When The Pierre Hotel opened in 1930, what is now the Two E Bar and Lounge was built as the Gentleman’s Library. Fast forward and now the space is an elegant eatery and lounge and the 
setting for hip jazz. That particular transition to jazz began just before the pandemic halted progress. But this Fall, a relaunch proved popular, and now, heading into 2025, that success has meant that jazz at the Two E Bar and Lounge has firmly established the room as a go-to for jazz.
This success is largely the due to the talent, energy and vision of The Modern Martinis, the husband-wife team of Melanie Goerlitz (vocals) and Darin Brown (piano and vocals), who curate and perform in the venue. Their signature style strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and spontaneity, with a mix of timeless jazz and playful, personable banter. Goerlitz, is a Carnegie Mellon Un
iversity graduate and trained lyrical soprano, and Brown is a jazz pianist with a degree from Manhattan School of Music. They’ve both built international careers, performing in NYC at Birdland and Bemelman’s Bar among others.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) asks The Modern Martinis (TMM) Six Questions:
NLE: This past fall, TwoE Bar and Lounge at The Pierre introduced a fresh vision for its live jazz offerings. How did you come to be the star performers of the room? Were you involved in shaping or planning this revitalized series?
TMM: We were delighted to bring a fresh take on live jazz to TwoE Bar and Lounge. The Pierre invited us to be part of this because they knew our style, “vintage jazz with a modern twist,” would be a perfect match for the intimate, chic atmosphere in TwoE. As The Modern Martinis, we bring not only vocal and instrumental expertise but also a deep understanding of how to curate a sophisticated and musically sexy atmosphere.
From the start, we envisioned a music series that would showcase a diverse mix of styles and performers, all rooted in jazz. It’s been very rewarding to help shape this vibrant program, with the Pierre fully embracing our vision. The best part? So many guests have told us they first stopped in out of curiosity, drawn in by the music and energy. But they ended up staying because it felt like such a fun, welcoming hang and the perfect place to be.
NLE: What was the mandate of the Live Jazz series: the intent and goals that were put in place at launch? Was there a specific intention for the type of audience, for example? What’s the vibe you ultimately want(ed) to create?
TMM: The goal was to create a space where guests could escape into a world of elegance and amazing live music. The Pierre has a long legacy with elegant entertainment reaching back to the days when they hosted a supper club in Cafe Pierre. We aim to strike the perfect balance between sophistication and approachability, so whether you’re a New Yorker out for the evening or a hotel guest from across the world, you feel right at home. We wel
come people from all over, from Brazil to Italy, not to mention French President Macron who has joined in, making a request of his own. That’s exactly what this series is about: bringing people together through music.
The vibe is definitely all about connection between the music, the space, and the audience. It’s intimate yet lively, and every night brings a unique energy that’s fresh, fun and exciting. More than anything, we want everyone who walks in to know that they’re part of something special.
NLE: The series covers several genres of jazz: American Songbook, Latin, Soul and Funk. Does one genre stand out as the most popular among them? If so, why do you think that’s the case? Is audience makeup different among the types of shows on offer?
TMM: Each genre resonates differently, and that variety is one of the series’ greatest strengths. American Songbook nights bring a sense of timeless sophistication, while Latin jazz nights infuse the space with a different kind of energy. Soul and Funk evenings have a dynamic, exciting quality of its own.
What’s especially exciting is that the appeal of these genres spans generations. A younger audience can just as easily appreciate the elegance of the American Songbook, while longtime jazz lovers can’t resist the groove of a great Soul or Funk set. If we had to highlight a standout, the American Songbook remains a cornerstone. Who wouldn’t love a fresh cover of “Tea for Two” or “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered?” It perfectly embodies the intimate elegance many associate with The Pierre. Overall, the audience is a mix of ages and backgrounds, which is what makes the series so special.
NLE: In the several months that the series has been up and running, has there been a learning curve? Items that don’t work so well, items that work really well… and in the former case, how do you address those issues?
TMM: Absolutely—it’s been a journey! One of the biggest things we’ve perfected is how to balance the music with the intimate lounge setting, making sure it draws people in without overpowering the space and the ability for conversations. We’ve fine-tuned sound levels and adjusted our song choices to match the mood and energy of the room.
What we particularly enjoy is creating moments of interaction with the audience. People love when the music feels personal, whether it’s taking a request or simply engaging with them between songs. You know, hearing their love story or how they met and why this song is special to them. That’s where we really shine. And as a married couple, we’ve got plenty of stories to share, which makes for some fun banter along the way! Including various real life marital stories. You’ll have to come to a show to find out.
NLE: Part of the experience in the TwoE Bar and Lounge is the high-level of food and beverage: light bites and bespoke cocktails for instance. How important is this component of the series compared to the music offered? A marriage made in heaven or is food/beverage just a nice ancillary add-on?
TMM: It’s absolutely a marriage made in heaven. There’s something special about enjoying a beautifully crafted cocktail (ask Paul for his famously delicious Espresso Martini) or a gourmet light bite while listening to live jazz. The two elevate each other, making the whole evening feel luxuriously complete.
Executive Chef Vincenzo Garofalo has put together a lineup of light bites that go way beyond the usual bar foods. The mini tuna tacos, smoked salmon toast, and chicken tikka are some of our favorites, but you can still find classics like beef sliders and shrimp cocktail. And just when you think you’ve tried it all, Chef Garofalo switches things up with seasonal menu updates to keep it interesting.
On that note, we’re huge fans of the staff, the bartenders, and this exciting new menu—you won’t be disappointed! We always say the music sets the tone, but the cocktails and food complete the experience. It just wouldn’t feel as special without them.
NLE: Powering into 2025, are there plans to expand the series in any way, such as more nights added; a different, added groove; bold-face names; special events? In other words, what’s ahead in the new year?
TMM: We’re really excited and underway for 2025! We’re looking at adding more performance nights and bringing in some incredible artists (think Peter Cincotti and Nicole Zuraitis) for ticketed events.
Other special events are in the works as always, from seasonal soirées and holiday-themed performances to exclusive showcases tied to major cultural events in the city. The goal is to keep expanding the series while preserving its intimate, sophisticated charm and fostering an exclusive vibe where you never know who might show up. You know, being among the “who’s who” of NYC.
