Manhattan Jazz Clubs
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55 Bar
(212) 929-9883
55 Christopher St. (Seventh Ave. So. / Waverly Place)
Leni and Mike Stern hold court, also Sweet Georgia Brown, Billy Bang and Wayne Krantz. $3 cover and 2 drink min. Weeknight shows begin at 9:30 pm.
Early show Friday and Saturday are from 6:00 - 9:30 pm. Friday and Saturday late shows begin at 10:00 pm. Get there early because the club is small and Mike
Stern et al packs them in. Expect a $15 cover on Mike Stern nights, but that includes 2 drinks. THE "NEW SET" SERIES AT THE 55: They will be presenting new artists and
groups with a venue for their music. All shows will begin at 8:00PM for one set and will there will be no music charge.
5C Jazz Café
(212) 477-5993
68 Ave. C (southeast corner of 5th St.)
A living
example of Bruce Morris' vision was the creation, with Trudy Silver, of the 5C Cultural Center. A performance venue for poetry, music and theater, 5C features emerging artists
as well as great masters. 5C also features a display of exquisite photographs of musicians, out of print books, rare records, independent labeled CD's, cassette tapes and other
cultural artifacts. The 5C Cultural Center features accomplished piano jazz soloists among their offerings: 5 - 7 PM in their smoke and alcohol free environment. Artists
include: Charles Gayle, Andrew Bemkey, Arthur Sterling and Charles Eubanks. Call ahead for schedule. A modest cafe with reasonable prices completes the picture. 5C is a dream
come true for die hard fans of East Village jazz history and jazz lovers alike. $5.00 cover charge during performances.
American Legion Post # 398
(212) 283-9701
248 W. 132nd St.
(7th / 8th)
The free
Sunday evening jam session begins 7:00 P.M. until the hall closes at midnight. The kitchen serves up a heaping plateful of reasonably priced and delicious soul
food. And the warm weather months are enjoyed on a beautiful back patio. Seleno Clarke keeps the spirit of defunct jazz club, La Famille, alive with his tasteful licks on
Hammond B-3 organ and an international trio of sidemen help anchor the weekly jam session. The drink prices are by far the best in town, and the familial atmosphere is even
better than that. Jazz music has been added on Wednesday with a midweek jam session hosted by guitarist, Tom Halpenny from 8-midnight, and Saturday nights with
big time local talent, Sheldon Sweeper on pocket trumpet; French drummer, Renaud Penant, leads the band on Thursdays.
American Museum of Natural History
(212) 769-5100
On 81st St. off Central Park West (Hayden Planetarium)
Jazz is now offered only the first Friday of the month under
the Sphere at the Rose Center for Earth and Space (some will know it as the Hayden Planetarium). There are two sets monthly (5:45 / 7:15 PM) by highly regarded musicians such
as Jimmy Heath, Lou Donaldson, Steve Turre, and David "Fathead" Newman and their quartets and quintets. The show admission is included with museum price (suggested donation),
and drinks and tapas are available.
Anyway Cafe
(212) 533-3412
34 East 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd Ave)
This little
bistro (seats about 35) The Russian/French menu is filled with surprises that tasted like
heaven at half the price. And they squeeze in live music that is intimate and engaging: Sunday: Experimental Jazz and poetry
Monday: The night of an open microphone: all kinds of music are welcomed. Tuesday: Jazz Wednesday: Bossa Nova and good old
rock'n'roll Thursday: The night of jazz madness. Friday: Mellow jazz night Saturday: Extraordinary Jazz. Every other Saturday: Japanese beauty Naoko Honda. Every other Sunday: Some country music by songwriter
Amanda and her friends.
Arthur's Tavern
(212) 675-6879
57 Grove Street (NW corner of Grove and 7th Ave. So.)
Since 1937. Longest continually run jazz club in NYC. No cover charge. Jazz: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday. Pay close attention to Eri Yamamoto's trio burning up the cozy stage on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Dixieland jazz: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Sundays
and Mondays. Blues and R&B from 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. from Tuesday through Saturday; and 11 p.m. - 3 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. The Creole Cooking Jazz Band, Grove Street
Stompers and Sweet Georgia Brown have been playing here weekly forever: they rock
Arturo's
(212) 677-3820
106 West Houston St. (Corner of Thompson St.)
Live jazz hits seven days a week in this aromatic coal oven pizza shrine. Here for over 40 years on the borderline between the Village and SoHo. Jimmy
Young is enshrined behind his piano on weekends for as long as anyone can remember anchoring his loosely swinging quartet. Jazz sets are Fri - Sat: 9-2. Sun - Thurs: 7-12. No
cover. Great food.
