The Official Historical Archive
Photo Gallery
The Skyline Jazz archive contains photographs of the people, artists, studio, and events that shaped Skyline Jazz between 1985 and 1991.
The People Behind Skyline Jazz
The staff, volunteers, and personalities who created Skyline Jazz and brought it to listeners throughout New York City.
Drew Butkocy in the Skyline Jazz office in 1985
Tom Koyen and Robert Silva in the Skyline Jazz studio, 1986.
Tom Koyen, volunteer DJ and Drew Butkocy in the studio, 1986
Volunteer DJ and friend of Skyline Jazz Judy Lewis, 1986
Inside the Studio
The workspace, equipment, and atmosphere that shaped the distinctive sound of Skyline Jazz.
Drew Butkocy and friend Fran stand in the front door to Skyline Jazz on 15th Street, 1985
Tom Koyen and volunteer DJ inside the main studio at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Volunteer Frank inside the main studio at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Skyline Jazz’s 2nd location above the Lyric Restaurant on 22nd Street, 1988
Drew, volunteer Frank, Bill Evans and Tom at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Randy Brecker and Eliane Elias after their interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Drew Butkocy (left) with a Skyline Jazz volunteer and volunteer DJ Nigel Kendall, 1986.
Tom Koyen typing the playlist, 1986
Volunteer, volunteer DJ Mike Meyers, Robert Silva and volunteer DJ Julie
Volunteer DJ and friend of Skyline Jazz Roberta Lawrence, 1986
Inside the office area at Skyline Jazz, 1985
The production studio, opposite the main studio at Skyline Jazz, 1986. Reel-to-reel machines played tapes of pre-recorded shows during the overnight hours.
Volunteer DJ Nigel Kendall at the audio console during his show, 1986
Temporary Skyline Jazz automation rack installed in friends’ Judy and Steve's nearby apartment on 16th St., December 1987.
A peek inside of the main audio console at Skyline Jazz, 1985
Artists and Interviews
Jazz artists who visited Skyline Jazz to discuss their music, careers, and the contemporary jazz scene.
Tom Koyen and Robert Silva with Dave Valentine, the 1st jazz artist interviewed at Skyline Jazz, February 1986
Tom, Jorge Dalto and Drew after his interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
In the 2nd location, VCR decks had replaced the reel-to-reel machines for running pre-recorded shows, 1988.
L to R_ Tom, Mark Egan, Bob from Windham Hill records, Danny Gottlieb, Drew and Robert, 1986
Robert, Chieli Minucci (Special EFX), Tom, George Jinda (Special EFX) and Drew, 1986
Tom interviewing Randy and Michael Brecker at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom Interviewing Mike Mainieri and Michael Brecker from Steps at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom and Drew with Monty Alexander after his interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom interviewing Tom Grant at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Larry Carlton being interviewed at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Two volunteers with Mike Stern and Steve Slagle after their interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Graeme Coleman and Kat Hendriske of Skywalk being interviewed at Skyline Jazz, 1986
The band Wishful Thinking after their interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tania Maria and volunteer DJ Julie after her interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom interviewing Ralph Peterson and a second member of the jazz band OTB at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom and a listener chat at the Skyline Jazz 1st anniversary open house, 1986
Tom grooving on a tune at the Skyline Jazz 1st anniversary open house, 1986
Volunteer DJ Judy Lewis with Dan Krimm at the Skyline Jazz 1st anniversary open house, 1986
Invitation letter sent to known listeners for the Skyline Jazz 1st anniversary open house, 1986
Skyline Jazz Second Anniversary
For their second anniversary in November 1987, a two night birthday party has held at Mikell’s Jazz Club on 97th Street and Columbus Avenue. Performing at these events were the band Top Shelf and pianist Henry Butler with percussionist Candido Camero.
Listeners, artists and Skyline Jazz staff celebrated the great sounds of contemporary jazz at this wonderful two night event at Mikell’s!
Robert Silva at the Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration at Mikell’s jazz club, 1987
Henry Butler and Candido Camero playing at the Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration at Mikell's jazz club, 1987
Drew Butkocy addresses the audience at the Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration at Mikell’s jazz club, 1987
2nd page of the Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration flyer, 1987
Tom and Drew with Michel Camilo after his interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Dizzy Gillespie arriving for his interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom and Jimmy Haslip of the Yellowjackets after his interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom interviewing Michel Camilo and Dave Valentine at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Volunteer, Drew, T Lavitz and Tom after his interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom interviewing Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom, Drew and Bob Thompson after interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Tom and Joe Sample after his interview at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Skyline Jazz First Anniversary
For their first anniversary on November 25, 1986 Skyline Jazz invited listeners and jazz artists to the 15th Street studio for an open house celebration to share a toast or two to the great sounds of contemporary jazz!
Tom interviewing Bob Mintzer at Skyline Jazz, 1986
Volunteer DJ Judy Lewis chats with Michel Camilo and a listener at the Skyline Jazz 1st anniversary open house, 1986
Drew with a listener at the Skyline Jazz 1st anniversary open house, 1986
Volunteer DJ Julie chats with a listener at the Skyline Jazz 1st anniversary open house, 1986
Drew Butkocy at the Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration at Mikell’s jazz club, 1987
The band Top Shelf playing at the Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration at Mikell’s jazz club, 1987
Listeners at the Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration at Mikell's jazz club, 1987
Skyline Jazz 2nd anniversary celebration flyer cover, 1987