Collin Created Monks Jazz Club in a co-working art gallery warehouse in East Austin. From September 2016 thru May 2017, Collin produced 22 concerts, featuring a rolling stage with his 1947 Knabe grand piano, 13 of his handmade cocktail tables, 40 thrift store chairs, and an open bar of top shelf cocktails and local beverages. 

I started Monks as a pop-up listening room in 2016, and it has evolved into a state-of-the-art audio and video recording studio and event space in the heart of East Austin. We curate a concert series that features the best improvisational jazz groups and musicians in Central Texas.

When the pandemic hit in early 2020, we pivoted, streaming shows live with a single camera from my living room starting in April. I found a space for month-to-month rent in June that was large enough to host livestreams with full bands. In February 2021, the studio relocated to a brick and mortar space with a 2 year lease, large enough for 40 patrons in addition to the bands on stage, able to host hybrid livestream and in-person shows, while recording with 7 HD cameras and up to 16 microphones. Having this kind of multi-purpose space has been my dream for many years.

Monks was voted “Best Virtual Listening Room” by Austin Chronicle readers in 2021, and our in-studio experience is singular. The venue offers an intimate but casual alternative to loud bars and high-cost performance halls. We aim to foster an environment where all people can enjoy the rich culture of jazz. One of our favorite aspects of the studio/venue is that it produces high quality video and audio recordings for local musicians to grow their reach and portfolio. Every artist walks away from the show with these video recordings free to use and publish on their channels. 

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