B.B King Blues Club &
Grill
237 West 42 St NYC (212) 997-4144 Club E-mail , Live Jazz, Blues, Gospel, and Latin Shows seven days a week LUCILLE'S BAR & GRILL A Seperate Bar/Restaurant
Located Inside B.B. King's Open Daily 11AM-1AM
For Lunch, Dinner & Drinks. Great food.
Birdland
(212) 581-3080
315 W. 44th St. (8th / 9th Aves.)
All show times: 9:00 and 11:00 P.M. (with early 5:30 tribute sets added to the Tues. and Fri. schedules, and duets and trios on Wed., Thurs.,
and Sat.). Music charge varies, $20-35. There is a $10 food/drink minimum per person at the tables. At the bar, the music charge includes one drink. Sundays
belong to Arturo O'Farrill’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Big Band, Mondays have been reserved for the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra featuring Lew Tabackin for the later
sets. Tuesdays typically go to The Famous Duke Ellington Orchestra directed by Paul Mercer Ellington & Jack Jeffers with early sets at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
showcasing David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Centennial Band. From Wednesday - Saturday expect the best in local and internationally touring artists. Every
Friday from 5:30 - 7:30pm - Lew Anderson's All American Big Band swings the pre-theater crowd. All will enjoy the excellent sightlines to the stage. NOTE: Birdland
is located just west of the theater district. If patrons show their Broadway ticket stubs to Birdland after the theater they are welcome to the 11:00 PM set with no cover,
just a $10 minimum from Sunday thru Thursday. Thursday happy hour see the wonderful Emiko Hayashi Trio -- no cover charge!
Blue Fin
at W Hotel
(212) 918-1400
1567 Broadway (46th / 47th Streets)
400-seat dining spectacle in the epicenter of the most exciting city in the world,
Blue Note
(212) 475-8592
131 W. Third St. (6th Ave./ MacDougal Street)
Opened in 1981, the Blue Note is arguably the world's most popular jazz club. World renown talent take the stage for six day runs. Monday nights feature a half price bargain to see a one off show by younger upstarts or near legends. Mondays: jazz quartets. Sets generally start at 8:00 and 10:30. Prices are
$25-$40 for table reservations + minimum, or $10-$30 cover at the
bar. There is $5.00 cover charge for the Friday and Saturday late night jam sessions
Blue Water Grill
(212) 675-9500
31 Union Square West (Corner West 16th St.)
Fine restaurant with live jazz booked for downstairs dining area. Call for reservations No
cover, but meals are high end. Sunday Jazz Brunch begins at 10:30am, dinner is served thru 12:30am midnight.
Brooklyn Clubs
Cafe Creole
(212) 475-4132
99 MacDougal St. (W. 3rd / Bleecker)
A
new addition to the subterranean MacDougal Street music scene with Cajun and Caribbean cuisine and jazz served up Tuesday thru Sunday from 6:00-2:00 and
Mondays from 9-2. No cover.
The Cajun
(212) 691-6174
129 Eighth Ave. (16th / 17th Streets)
Dixieland and swing nightly 8 - 11 as a backdrop to a New Orleans dining experience.
John Gill's Jazz Kings are one of the very few active groups playing the classic jazz repertoire of King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and
many other traditional jazz legends. They have recently taken over the weekly Monday spot. Sunday brunches and
Wednesday lunches are also accompanied by live music. This is a wonderful "change of pace" jazz location in Manhattan, which consistently tips its hat to the cradle of
jazz. If you are a Trad Jazz fan or are deciding on a night of affordable dinner and jazz with guests who are timid about jazz in general, then The Cajun is the no-brainer
choice. No cover, good Cajun food, and a bar far from the music where conversations are not overwhelmed or intrusive makes this a great New York City locale.
Cleopatra’s Needle
(212) 769-6969
2485 Broadway (92nd / 93rd)
Music from 9 pm to 4 am. No cover. $10. min. per set. Eclectic menu, big screen sports and weekly showcases, featuring Eric Lewis Trio on Mondays.
