Brooklyn Music Kitchen: Local and Global Music in an Intimate Setting

April 24, 2025 by Giulia Arlia

The Brooklyn Music Kitchen / photo by Giulia Arlia

Brooklyn Music Kitchen is a premier venue located near the heart of the Brooklyn music scene. A newer venue, it opened in July 2021 soon after many of the COVID-19 restrictions in New York State were lifted. Despite the challenges of local live music making a comeback, the Brooklyn Music Kitchen was quickly established as a community staple for live music, welcoming artists of all genres and experience levels to perform their music for eager audiences. The space’s intimate layout allows guests to select dining options from an impressive menu , while musicians, singer-songwriters and full bands alike bring original music to the stage.

The Stage / photo by Giulia Arlia

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a clear view of the stage as the center of the establishment amidst the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere of seating. The stage is well lit, with a full and accessible backline of instruments and equipment for artists to rely on. A full calendar of live and diverse music takes the stage, which features a screen with the venue’s unique logo reminding audiences of the location’s creative energy.

The Brooklyn Music Kitchen is also committed to promoting the discovery of new and emerging artists through collaborations with emerging artist agencies like Breaking Sound and InspiredWordNYC. The venue also hosts an open mic night every Wednesday, where artists can sign up to perform original songs and covers with a band of seasoned New York City musicians. Applying for and booking a show at Brooklyn Music Kitchen is simple and can be easily accessed on the space’s official website. This accessibility to artistic growth has made the Brooklyn Music Kitchen a thriving community center for fostering connections.

Artists on our Radar

Ciao Malz: Music With a Storyteller’s Charm

WFUV NY Slice Session- photo by Gus Philippas for FUV

Brooklyn’s indie scene is home to countless rising talents, and one that stands out is Connecticut-born, Brooklyn-based artist Malia DelaCruz better known as Ciao Malz . A self-taught musician and engineer, Malz has a gift for crafting indie pop songs that are both clever and unpolished in the best way. Her latest release, Safe Than Sorry, a four-track EP released in December 2024, showcases her evolving approach to songwriting and collaboration. Growing up surrounded by classic rock, folk and indie music, Malz was drawn to the art of storytelling. “I like songs that feel lived-in, a little rough around the edges but full of heart,” she tells Brooklyn Roads. The DIY nature of indie music was a revelation that made her realize that imperfections could be part of the sound. That perspective shaped her songwriting process, which she describes as intuitive and sometimes surprising, “It’s hard for me to tell where the songs are going at first, but the choruses are catchy.” After attending college in Queens, Brooklyn quickly became her creative home. “There’s always new and different music playing from cars, coffee shops, even the fish supply store,” she says. Playing alongside the borough’s talented musicians has kept her inspired and motivated. Among Brooklyn’s many venues, Union Pool holds a special place for her, for its intimate performance space. First featured on WFUV’s NY Slice in 2021 and once again on March 20, 2025 with her warm, dreamy single, “Always Be My Maybe,” Malz has played venues like Baby’s All Right, Bowery Electric and Pianos NYC. Her latest EP came together in an unexpected but organic way. While working on other artists’ music, she asked a band to stick around after a session to help flesh out some of her songs. “We were able to turn them into full songs pretty quickly,” she recalls. The experience shifted her perspective on collaboration, as she comments, “in the past, I had done everything myself, but after making that EP, I think of it differently.” Ciao Malz is an artist worth watching. For those looking for music that’s deeply personal and full of heart, she’s one to have on your radar.

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