Brandon Ring , the native Dubliner took over the venerable restaurant Nighttown in 2001, after working there for several years, and he added live music. But not just any live music; he took a huge risk and started booking the top names in jazz; then he added cabaret, folk and world-music artists. He has kept the atmosphere casual and friendly and the room intimate and homey. So much so, that the artists themselves usually hang out there between sets and after the shows. And Ring has kept prices as low as possible. The original restaurant has flourished and expanded. The neighborhood has improved as a result of Nighttown’s stability and its almost-year-‘round semi-outdoor addition. Now Nighttown is nationally recognized as one of the best spots to hear live jazz music. In fact, it has been designated as one of Downbeat magazine’s International Jazz Guide’s 100 Great Jazz Clubs.