And nightly jams 2am - 4am. Jazz vocalists open mic every Sunday 2 to 6pm, and Wednesday from 9PM - 2AM. Chances are you
will see top shelf national and international jazz giants find their way to a late night jam session here. Cleo's is recommended as a great neighborhood jazz club with late
hours, a great menu, a place to hang out and pay close attention to great jazz or hang back by the bar, smoke and enjoy the company of your friends.
Detour
(212) 533-6212
349 E. 13th St. (1st / 2nd Aves.)
Detour is the place to go in the East Village to catch Matt Wilson, John Funkhouser, and Adam Klipple for free on their way up. They are among the
talented new breed gigging at this inconspicuous diamond in the rough. Talk loudly or listen closely, all are welcome. This is also the only place in the city where we've
found the triple threat of Rheingold beer, Zapps potato chips and free jazz. Sun. - Thurs.: Music starts at 9:00. Fri. - Sat: Music starts at 9:30. No cover
charge, but 2 drink minimum is informally enforced.
Fat Cat
(212) 675-7369
75 Christopher Street (at 7th Ave. South)
This club is "around the corner pocket" from the now defunct Smalls and features billiards and jazz (sold separately). $15 admission for 6 hours of music from
10pm-4am including one complimentary drink Tuesday through Saturday, and from 9pm -1am on Sundays they present a special free show, one drink minimum. With music
till 4am most nights Fat Cat one of the latest running jazz joints around. Closed Mondays. All ages welcome. If you missed or miss Smalls, Fat Cat will get you pretty close
to that vibe. Many of the same musicians are booked here regularly and Mitch Borden is still at the helm, trying to create an atmosphere where the music comes first and the
distractions are minimized.
Fez under Time Café
(212) 533-2680
380 Lafayette St. (at Great Jones Street)
Every Thursday Night: Mingus Big Band. Doors Open at 8:30 & 11 pm with sets at 9:30 & 11:30. Cover: $18. Late show is $10 for students with valid ID.
Mingus Big Band features New York's big band players.
The Garage
(212) 645-0600
99 7th Ave. So (Just South of W 4th St.)
A funky and spacious two-tiered restaurant with a gregarious and expansive oyster bar / drinks bar and live
jazz nightly. Starting as early as 8:00 PM weeknights and 5:45 Fridays and Saturdays, Garage features aspiring jazz groups and living legends, often fronted by a vocalist. No
cover. Plenty of outdoor seating. Jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays for $12.00 at 12:00 noon. Check schedule for artists such as Yardena, Joel Forrester's People Like Us,
Sam Ulano, David Coss Trio, and Howard Williams Jazz Orchestra.
Guggenheim Museum
(212) 423-3500
1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street)
Check website to see if live music program is still on...
Fridays and Saturdays 5 - 8 PM. After viewing the exhibits and collections, relax with a cocktail in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed rotunda and enjoy
music that reflects both classic jazz and international musical influences. Museum tickets: Adults $12; Students and Seniors (with valid ID) $8; Children under 12 Free; Members
Free.
Il Valentino
at the Sutton Hotel
(212) 355-0001
330 E. 56th St. (1st / 2nd Aves)
Northern Italian cuisine is served in this restaurant within a hotel that features 82 year old clarinetist Sol Yaged and his band: Performing every week, Tuesday through
Sunday night, 7 pm to 11 pm. "Since 2001 he has been playing at Il Valentino, which is in the Hotel Sutton and was once a club run by the bandleader Eddie Condon. For a
handful of diners each night Mr. Yaged turns back time, playing the same songs the same way he did a half-century ago. This is the Sol Yaged who hired the saxophonist Coleman
Hawkins and the drummer Cozy Cole as sidemen and who wrote music for the film "The Benny Goodman Story," teaching Steve Allen to play the clarinet for the title role. Even now
Mr. Yaged routinely plays into the wee hours...His usual group is Rick Stone on the guitar and Bob Arkin (the younger brother of the actor Alan Arkin) on bass, but he often
invites friends to sit in." Iridium
(212) 582-2121
1650 Broadway (at 51st St)
Top internationally known artists play six day runs, and Les Paul
Trio every Monday. Set Times at 8:00 pm, 10:00 pm and an added third set on Friday and Saturday at 11:30. Minimum cover charge: $22.50 up to $35, with a
$10 drink minimum. The Sunday jazz brunch is an all inclusive, all you can eat buffet for $21.95
Jazz Gallery
(212) 242-1063
290 Hudson St. (Corner of Spring)
A second floor jazz art and artist showcase. Call ahead for events. Most nights sets begin at 9:00 and 10:30 for a $10 cover charge.
