Refuge NYC's First Anniversary Extravaganza: A Month-Long Celebration of Top-Tier Performances
Refuge NYC is gearing up for an extravagant celebration to mark its first anniversary, planning a month-long event filled with top-tier performances. The club recently unveiled a star-studded lineup for the four-week celebration, featuring renowned artists such as salute, Gabriel & Dresden, David Morales, The Martinez Brothers, and a special 12-hour set by Deep Dish. The festivities kick off on September 4 with salute and culminate on September 27 with Brothers Macklovitch, the dynamic duo comprising A-Trak and Dave 1 from Chromeo. The complete lineup promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Established by nightlife veterans John Dimatteo and Craig “Shorty” Bernabeu, Refuge NYC made its debut in September 2025 with a vision of creating an intimate, dancefloor-centric space equipped with a cutting-edge sound system. In its inaugural year, the club has hosted approximately 210 events, drawing over 100,000 guests from near and far. Dimatteo and Bernabeu express their excitement about the club's rapid growth and the formation of a vibrant community around Refuge. They emphasize that they are only halfway through realizing their vision for the club, with ongoing enhancements, including the installation of a custom-built analog sound system in the new outdoor space known as the Refuge Courtyard.
Reflecting on the highlights of Refuge's first year, Dimatteo and Bernabeu highlight the club's transformation into a global dance music destination, attracting visitors from diverse locations worldwide. They are thrilled to witness the emergence of a thriving all-night and after-hours culture in New York City, fostering a sense of community among local residents and international visitors alike. Despite the remarkable progress, the duo acknowledges the challenges of managing a construction project while operating a bustling venue, emphasizing the need to balance improvements with day-to-day operations.
In the grand scheme of NYC nightlife, Refuge plays a pivotal role in upholding the core values of a traditional dance music club, prioritizing music, sound quality, inclusivity, and a collective experience over commercial interests. The club aims to preserve the essence of electronic music culture while pushing boundaries and welcoming a diverse audience. By challenging conventional notions of after-hours entertainment and embracing a variety of musical styles, Refuge seeks to honor the heritage of dance music while propelling the scene forward for present and future generations.
Looking ahead, Refuge remains committed to innovation in its booking strategies, sound design, and overall guest experience. The club's founders emphasize the importance of staying attuned to the evolving trends in dance music, engaging with artists, labels, and promoters to curate a dynamic lineup that resonates with the audience. By blending established artists with emerging talent and fostering a collaborative environment, Refuge aims to create a timeless and immersive musical experience for its patrons.
As Refuge celebrates its one-year milestone, the club extends its gratitude to the artists, staff, partners, neighbors, and supporters who have contributed to its success. The anniversary celebration promises a month of exceptional performances, culminating in a memorable experience for all attendees. Join Refuge in commemorating its first year of music, community, and innovation.
Refuge One Year Anniversary Celebration Schedule:
- September 4: Salute
- September 5: Gabriel & Dresden
- September 5: David Morales
- September 6: Natasha Diggs
- September 10: Vanjee
- September 11: Volen Sentir, George Hewek
- September 12: Rodriguez Jr Live
- September 12: Cuttin headz with The Martinez Brothers
- September 17: 2 Shell
- September 18: Chris Liebing, Black Asteroid, Akua
- September 19: Ahadadream
- September 19: John DiMatteo + Serge Devant
- September 25: Deep Dish 12-hour set
- September 26: Victor Calderone, Shahar
- September 27: Brothers Macklovitch.