7 Stories Up Presents the Bikini Boys of Polish Jazz

The WM Project pays homage to Poland's legendary "Bikini Boys", who embraced American musical styles in defiance of official communist doctrine, at this special concert featuring original interpretations of Polish jazz classics and their own compositions.

This event will take place in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on the 7th Floor.

The term “Bikini Boys” was coined in postwar Poland as a nickname—sometimes with irony, sometimes with admiration—for a new generation of jazz musicians boldly embracing American musical styles in defiance of official doctrine. At the time, jazz was seen by the communist authorities as a dangerous Western influence: decadent, bourgeois, and ideologically subversive. Yet, despite censorship and repression, these artists found ways to explore and perform jazz, whether in clandestine clubs or within the limits of state-approved dance orchestras—often disguising artistic innovation as mere entertainment.

But the Bikini Boys were more than just musicians. They embodied the hopes of a postwar generation longing for individuality, cosmopolitanism, and freedom from totalitarian conformity. Jazz became their voice—an expression of modernity, resistance, and emotional truth in a society where open dissent was impossible.

This underground movement laid the foundation for Poland’s jazz renaissance in the late 1950s, culminating in the launch of the iconic Jazz Jamboree festival and the rise of legends like Krzysztof Komeda and Tomasz Stańko. What began as a fringe rebellion evolved into a defining feature of Polish jazz identity: bold, intellectual, and uncompromisingly free.

That same spirit drives the WM Project musicians. At this concert, the ensemble will present original interpretations of Komeda’s work, alongside jazz standards and their own compositions—offering a fresh and dynamic take on both classic and contemporary jazz.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

The WM Project traces its roots back to 1978 in Szczecin, Poland, where saxophonist Krzysztof Medyna and pianist Andrzej Winnicki founded the jazz group Breakwater. The band quickly gained recognition, winning top honors at the 1979 Jazz nad Odrą Festival and later embarking on a U.S. tour in 1982. In the 1990s, Breakwater reformed in New York with a Polish-American lineup, performing in leading jazz clubs and recording their debut album In the Bush, which featured guest appearances by renowned musicians—­bassist Mark Egan and drummer Rodney Holmes. In the early 2000s, the group reemerged as the Komeda Project, focusing on the music of iconic Polish jazz composer Krzysztof Komeda. They released two acclaimed albums, Crazy Girl and Requiem, the latter of which was included on The Village Voice’s list of the best jazz albums of 2009. Their innovative arrangements and collaborations with world-class musicians helped introduce Komeda’s legacy to a wider international audience. The band’s most recent incarnation, WM Project, continues to explore new musical directions. Their album From a Familiar Place blends original compositions with reimagined jazz standards such as “Take Five” and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” incorporating contemporary grooves and a vibrant, modern sound. The album was featured in DownBeat magazine’s Editors’ Picks in 2018 and includes contributions from top-tier jazz artists including Jeremy Pelt, Marshal Gilkes, and Rafał Sarnecki. The current lineup of WM Project includes Andrzej Winnicki (keyboards), Krzysztof Medyna (saxophone), Michael Winnicki (drums), and Jeff Dingler (bass).

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

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Please submit all press inquiries to Connor Goodwin at least 48 hours before the event: email connorgoodwin@nypl.org.
 

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All programs are subject to change or cancellation. All programs are subject to recording and photography.

This event has been made possible through the generosity of the Consulate of the Republic of Poland.

The 7 Stories Up Series at SNFL is made possible by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).