Monday's feature Frank Lacy's 14 Piece "Vibe Tribe." A recent series of concerts features duo performances of four hands on one piano. This and other Jazz
Gallery performance series are funded in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, Presenting Program. Also featured is a Sunday series of concerts on the
river aboard the historic ferry "Yankee" moored at Pier 25 directly at the foot of North Moore Street.
Jazz Mobile
(212) 866-3616
Call the above
number to see who's on...for now the web page is gone. Jazz Mobile offers free summer concerts in NYC neighborhoods Monday through Friday and
around historic landmarks (such as Grant's Tomb every Wednesday). The quality and renown of the players is invariably high. This is Jazz Mobile's 4th decade and it's
still New York's best kept secret. It doesn't get more real than this. Even with this notice, you will see 99% New Yorkers at these gigs,
Jazz Standard
Blue Smoke
(212) 576-2232
116 E 27th St. (Park / Lexington)
Blue Smoke is the barbecue restaurant on the ground level featuring a jazz and soul juke box, and the Jazz
Standard is below featuring live straight ahead jazz music. JS is a nicely appointed basement club with 130 seats and improved sightlines and more room since their recent
renovation. Live jazz Tuesday through Sunday, and sometimes a blues act like Lucky Peterson is tossed into the mix. Show times are 7:30 & 9:30
pm, plus additional set till 1 am on weekends. Cover charge varies from $15-$25 (Tues-Thurs, Sun) and $20-$30 (Fri-Sat). There is no barbecue and beverage
minimum, and the kitchen stays open until 1am. If the second set is not sold out, patrons may stay for half price. New on Mondays: Steven Bernstein's Millennial
Territory Orchestra: Steven Bernstein (trumpet), Clark Gayton (trombone), Charlie Burnham (violin), Doug Wieselman (clarinet, tenor), Peter Apfelbaum (tenor, soprano), Erik
Lawrence (baritone, soprano), Doug Wamble (guitar, vocals), Ben Allison (bass), Ben Perowsky (drums). Tickets: $15 plus tax.
Jesse's Place
(212) 795-4168
812 W. 181st Street (Corner of Pinehurst)
Jesse's is a bar/restaurant/lounge with live jazz Tuesday's 10pm-2am No Cover. The Funktet: David
Gibson, Rick Germanson, Adam Small, Al Street, and Willard Dyson. One block from the A train, menu items from the Mediterranean stay below
$15.00; good neighborhood vibe. Keep it alive by feeding the tip bucket, or the musicians.
Jules
(212) 477-5560
65 St. Marks Pl. (8th St.) (1st / 2nd Aves.)
French bistro with some outdoor seating, great food and wine selection, Jazz nightly at 9:00 on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends.
Wednesday jam with a Brazilian vibe. No cover. Many noteworthy
artists have performed here. Sunday jazz brunch starts at 12:00 and goes till 3:00.
K’av’eh’az
MOVED to CHELSEA
(212) 343-0612
37 West 26th Street between Broadway and 6th Aves.
A Euro-styled coffee house and art gallery in Chelsea that has jazz nightly and starting in the afternoon on weekends. They feature straight ahead and vocal artists as well as
Latin jazz. Weekly features: flamenco guitar (Sundays from 4pm-7pm). An open blues jam takes place Mondays 9pm-12am. Tuesdays, 8pm-12am "Lullabies of Birdland" - Female Jazz
Vocalists. $8 minimum on food or drink.
Knickerbocker Bar and Grill
(212) 228-8490
33 University Place (at 9th St.)
Opened in 1978. A restaurant/bar -- specializing in gigantic steaks -- and as
comfortable as a well lit, neighborhood watering hole. Jazz music is presented Wed. through Sat., beginning 9:45 PM for only a $4 - $5.00 cover charge.
Knickerbockers often features legends with stars as bright as Ron Carter, Sir Roland Hanna, Junior Mance, Mulgrew Miller, Billy Drummond, Earl May, Judy Carmichael, Christian
McBride, and Hilton Ruiz. This is the last hold out in an area that was once a Golden Triangle of informal jazz haunts including the venues: The Village Gate, Bradley's and The
Cookery.
Knitting Factory
(212) 219-3006
74 Leonard St. (Broadway / Church St.)
This is the granddaddy long legs of "downtown jazz" venues -- featuring a genre bending blend of envelope pushing and utterly deserving acts on several intimate stages
throughout the vast complex. There are too many shows go to their web site calendar or call them directly to attain schedule and ticket
information.
