At 233 Mill Street in the High Falls district sits a new jazz and R&B lounge that the owners describe as mature, classy and comfortable. Nightcap Blues was the vision of Tyrone Reaves, Harold Drumgoole and Rick Caesar, three men who work in manufacturing with a love for good vibes and good people.
“We wanted to have a place that looked nice, a place that the community would be proud of,” Reaves said.
He and Drumgoole have had a longterm business rapport, so it was natural for the two to partner up again on this particular venture.
“We like to go out, and we like to enjoy ourselves,” Drumgoole said. “We wanted something nice where we can invite others to come down and have the same experience.”
That experience is shaped by a dimly lit space coupled with black furniture and fixings. The bar is toward the back of the room, leaving plenty of space for partygoers to enjoy the venue’s split personality. Half of the space is designed to accommodate live shows with a small stage facing roughly a dozen four-top tables. And the other half mimics a cigar lounge with couches and flat screens on the wall.
“I’m not a decorator, but I can definitely make sure that things go together,” Caesar said.
Caesar has been an engineer for roughly 20 years. He said his career has fostered attention to detail. As the youngest of the trio, Caesar is also tasked with keeping things modern, fresh and trendy — from the decor to the events.
“We were looking for a toned-down effect, and I think black is almost the best color for that,” Caesar said.
The venue’s interior is only matched by its surroundings.
“We love this High Falls area,” Drumgoole said. “We think it’s a classy area.”
The district immediately sets the tone for the club’s ambience. High Falls is known for its historical infrastructure and chic essence, which influences the vibes before guests even make it to the entrance.
The owners are also adamant about “catering to a mature crowd.” They plan to program events like live music, comedy shows, open mics, karaoke and mixers, to name a few. The music will also reflect the environment with more jazz and R&B on the playlist.
“You could walk in here with your adult children, with your mom or your dad and still have a good time and enjoy the atmosphere,” Reaves said.
LaKesha Breedlove celebrated her birthday with a group of friends at the jazz spot on a Monday night when the venue does karaoke. It was her first time in the establishment since a soft opening in June.
“I truly enjoyed myself,” Breedlove said. “It was a vibe from entry to exit.”
Breedlove, who has personal relationships with the owners, said the staff was welcoming and that established a mood for an enjoyable evening.
“I was excited to be there, not only to support, but to have an experience,” Breedlove said. “And that’s exactly what you get when you step inside Nightcap.”
Nightcap Blues comes at a time when millennials and older adults are craving social experiences and locales where they feel like they belong. For some who attend, the location is nostalgic. Many recall the days when the event space was once the home of popular nightclub Tribeca. But the owners are bent on making the jazz spot a place for all to love.
“We love the vibe. We love the energy. We love being here,” Drumgoole said. “That’s what I hope the community will say about us.” instagram.com/nightcapblues
Racquel Stephen is WXXI’s health, equity and community reporter and producer.
