A Sold-Out Testament to Jazz’s Modern Renaissance
When Canadian jazz quartet BADBADNOTGOOD rolled into Dublin in June 2017, they didn’t just play a concert at The Sugar Club—they sold out two consecutive nights, creating one of the most talked-about musical moments the venue had witnessed in years. For a jazz act to generate that kind of excitement among Dublin’s notoriously diverse music crowd speaks volumes about both the band’s magnetic appeal and The Sugar Club’s reputation as the city’s premier destination for genre-defying performances.
From YouTube Sensation to Dublin’s Most Sought-After Ticket
The journey of BADBADNOTGOOD (stylized as BBNG) reads like a modern music fairy tale. Matthew Tavares (keyboards), Chester Hansen (bass), Alexander Sowinski (drums), and Leland Whitty (saxophone) first met at Toronto’s Humber College jazz program in 2010, united by a shared passion for both traditional jazz and contemporary hip-hop. Their breakthrough came when they uploaded jazz interpretations of Odd Future tracks to YouTube, catching the attention of Tyler, the Creator himself.
By the time they arrived at The Sugar Club, fresh off performances at Bonnaroo and Glastonbury, BBNG had evolved from college students experimenting with genre fusion to one of the most innovative acts in contemporary music. Their collaborative portfolio reads like a who’s who of modern music: Ghostface Killah, Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean, Mick Jenkins, Danny Brown, Earl Sweatshirt, Future Islands’ Samuel T. Herring, and KAYTRANADA.
The Perfect Venue for an Imperfect Genre
The Sugar Club proved to be the ideal setting for BADBADNOTGOOD’s genre-bending sound. With its plush velvet banquettes, intimate tiered seating, and pristine Funktion-One sound system, the venue provided the sonic clarity and atmospheric warmth that jazz demands while maintaining the energy of a contemporary concert space.
The venue’s capacity of 350 created an intimate environment where the quartet’s intricate musicianship could breathe. Every subtle bass line, every complex polyrhythm, every moment of improvisation was captured with crystalline clarity—something that wouldn’t have been possible in a larger, less acoustically refined space.
A Masterclass in Musical Chemistry
What struck attendees most powerfully was the band’s remarkable synergy. Throughout both nights, audience members witnessed the subtle communication between members—a glance here, a nod there—that signaled transitions and improvisations. This wasn’t just rehearsed precision; it was four musicians operating on an almost telepathic wavelength.
The setlist showcased the band’s range, from the energetic opener—a brief but electrifying rendition of the James Bond theme that immediately had the crowd in their hands—to fan favorites like “Hedron” and “CS60.” The diversity of their sound, seamlessly blending jazz with hip-hop grooves, electronic textures, and psychedelic elements, kept the audience engaged from first note to last.
Breaking Down Generational Barriers
One of the most remarkable aspects of these Sugar Club performances was the audience composition. Students in their early twenties stood shoulder-to-shoulder with couples in their mid-sixties, all displaying equal levels of enthusiasm. This cross-generational appeal speaks to BADBADNOTGOOD’s unique position in contemporary music—accessible enough to draw younger fans raised on hip-hop, yet musically sophisticated enough to satisfy traditional jazz enthusiasts.
The Magic in the Details
The band brought personality and playfulness to their technical prowess. On the second night, saxophonist Leland Whitty and keyboardist Matt Tavares performed the entire set wearing glittering shoulder-length white wigs, while bassist Chester Hansen lit incense on stage, setting a contemplative mood. Between songs, the band shared their appreciation for Guinness and their time exploring Dublin, connecting with the audience beyond their instruments.
Support act Lesser Pieces—the duo of New York’s Diane Badie and Dublin’s Mike Slott—warmed up the early arrivals with their experimental sound, setting the tone for an evening of boundary-pushing music.
Why The Sugar Club Continues to Attract World-Class Talent
The BADBADNOTGOOD performances exemplify why The Sugar Club has become an essential stop for touring artists specializing in jazz, soul, hip-hop, and world music. Since opening in 1999 in the former Irish Film Theatre building, the venue has maintained its commitment to presenting innovative, genre-defying artists in an environment that respects both the music and the audience.
The venue’s infrastructure—from the Funktion-One sound system to the intimate sightlines afforded by the tiered seating—allows artists to present their work in optimal conditions. For complex, instrumentally-driven acts like BADBADNOTGOOD, these details make all the difference between a good show and an unforgettable experience.
The Ongoing Jazz Renaissance
BADBADNOTGOOD’s sold-out Sugar Club shows occurred during what many consider a modern jazz renaissance. Following in the wake of Flying Lotus’s Brainfeeder label and running parallel to Kamasi Washington’s genre-expanding work, BBNG represents a new generation of jazz musicians who refuse to be confined by traditional boundaries.
Their success in filling The Sugar Club twice over demonstrated that there’s a thriving appetite for this new breed of jazz—music that honors the genre’s improvisational roots while embracing modern production techniques, hip-hop sensibilities, and electronic textures.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Years later, those two nights at The Sugar Club remain touchstones for both the venue and fans who were fortunate enough to attend. The performances showcased everything that makes live music at The Sugar Club special: world-class acoustics, an intimate atmosphere, and an audience eager to embrace innovative artistry.
For artists seeking a Dublin venue that understands and supports jazz, soul, hip-hop fusion, and experimental music, The Sugar Club continues to be the first choice. The venue’s track record of hosting groundbreaking acts—from Erykah Badu and Thundercat to Hiatus Kaiyote and Snarky Puppy—speaks to its position as a cultural cornerstone in Dublin’s music scene.
Experience Live Music at The Sugar Club
Whether you’re a jazz purist, a hip-hop head, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional musicianship, The Sugar Club offers an unparalleled concert experience. Our venue specializes in presenting the kind of genre-defying talent that BADBADNOTGOOD represents—artists who push boundaries while maintaining the highest standards of musical excellence.
Check our current listings to see which world-class acts are coming to The Sugar Club, or contact us about hosting your own event in Dublin’s most prestigious music venue. With a capacity flexible enough for intimate gatherings or standing-room energy, and technical specifications that meet the demands of the world’s most discerning artists, The Sugar Club continues to be where musical magic happens.