The Lenox Lounge
(212) 427-0253
288 Lenox Ave. (124th -125th St.)
Recently renovated to its 1930's art deco splendor. The Zebra Room in back with its baby grand
piano, tiled floors and leather banqueted booths is one of the finest looking jazz spaces in town. Local jazz legends booked on weekends with a $20 cover
charge and 1 drink minimum per set. The 3 Sets are 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30. There is no cover for Thursday Blues and R & B sets, but there is a 2 drink minimum –
music from 8:00-12:00. $5 cover and 2 drink minimum for Monday night jazz jam sessions: Doors open at 10:00 PM for first
set and jam follows at 11:30 and heats up till 2:00 AM. Call ahead for Tuesday bookings. And Wednesday features the remarkable Nathan Lucas
and his organ trio (2 drink minimum/no cover) from 6:30-12:00. Sundays vocal jam session gets cooking at 7:00 PM and
and goes till 11:00 PM, carrying a $5.00 cover charge and 2 drink minimum. Southern style cooking from Tuesday thru Sunday -- restaurant serving from 5:00 PM.
Louis
(212) 673-1190
649 E. 9th St. (Ave B / Ave C)
A new East Village
cafe/wine bar paying homage to Armstrong with live jazz solo piano on Tuesdays, piano trios featured every Wednesday and Thursday, and a Trombone/bass duo
on Sundays. Performances are 9 -11:30. Pre-recorded jazz playing all other times. Weekly artists include: Tues: solo piano - Jonathan Hanson/Bill Brittelle.
Wed: Chris Sbrolini Trio, Thurs: Kenny MacKenzie Trio, Sun: Greg Robinson
Metronome: Jazz Lounge
(212) 505-7400
915 Broadway (Corner of 21st St.)
Music showcased: Wed. to Sat. 7:00 - 11:00. No cover — Enjoy a swanky downtown setting and menu while you enjoy a good mix of the city's talented
performers. Find out what night Danny Mixon is playing before booking your reservations.
Orbit Restaurant and Bar
(212) 348-7818
2257 1st Avenue (E. 116th Street)
"A Different Planet Lands in East Harlem." Every Monday at 9pm: This evening keeps the traditions of Harlem Jazz alive. We are fortunate to participate in bringing the
musicians from Marjorie Eliot's Sunday Concert Series (see below) to Orbit East Harlem. Hosted by Sedric Choukroun (sax, flute), with Rudel Drears (piano), and Bob Cunningham,
internationally known bass player. Bassist in Dizzy Gillespie's Quintet, featured on records with Miles Davis, Dakota Stanton, Frank Foster, and Yusef Lateef. Every Tuesday
at 9pm: Marjorie Eliot herself leads a quartet. Every Wednesday 9pm - Blue Wednesday with vocalist Francine Morin singing the blues accompanied by Ethan Mann on Guitar
and Joshua Levine on bass. A vocalists' open mic on Thursday's. And check out the Saturday night jazz with vocal stylings of
Barbara Steel, backed up by Marc Puricelli on keys
and a host of talented musicians sitting in. Every Sunday: An evening covering the map of Latin American Musical traditions focusing on Argentine tango, Jazz and the
music from Brazil and Cuba. Hosted by Sergio Reyes (violin), with Emilio Teubal (piano).
Parlor Entertainment
(212) 781-6595
555 Edgecombe Ave, #3F (Corner of 160th St.)
This is the essence of Harlem jazz -- a rite of passage for all jazz fans and musicians alike. Get buzzed up
to Apt. #3F, Marjorie and Rudel welcome you into their home every! Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 4:00 sharp to enjoy two sets
of standards and original music provided by a rotating roster of jazz legends and local talent. Marjorie's living room is absolutely the warmest, most spirited 200 square
feet in all New York. No cover; tip jar; free salad and punch. Saturdays show has an emphasis on singers, and is less crowded. Poetry readings, more jazz and
theater pieces have been added at 7:00 PM Sundays.
Porters
(212) 229-2878
216 Seventh Avenue (22nd / 23rd St.)
Porters is the latest neighborhood jazz club/restaurant to open in Chelsea in Manhattan's vibrant Westside
community. Here you can enjoy a great meal and great jazz in an intimate setting which features sidewalk seating in warm weather, and a great wine selection. The musicians
are chosen from the top of the talent heap including Harold Mabern, Dave Liebman, and Eric Lewis. Cover charges vary. There is the 216 Lounge downstairs they feature happy
hour stand-up comedy on Thursdays, DJ parties and private functions other nights. Check their current schedule for jazz nights.
