This September, a new venue will open its doors in the heart of Brooklyn, promising a unique experience for those who appreciate quality sound and a sense of community. Refuge, located between East Williamsburg and Bushwick, is the result of a collaboration between long-time NYC producer and DJ John Dimatteo and audio engineer Craig ‘Shorty’ Bernabeu.
The venue is built with an emphasis on high-fidelity sound, featuring a 10 foot high, 4 point analogue custom-made sound system called REX that Bernabeu himself engineered. It’s designed to provide a clean, immersive listening experience, one that goes beyond just playing music, the sound is crafted to resonate with its audience, creating a sense of connection through the experience.
Set in a 19th-century industrial building, Refuge is a blend of history and modern design. The 3,200-square-foot club is just the first part of the space, with plans to expand in 2026 into a 16,000-square-foot complex. The building’s lack of residential restrictions offers a rare opportunity for uninterrupted late-night events, a feature increasingly rare in the city.
Beyond the sound, Refuge is carefully designed for both performers and attendees. The DJ booth is equipped with custom-built mixers and consoles, while the dancefloor is constructed to absorb impact and return energy, making it comfortable for long nights of dancing.
“Every sound system has a ‘voice’ and ours is full, relaxed and easy on the ears, with a tremendous amount of impact. Refuge fills a gap in NYC nightlife. The sound doesn’t just play music — it lifts people up, even if they walk in not feeling great. That’s the power of high-fidelity sound done right.” Craig ‘Shorty’ Bernabeu
Rather than focusing on big names or bottle service, Refuge is centred around the music itself. With a programming lineup curated by creative director Gregory Homs, the venue aims to foster a community of people who come together for the love of dance music and the shared experience.
More information can be found here
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