Listening Session—Fine Art and Wine Pairing

Down in Tribeca, where rhythm meets flavor and art finds its home between bites, FILE Gumbo Bar has quietly become one of the most soulful extensions of Thelonious Monk’s legacy in New York.

What began as a creative activation has evolved into an ongoing exhibit and live cultural experience, a place where visual art, live jazz, and New Orleans inspired cuisine come together in perfect improvisation.

A Living Gallery in Motion

Step inside FILE and you immediately feel it. The walls are adorned with artwork from the Monk collection, featuring pieces by Martel Chapman and other artists whose brushstrokes echo the flow and emotion of jazz itself. Each painting is more than decoration, it’s a conversation between eras, a visual rhythm to accompany the sounds drifting through the room.

The current exhibit, hosted in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Estate, brings a rotating selection of Monk inspired art and archival imagery. Guests can enjoy it up close while savoring the comforting aroma of roux, spice, and spirit, a nod to both the roots of jazz and the flavor of the South.

The Soundtrack of the Evening

Every Month, FILE transforms into a live stage where local jazz musicians and curated Monk playlists guide the energy of the room. Performances are often streamed in real time, allowing audiences beyond New York to experience the heartbeat of the night.

At the bar, guests can enjoy “Legit Monk”, the estate’s official craft drink, a smooth blend that pairs perfectly with FILE’s signature gumbo. Whether you sip it while the band plays “Blue Monk” or during a quiet dinner under the soft glow of the gallery lights, it feels like you are part of something timeless.

The Spirit of Gumbo and Jazz

FILE Gumbo Bar captures what Monk’s music always represented — fusion, freedom, and flavor. Just like a good gumbo, the experience is built on balance, a little heat, a touch of soul, and a lot of heart. The staff, from chefs to servers to musicians, carry that energy forward nightly, making each visit feel like a new movement in an ongoing jam session.

An Activation That Keeps Playing

Unlike a one night event, this activation continues to evolve. The art will shift, new musicians will take the stage, and new stories will unfold, each honoring Thelonious Monk’s creative genius while celebrating FILE’s unique place in New York’s jazz landscape.

For those who missed the Tokyo Record Bar performance, this is your chance to experience the Monk legacy live — through the taste of gumbo, the sound of a saxophone, and the sight of original artwork curated for the moment.

FILE Gumbo Bar is not just serving dinner. It is serving history, community, and the rhythm of a city that never stopped swinging.