Queens Jazz Clubs
please submit names of other Queens jazz venues
Red Blazer
RIP - Closed
(212) 947-8940
32 W 37th St. (5th / 6th)
M-Th four sets starting at 7 pm. Fri-Sat 9 pm - 12:30. Mondays they have trios, and the bands get larger through Saturday. The focus is swing music for your dancing pleasure,
and vocalists accompany each night.
Redeye Grill
(212) 541-9000
890 Seventh Avenue (Corner of 56th Street)
Jazz nightly Tuesday - Thursday: 8-11, Friday and Saturday: 9-12, Sunday jazz brunch 12 - 3.
Robin’s Nest Restaurant & Bar
(212) 316-6170
457 W. 125th St.
(Amsterdam / Morningside)
This is the most recent of Harlem's modest
restaurants where you can catch classic R&B mixed with pounding Hammond B-3 based jazz. There is no cover charge, just a two drink minimum. The week is starting to fill up
with jazz players and other entertainments: Sunday -- Jam Session with superior drummer Eli Fontaine; Rotating weekend talent makes good use of the Hammond B3 organ.
Please call them for scheduling updates. Delicious Harlem style soul food dinner and lunch are also available at reasonable rates.
Roth's Westside Steakhouse
(212) 280-4103
680 Columbus Avenue (93rd / 94th)
Live jazz schedule
Sunday -Thursday 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday & Sunday Brunch 12:00noon to 4:00pm.
Monday - Wednesday -Bill Wurtzel Trio,
Thursday - Saturday - Jacob Melchior Trio Featuring Annette St. John - Vocalist
Sunday Night - Satoshi - Guitarist
Saturday Brunch - The Stoppers, Sunday Brunch - TBA
Rue B
(212) 358-1700
188 Ave. B (11th / 12th)
The East Village is coming alive again with jazz. On
the same street that hosts Charlie Parker Place, and a few blocks from C5 Cultural Center, and Louis bar (see above). No Cover charge at Rue B, jazz nightly usually
starting at 9:00. The Sunday jazz open mic goes from 8 - Midnight. They have a Steinway piano, and a great looking menu. Local hero, Joel Forrester, performs his
original solo piano masterpieces on Mondays.
Satalla
(212) 576-1155
The Temple of World Music
37 W. 26th Street (Broadway / 6th Ave)
To see the show you must be groovy with day-glo and black lights. This is a chance to take a trip around the world without a plane and around your brain
without drugs. World music means music from the rest of the world. This is a new club from the people who brought you K'av'eh'az (which is right next door -- when you want to
chill out and sit back). Call ahead for admission prices and student discounts. Music presented in two sets nightly starting around 7:30 or 8:00.
St. Nick’s Pub
773 St. Nicholas Blvd. (Corner of 149th St.)
This club had an amazing
run for the last decade and now under new management (and prior to being granted a liquor license), the new owners are giving St. Nick's Pub a second chance at greatness.
They've added free food with no cover charge and stage lights to entice fans back uptown to see the latest roster of players who are filling up the schedule with weekly gigs, 7
nights a week from 10pm - 2am. Mondays jam with Melvine Vines and Tuesdays join him again with featured vocalist, Kay Mori and the Kortet. Wednesdays are
not yet set, but Thursdays come see Keith "The Captain" Gamble rock the house with his harmonica and repertoire reaching back to sixties rock and blues. Bassist and
vocalist Mike Davis leads his quartet/quintet every Friday with a band that seems to swell with surprise guests including local hero trumpeter, Sheldon Sweeper. Every
Saturday St. Nick's rotates a new jazz band through. And Sundays belongs to TC III's singers' workshop.
St. Nick’s Pub, club review with additional photos.
Showman's
(212) 864-8941
375 West 125th Street
(East of Morningside Ave., next door to the down-home, soul food mecca: M & G Diner)
Monday - Thurs. sets: 8:30, 10, 11:30.
