Billy Novik & Petersburg Jazz Activists
Petersburg Jazz Activists is a solo project by Billy Novik, bringing together the city’s most like-minded and renowned jazz musicians.
«These are my favorite jazz songs—pieces I’ve been eager to share with the public,» says Novik. «I’ve been virtually obsessed with them over the past few years, honing them during late-night sessions at The Hat. Now, they have evolved into a fully realized program.»
Born and raised in the Kupchino district of Leningrad, Billy Novik followed an unconventional path to the arts. After graduating from the Pediatric Medical Institute and completing his residency, he served three years as a forensic pathologist. In 2001, he fundamentally changed his trajectory by founding Billy’s Band and creating the signature genre «Romantic Alco-Jazz from Saint Petersburg.»
Today, Billy Novik is a leading advocate for the genre. His contributions to the cultural landscape include:
- Founder of the legendary jazz bar The Hat, ranked among the Top 150 jazz venues in the world;
- Founder of the annual international festival Big Jam;
- Co-founder of the Jazz in the Big City community and the Stars of Saint Petersburg Jazz project.
Currently, Novik serves as the Musical Director of the nocturnal jazz production This is Petersburg, Baby!. He is also a pioneering figure in the movement to «localize» jazz, advocating for the creation of native jazz standards with Russian lyrics. A recipient of the Golden Sophit, Saint Petersburg’s highest theatrical honor, Billy Novik continues to redefine the boundaries of the contemporary jazz scene.