Bargemusic

Profile

Bach, Beethoven and Brahms on a barge in the East River? That’s right. This seaworthy presenter of chamber music hosts weekend concerts year round from the bowels of a vessel that used to run sacks of coffee beans up New York Harbor. Once known as EL 375, the flat-bottomed barge was transformed by Bostonian violinist Olga Bloom in 1977 into a floating recital hall where classical music-lovers could hear small ensembles and soloists. The massive structure has no stage but audience members sit in close proximity to the musicians which compensates for the sub-par sightlines. Its permanent docking post at the historic Fulton Ferry Landing was the resting point for George Washington’s retreating troops and the site of the first steam-powered ferry’s debut and still boasts sweeping views of Manhattan. — Nick Divito

Bargemusic only serves refreshments and light snacks, but there's always the tony River Café next door, or nearby Grimaldi's.