Friday and Saturday sets: 10:30, 12:30, & 2:30. A beautiful blending of the genteel and the earthy soul histories of Harlem can be found in this
well-appointed jazz showcase, which has been home to the greats (e.g. Sara Vaughan, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Eartha Kitt, Pearl Bailey) since 1942. (In its current
location since August of 1998). A Hammond B-3 organ graces the stage, and is put to good use by Danny Mixon, Seleno Clarke, Nathan Lucas and Preacher Robins among others --
call to check their schedule. Jazz Sisters perform Mondays. Blues great, Ray Schinnery, performs on Tuesdays. Wednesday is all jazz . Tap dancers are
added to the line up on Thursdays for the weekly tap jam. Soul food appetizers are always available -- free for the asking. Two drink minimum per set strictly enforced.
Smalls RIP May 31, 2003
(212) 929-7565
183 W. 10th St. (West of 7th Ave. South)
Open: 10 pm - 8 am. Smalls has at least 3 bands nightly. 10 hrs. of jazz on weekdays, 12 hrs
of jazz on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cover just $10. Stay as long as you like. Self serve free non-alcoholic beverages at the bar or bring your own.
One hour free Early Bird show on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30. Friday and Saturday:
"2 clubs for 1 deal" if you visit Fat Cat (see listing on this page) you gain entrance to Smalls as well. For more information see:
Big Apple Jazz Smalls Review.
Smoke
(212) 864-6662
2751 Broadway (105th / 106th)
Picking up where Augie's (its forerunner) left off, Smoke has developed into a hip and casually swank jazz joint with the chops and personalities to
recommend it to serious fans of NY jazz. Sets at 9, 11, 12:30. Bar closes at 4:00. $10 drink tickets often serve as the cover charge.
Big name acts on Friday and Saturday could cost quite a bit more ($16-$25)), and reservations are a must on those special
occasions. Early Sunday evenings come alive at Smoke as vocalists Carolyn Leonhart and Melissa Morgan perform with their bands on alternating Sundays from 6pm to
8:30pm. Monday night jam sessions encourage vocalists and players to step up. The Monday 9:00 pm Jam Session hosted by special guests.
Thursday is Latin Night, Wednesday is Funk Night, and Tuesday is Hammond B-3 grooves. Retro Happy Hour along with some live jazz: Tue - Thu from 5pm to 8 pm No
Cover and cheap classy drinks!
S.O.B.'s (Sounds of Brazil)
(212) 243-4940
204 Varick Street (Corner of West Houston St.)
This long standing dance hall claims Brazil in its name, but its music policy opens the stage to bands from any country that can fill the place with a groove and a butt shaking
beat that keeps you sweating all night long. A tropical party ensues most nights of the week, but check their website for schedule. You can always count on La Tropica
Mondays, with 6:30 salsa lessons followed by a live Latin Band. And of course, Samba Saturdays, at 8:00 PM with rotating groups followed by the 2:00 AM
Manhattan Samba weekly gig. Prices are from $10 to
$20, with an incentive to buy tickets in advance.
Sofia's
(212) 719-5799
221 W. 46th St. (Eighth Ave. / Broadway)
This is the Italian restaurant at the 1931 Edison Hotel which features jazz music in its bar Tuesdays - Saturdays 7:00 P.M. to 12:00. Call ahead for schedule.
No Cover.
Subway Station at Columbus Circle
Below W.59th Street and Broadway
Take the A Train
Chances are that you will see one of the many jazz artists or other performers who play for tips on the city's many subway platforms.
Sugar Hill Bistro
(aka Renaissance Jazz Lounge)
(212) 491-5505
458 W 145th St (Amsterdam / Convent Avenues)
A new addition to Harlem's historic Sugar Hill neighborhood, this finely appointed restaurant/lounge features Jazz Friday and Saturday
starting at 9:30 pm. Look for Dennis Jeter to evoke Nat King Cole as he sings and swings on trumpet every Saturday and see Tenor sax titan Bill Saxton recently added on Friday
nights. A Gospel Brunch has been added for Sundays starting at noon. Jazz fans from around the world should stop in and support the Harlem jazz scene while in NYC. The Sugar
Hill Bistro also offers the best opportunity to see Wynton Marsalis sitting in unannounced, among other jazz luminaries. Call ahead for schedule updates. No cover
charge. Excellent menu features the best crab cake in Harlem.
Sweet Rhythm
Sweet Basil RIP --
(212) 255-3626
88 7th Ave. South (Bleecker/Grove Sts.)
Sweet Rhythm is now open for business 7 days a week. Taking up where Sweet Basil left off, the club is again up and running after a year and a half restructuring.
