Monday morning commuters in Williamsburg may notice something new on Broadway this week: city workers preparing for the installation of ‘Billy Jones Way’ signs outside Baby’s All Right. The city is set to dedicate a stretch of Broadway in honor of Billy Jones, the late co-founder of the beloved music venue that helped transform South Williamsburg into a live music mecca over the past decade.
Jones, who passed away last year, was known for booking breakout acts and cultivating late-night lineups that drew crowds from across the city — and, increasingly, from around the world. At a time when Williamsburg’s nightlife was still finding its footing, Jones’s vision for Baby’s All Right offered a home to emerging artists and fostered the kind of community that New York’s independent music scene is famous for.
The street dedication ceremony, scheduled for later this week, is expected to draw venue regulars, local musicians, and city officials. Remembrances have already been chalked onto the sidewalk out front, and posters inside the venue announce a commemorative concert in Jones’s honor, set for next weekend. ‘He had the rare ability to make everyone feel like a regular,’ said venue manager Carla Hernandez. ‘This block is different because of him.’
The renaming comes amid a changing landscape for Brooklyn nightlife, as rising rents and shifting regulations put pressure on independent venues. For many, the move to honor Jones is more than a symbolic gesture — it’s a reminder of how much local leadership matters in shaping the city’s creative spaces. On a gray September morning, the new sign feels like a statement: the spirit that made Williamsburg a music destination isn’t fading quietly into history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a stretch of Broadway in Williamsburg being renamed ‘Billy Jones Way’?
The street is being renamed to honor Billy Jones, the late co-founder of Baby’s All Right, for his impact on the local music scene.
When is the street dedication ceremony for ‘Billy Jones Way’ scheduled?
The street dedication ceremony is scheduled for later this week.
Who was Billy Jones?
Billy Jones was the co-founder of Baby’s All Right, a music venue in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, known for supporting emerging artists and shaping the local music scene.
Where is Baby’s All Right located?
Baby’s All Right is located in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Broadway.
What event is planned in addition to the street dedication for Billy Jones?
A commemorative concert in Billy Jones’s honor is set for next weekend at Baby’s All Right.
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