Empowering Emerging Artists
Reimagining Tradition, Redefining Connection
Empowering Emerging Artists
Reimagining Tradition, Redefining Connection
Reimagining Tradition, Redefining Connection
Reimagining Tradition, Redefining Connection
Brooklyn Baithak operates on the belief that music is meant to be shared. In our intimate performance space, we provide emerging artists a platform to find their voice, build their confidence, and connect with a community that truly values this music connection. We celebrate raaga-based music and creative expression, holding that culture thrives when bolstered by an engaged community, where the sounds of instruments like the sitar resonate with passion.
Raaga-based music is a cherished form of South Asian classical music that revolves around melodic frameworks known as raagas. Each raaga is crafted to evoke a specific mood, feeling, or time of day, guiding the performance in our intimate performance space at Brooklyn Baithak. This tradition, deeply rooted in centuries of oral history, allows for improvisation, deep listening, and genuine expression in every performance. While we take this art form seriously, Brooklyn Baithak also embraces artists who wish to push boundaries, reinterpret, or infuse their unique voice within the raaga framework. This is how we create a vibrant music connection, even including instruments like the sitar as part of the evolving narrative.
Brooklyn Baithak began in November 2023 as an intimate living room gathering for raga-based musicians, dancers, and emerging artists. Inspired by the traditional South Asian “baithak,” it is a space for close, informal performance where artists and audiences share the same room, encouraging deep listening and genuine connection. Since then, it has grown into cafes, restaurants, and community venues across Brooklyn but the feeling in the room has never changed.
We kept meeting people who'd grown up with this music, or this dance, or this art, but never had a real place to experience it live, up close, in a room that felt like theirs. We built Brooklyn Baithak for them. And for the artists who deserve an audience that's actually listening. The goal is to keep it alive and growing, with room for people who are just discovering it alongside people who've known it their whole lives.
We host curated live events featuring raga-based music, dance, and interdisciplinary performances. Each Baithak brings together emerging artists, working professionals, and students in an intimate setting that encourages collaboration, confidence-building, and artistic exploration. Every event is designed to feel personal, welcoming, and rooted in community. We want people to leave feeling like they were part of something, not just an audience for it.
We organize events in intimate venues such as living rooms, cafes, and community spaces across Brooklyn. Artists are selected through a mix of open sign-ups and direct outreach, ensuring a balanced and diverse lineup. Our team works closely on curation, sound, visuals, guest experience, and operations to maintain a seamless, welcoming environment where music and connection remain at the center.
We currently run events roughly every 6 weeks, as we all balance full-time jobs alongside this volunteer-run initiative built on community and passion. Every detail is thought through so that when people walk in, the only thing they have to do is be present.

I’m Sapan. I grew up in the U.S. without much exposure to South Asian classical music, but in college I taught myself guitar and dhol before eventually finding my way to the sitar. Even while working a full-time job, I always searched for a creative outlet and a deeper sense of community. That search brought me to Brooklyn, where I realized there were very few spaces for emerging artists in the classical world. I met so many talented people who simply needed encouragement and a platform to perform.
Over the past decade, I’ve been leading music and community projects ranging from open mics and festivals to Gujarati speaking groups and even touring with a South Asian punk rock band. Those experiences taught me the power of performance, culture, and community-building, and ultimately inspired Brooklyn Baithak.
What began as a small living-room gathering has grown into a community rooted in one belief: music should feel welcoming, artists should feel seen, and culture should bring people together. Inspired by the traditional spirit of baithaks, we’ve tried to create a modern space where artists can experiment, grow, and connect.
None of this exists without the artists, volunteers, venues, friends, and supporters who believed in this vision from the beginning.
My wish is that years from now, people will still look back on the friendships, collaborations, and first performances that started in these small rooms. That sense of connection is what makes this work meaningful.
Keep on rocking, you Raagstars,
Sapan

When I was in a band, I remember the feeling of being on stage, the thrill of performing and the energy of the crowd. I also remember how much encouragement mattered in those early stages. That’s why I wanted to build Brooklyn Baithak where emerging artists can feel the same energy: a place to take creative risks, feel empowered, and know that even a little encouragement can make a lasting impact.

When I first picked up the sitar, I didn’t know where it would lead. But following that passion with sincerity taught me something simple: the universe has a way of guiding you. Wherever you are in your creative journey, I hope Brooklyn Baithak can be one of those stops, a musical incubator, a place to create, and a reminder that growth begins the moment you say yes to something new.

I had the honor of serving on the board of an artist community for several years and formed friendships that truly lasted. I saw first-hand the power of connection and community. In a world that can often feel disconnected, lonely, and overwhelming, community matters. I hope Brooklyn Baithak can be a space where we lift you up, celebrate your art, and grow together. Because that kind of connection makes all the difference.

"At the heart of Brooklyn Baithak is the belief that music connects and heals us all. It transcends boundaries, bringing people together to share in the joy of artistic expression. This is more than performance, it’s a celebration of culture, community, collaboration, and our shared love of art."

Sushant captures Brooklyn Baithak through photography, video, and lighting, shaping the visual identity of each gathering. His work preserves the emotion, energy, and intimacy of every event, bringing our community to life across platforms.

Shiva manages all aspects of live audio, from setup to mixing, ensuring clear, balanced, and high-quality sound throughout every performance. He works closely with artists to meet their technical needs and support a seamless stage experience.

Anwesha oversees event logistics and coordination, including artist curation, venue partnerships, ticketing, and behind-the-scenes administration. She helps ensure every event is thoughtfully organized and runs smoothly from start to finish.

Sakshi leads guest experience on event days, welcoming attendees, guiding flow throughout the space, and supporting artists as needed. She also coordinates volunteers and helps shape the warm, inviting atmosphere of each Baithak.
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