Their sound leans more on world rhythms but straight ahead fans will be satisfied with their bookings as well. Housed in the heart of Greenwich Village, Sweet Rhythm features
both live and recorded, traditional, contemporary and hybrid music from all over the planet including jazz, blues, salsa, rai, reggae, merengue, samba, high life, flamenco and
many other styles. Sweet Rhythm has been outfitted with a state of the art sound system. The sounds and the environment are complimented by a menu featuring meat, fish, and
fowl dishes, as well as vegetarian items. The club also features a modern yet comfortable decor and an emphasis on a friendly relaxed ambience. Sweet Rhythm has featured
several jazz greats such as Kenny Barron, Steve Lacy, Jon Lucien, Victor Lewis, Rasheid Ali, Sonny Fortune, John Hicks, Kenny Garrett and many others including: Los Hobres
Calientes, salsa from Manny Oquendo y Libre, the Senegalese drum choir known as Sing Sing Rhythms; the funk of Craig Harris and the Nation of Imagination, the Brazilian samba
and bossa nova of Vinicius Cantuaria and Soli, the blues of Chicago-born guitarist Marvin Sewell and the soulful folk music of the multi-linguistic Marta Topferova. Musicians,
poets, djs and other artists take the stage at 8pm and 10pm with midnight shows on Friday and Saturday. Cover charges range from $10 to $25, dress is your option.
Swing 46
(212) 262-9554
349 W. 46th Street (8th / 9th Aves.)
No longer a swing dance & supper club. Now featuring jazz bands and ensembles, who play more modern jazz. 7 Nights a week.
$5-$10 at the door. Sundays have featured early evening tap classes which honors the late legendary hoofer: "Buster Brown’s Tap Jam" 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Brunch on
Sundays is $25 and runs from 1:00 PM. Special Thurs - Saturday Night Midtown Jazz Jam 1am to 4am. Suggested dress code - no jeans or sneakers but Jackets are not
required.
Tonic
(212) 358-7501
107 Norfolk St. (Delancey / Rivington Sts.)
Sets vary beginning either 8:00 or 10:00 for $10. A midnight show might cost $5. Happily, no pretensions past those usually associated with the avant-garde. Down below there
can be found a dj spinning in the Subtonic Lounge Thurs.- Sats. Sunday brunch features the klezmer band of the week. This is the one club to visit if you want to
mix an earthy community vibe with a good night of esoteric sounds.
Torch
(212) 228-5151
137 Ludlow St. (Stanton / Rivington Sts.)
Closed due to fire but also due to reopen--stay tuned.
Come for dinner or drinks. No cover. Stylish dress is encouraged by this trendy hideaway with a penchant for charismatic vocalists who hope to put you in mind of a time long
ago and far away. Open Sun - Thurs. from 6:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M.; and on the weekend till 4:00 A.M.
Village Vanguard
(212) 255-4037
178 Seventh Ave. (At 11th St. and Max Gordon Corner)
Sets: Sunday - Thursday 9:00 and 11:00, Friday and Saturday 9:00, 11:00, and
12:30. Monday nights, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, established by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis over 33 years ago continues their big band tradition. Sunday - Thursday:
$25.00 at the door (includes $15.00 admission plus a $10.00 drink minimum). On Friday and Saturday: $30.00 at the door (includes $20.00 admission plus a $10.00
drink minimum). The Vanguard opened its doors in 1935 and is the archetypal Greenwich Village jazz club which has the right vibes and an excellent booking policy, and a
history of breaking new artistes that soon took over the world. Every jazz fan should visit the Village Vanguard at least once in their lives, no exceptions.
Zinc Bar
(212) 477-8337
90 W. Houston St. (Thompson St. / LaGuardia Pl.)
Open 7 days 6 P.M. - 3:30 A.M. on weeknights, and till 4 A.M. on weekends. Weekly theme nights dominate the schedule. Monday showcases the guitar trio of Ron
Affif with featured vocalist at 9:00 and 11:00, 12:30. Featured bands play 3 sets Tues. - Thurs. at 9:00, 11, and 12:30. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are jazz nights, while
Thursdays are Latin, Fridays are African and Saturdays are Brazilian Bossa Nova. Fri. and Sat. the first set starts at 11. Sundays starting at
9:30 welcomes Cidinho Tiexeira and Brazilian samba into the night. A lounge exists in back for your smoky comfort. There's a $5 cover and a one drink minimum, and the service
charge for drinks is included on the check to safeguard the wait staff. {
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