Brooklyn Welcomes Refuge: The Hi-Def Club That Puts Sound at the Center

September, NYC. Amid the graffiti-marked streets and warehouses of East Williamsburg and Bushwick, a historic building is preparing to be reborn as Refuge — a new landmark for those who live nightlife as a devotion and sound as a religion.

The idea comes from John Dimatteo, a producer and DJ with three decades of experience and over 5,000 events under his belt, and Craig “Shorty” Bernabeu, an analog audio alchemist who has crafted legendary systems for Nowadays, Analog BKNY, and the golden-era Stereo Montreal.

Here, it’s not just about “good acoustics”: Refuge was literally built around its sound system. A main room for 500 people, 10-meter-high ceilings, acoustics tuned by Al Fierstein (Studio 54, Paradise Garage), a custom-designed four-point REX system, handcrafted DJ console, hand-built filters, custom rotary mixer, and a floating wooden dancefloor ready to flex under tireless feet.

Artistic direction is led by Gregory Homs, a cult name in New York nightlife, with a program alternating daytime raves, all-night marathons, and special formats: Fridays curated by LadyFag, classic house Sundays, and a series of events aimed at those who seek quality, not just quantity.

“Every system has its own voice,” explains Shorty. “Ours is full, soft, pleasant, but with an impact that shakes you inside. It’s not just music: it’s a soul lifter. This is hi-fi done right.”

Dimatteo adds: “We designed the club around the sound, not the other way around. We want a place to play, to dance, and to invite our peers. People will come for Refuge. Period.”

Here, the concept of “VIP” doesn’t exist: no bottle service, no barriers, discouraged phones. Just an inclusive environment where the dancefloor is the true protagonist. And for 2026, an expansion is already planned with new rooms and an even freer, more diverse program.

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