National Sawdust

Top choice in Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick


Covered in wildly hued murals, this cutting-edge space for classical and new music has come a long way since its days as a sawdust factory, with artists as diverse as Pussy Riot and Yo La Tengo performing within. The angular, high-tech interior stages contemporary opera with multimedia projections, electro-acoustic big-band jazz and concerts by experimental composers, alongside less-common genres.

National Sawdust's raison d'être is shining a light on emerging artists and helping offbeat genres and performers find their audience. Browse their events calendar to decide between Indian classical, ambient 'sound baths' or light-shows with a soundscape of synth.