have asked for a better opening night.

The concert at Dizzy's Club launching the festival’s U.S. edition, marked the festival premiere of Tomasz Dąbrowski NYC Quartet feat. Marta Sánchez, Luke Stewart & Kweku Sumbry — a bold, high-energy project driven by musical curiosity and fearless improvisation.

What an unforgettable evening!

Thank you to the artists, everyone who came out to celebrate Polish jazz with us, and the entire team at Dizzy’s Club for helping make this opening night so special.

If this was the start, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the festival brings.

📷 Hany Osman

The U.S. edition of Jazztopad Festival is organized by National Forum of Music in Wroclaw (Narodowe Forum Muzyki) in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute Instytut Adama Mickiewicza

Join us at Rehearsal for Truth: KulturDocs

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Bohemian National Hall, New York

The series features three short documentary episodes spotlighting jazz artist, Mikołaj Trzaska, burlesque performer, Betty Q and queer/trans visual artists, Marcella Poroszanka & Ezra Wojakowski.

In the series, the artists speak with director Michael Rubenfeld, delving into their creative practices, Jewish identities, and personal journeys. The result is a powerful, intimate look at what it means to be Jewish and an artist in today’s Poland. KulturDocs sheds light on contemporary Jewish art in Poland, challenges old stereotypes, and sparks crucial conversations about Jewish identity and cultural expression.

Directed by Michael Rubenfeld
Produced by FestivALT
Executive Producer: Magda Rubenfeld Koralewska
Cinematography: Daniel Le Hai
Editor: Dorota Roś

RSVP: https://www.rehearsalfortruth.org/program/kulturdocs

KulturDocs is produced by FestivALT, with support from the Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Instytut Adama Mickiewicza) and the Polish Cultural Institute New York. This project is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

is organized by the Vaclav Havel Center and Bohemian Benevolent & Literary Association.

🇵🇱 The 10th Annual Jazztopad Festival New York celebrates with a climax at Closeup in the Lower East Side on Sunday, June 21 featuring Tomasz Dąbrowski, Henry Fraser, Jon Starks, Elias Stemeseder, Yvonne Rogers, Soloman Gotfried, and Sutt Ari, plus special guests

🎟️🔗 Sets at 7:30 PM, 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM → See you there! https://instytutpolski.pl/newyork/2026/04/20/jazztopad-festival-new-york-2026/

The American edition of the Jazztopad Festival is presented in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York and the Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Instytut Adama Mickiewicza).