Meet the Man behind the Moon- Getting to know Michael Thompson of Brooklyn Moon Cafe
Sandwiched between Emack & Bolio’s and the former space for Bati Ethiopian kitchen you’ll find Brooklyn Moon Cafe, a cultural staple in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood since 1995. On any given day behind its roll-up windows and island-spiked fare, you’ll find Michael Thompson, Brooklyn Moon’s owner/operator serving up a story with a side bonafide of Brooklyn history.
Since Brooklyn Moon Cafe opened its doors, countless actors, musicians, poets, and artists have called this their third place, somewhere between work and home where you could catch a cup of coffee or tea, some artistic inspiration, and work it all out at a Friday night open mic. From humble beginnings the regulars here read like an a-list Rolodex (if you’re old enough to know what that is, anyway) with a roster of artists from musicians like Saul Williams and Eryka Badu to poets like Jessica Care Moore and Amiri Baraka, even comedic actors like Chris Rock and Doug E. Doug transformed the cafe to a bastion of Brooklyn’s version of the Harlem Renaissance. Yet, beyond its storied history and renowned clientele, it's the dedication of individuals like Mike that truly elevates its significance within the community.
In the early days of the pandemic, Mike along with award-winning actor and Brooklyn resident Jeffrey Wright and Vito Randazzo of beloved Italian spot, Graziella’s joined forces and mobilized a compassionately-named effort ‘Brooklyn for Life’, which supported area hospitals and emergency workers with the deliveries of hot meals. Despite this, when Mike sought the support of programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and the Shuttered Venue Operating Grant, meant to support struggling businesses to prevent closures, especially of minority-owned businesses that were disproportionately affected, Mike was told that there was none. They say legends are born in the valley of struggle, something Mike and Brooklyn Moon Cafe are all too familiar with as it continues to grapple with the challenges posed by gentrification, rent hikes, and the fallout of the pandemic leaving the historic venue in danger of closing for good.
Still, all is not lost for this neighborhood treasure and the man behind the Moon, as artists and the community alike have heard the call and are working together to ensure this stalwart stays open for decades to come. Join Brooklyn Music School on Friday, April 5th from 7-11 pm for a special benefit concert supporting Brooklyn Moon Cafe and Brooklyn Music School featuring special guest artists such as ESREAC (featuring Mark Kelley from The Roots and the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon), legendary turntablist DJ Logic, members of Living Colour, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Emanuel Casablanca, DJ and producer CX KiDTRONiK, award-winning poet Carl Hancock Rux, poet and vocalist Tai Allen, Emmy award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, and many more. You can purchase tickets or make a donation by visiting the link below.
