New York City Jazz Clubs Bible   
compiled and maintained by Gordon Polatnick  (skip on down)

 Lower Manhattan Clubs (Greenwich Village)

 Midtown Manhattan Clubs

 Upper Eastside / Upper Westside

 Harlem Clubs
 

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 PARLOR ENTERTAINMENT

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555 Edgecombe Ave. #3F (at W160th Street)
Sugar Hill, Harlem, NYC
(212) 781-6595
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Manhattan Jazz Clubs
listed alphabetically

55 Bar
(212) 929-9883
55 Christopher St. (Seventh Ave. So. / Waverly Place)
Miles Davis Band veteran, Mike Stern holds court, also Sweet Georgia Brown, and Wayne Krantz.  Small cover and 2 drink min. Early shows begin around 6 or 7PM; and late shows begin around 10PM.  Weekends can get a little bluesier.  Get here early for prime seating because the club is small and Mike Stern et al packs them in.  Everyone booked here is playing for keeps, so you're bound to find some of the best young players around pointing you in a forward direction. Live music 7 nights a week.  No kitchen.  Bar dates back to Prohibition. For more information see: Big Apple Jazz 55 Bar Club Profile by Gordon Polatnick

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.
 

92YTribeca
(212) 413-8845
200 Hudson Street (Vestry and Desbrosses Streets)
This is the downtown sister of the Upper East Side bastion of cultural entertainment.  Check their schedule for great events - sometimes jazz-  curated to perfection.

The Allen Room
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Columbus Circle
60th Street at Broadway
212 258-9800 (general information)
212 721-6500 (City Charge tickets)

This wonderful new amphitheater, boasts a soaring 50-foot glass wall overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park.  Check their website for updated schedule information.

American Legion Post (Col. Charles Young #398)
(212) 283-9701
248 W. 132nd St.
(7th / 8th)
The free Sunday evening jam session begins 7:30 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 quartet 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 (fish fry) nights with Jason Marshall's Quartet; and Thursday nights with a midweek Hammond B3 session.   Note:  You are required to sign a guest book as you enter, but there is never a cover charge or minimum.  Seating is very limited so early arrivals are rewarded - if you do take a table please do support the venue by ordering something from the bar or kitchen.  If you're a musician be prepared to sit in.  Friday and Saturday nights are for dancing to the classic soul records, but no live music.

American Museum of Natural History  Series discontinued RIP
(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.  This is the early Friday show to make, especially if you haven't been to the complex before -- it will surely impress even the most jaded New Yorker.

Anyway Cafe
(212) 533-3412
34 East 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd Ave)
This little bistro (seats about 35) is my favorite new find -- even though it's been open since the late 90's. 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 by wonderful Paeng and her cello fellow.  Monday: The night of an open microphone: all kinds of music are welcomed. Tuesday: Jazz guitar virtuoso, Andrey Ryabov. Wednesday: Bossa Nova and good old rock'n'roll by Eric Nicholas. Thursday: Outstanding and unforgettable Grace Garland. The night of jazz madness. Friday: Mellow jazz tones by beautiful Susan Tobocman. Saturday: Extraordinary Grace Garland. 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, and for good reason: They romp and stomp the house.

Arturo's Coal Oven Pizza & Restaurant
(212) 677-3820
106 West Houston St. (Corner of Thompson St.)
Live jazz hits seven days a week in this hectic and aromatic coal oven pizza shrine.  Here for over 40 years on the borderline between the Village and SoHo.   Jimmy Young was enshrined behind his piano on weekends for as long as anyone can remember anchoring his loosely swinging quartet. Check out vocalists like Jimmy Latigano and Jessica Novillo and favorite pianists Harry Whitaker and Kayo Hiraki.  Jazz sets are Fri - Sat: 9-2. Sun - Thurs: 7-12.  No cover.  Great food. 

Bar Next Door
(La Lanterna Caffe)
(212) 529-5945
129 MacDougal St.  (W3rd / W4th)
Jazz 7 nights a week where it belongs on old school, funky MacDougal Street, Greenwich Village, USA:  I can't get over how great this club is, and how well it fits that fading niche of a romantic, intimate, subterranean, beautiful, reasonable, friendly, and above all, a place to hear great jazz. 
The Bar Next Door is too good to be true.
$12 PLUS ONE DRINK MIN. PER SET, SUN. (8PM & 10PM SETS)
$12 PLUS ONE DRINK MIN. PER SET, MON.-THURS. (8:30PM & 10:30PM SETS)
$12 PLUS ONE DRINK MIN. PER SET FRI. & SAT. (7PM, 9PM, 11PM, & 12:30AM SETS)Full Premium Bar, Dining Until 2AM. Check Calendar for current schedule. For that fading Village vibe, make sure that stop in for an espresso next door at the La Lanterna Caffe while tooling around the city.

Big Apple Jazz / EZ's Woodshed  RIP - Closed July 2008:  
(212) 283-JAZZ (5299)
2236 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.  (7th Ave)
(131st / 132nd)
Open 7 days a week -  Jazz from 2PM - no cover and no minimum. Up to 3 bands and 8 sets daily. EZ's Woodshed is our own establishment in the back of the Big Apple Jazz Boutique and Cafe, located down the street from the legendary "Corner," where Harlem's mystical Tree of Hope once stood.  EZ's is a "Day Club," that offers you an opportunity to hear great local jazz during the daytime.  Musicians show up to sit in or promote their night gigs and cd's.  You may come by when a living legend stops by to play or hang out.  Consider this your jazz home away from home.  The store carries all the essential cd's that were recorded live in local New York clubs, and the largest selections of independent cd's by currently gigging NY musicians.  If you're looking for the next Miles, Mingus and Monk, or Billie, Betty, and Bobbi, all roads lead to EZ's Woodshed.  We also carry a wonderful selection of local jazz-themed art in our gallery and less expensive framed or rolled posters of vintage concerts from NY's legendary clubs and performers.  And you have to try our Bebop Coffee, Swing Potato Pie and other pastry delights.  No cover charge. Great hand-crafted wood design by master woodworkers: Michael T. Stevens and Matthew Erickson.  Open daily from 10:30 - 8:30.  Friday and Saturday nights we have EZ's Evenings, with sets from 8:30PM - 11:00PM for a small cover charge and no minimum.  While you're here, don't forget to check out Chris Wallace's remarkable hand-carved EZ's Woodshed sign, and Nina and Dizzy portraits in wood.

Birdland
(212) 581-3080
315 W. 44th St. (8th / 9th Aves.)
One of the top jazz and cabaret venues in the city with musical choices 7 nights a week, a fine menu and complete bar.  The original Birdland, named for alto-sax jazz giant, Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was located on Broadway across the street from the Ed Sullivan Theater (where talk-show host, David Letterman's show is currently taped).  This incarnation of Birdland, now in its third location, is perfectly situated amidst the Times Square hotels, and just upstairs from the A Train's 42nd Street stop.  Check their website for weekly events and legendary bookings; and vocalists are encouraged to join in on the very popular Monday night open mic.

Blue Fin
at W Hotel
(212) 918-1400
1567 Broadway (46th / 47th Streets)
"To create this two-story, 400-seat dining spectacle in the epicenter of the most exciting city in the world, design firm Yabu Pushelberg provided such original features as an expansive sparkling wall of highly polished mirror, glowing resin tables, and a floating staircase that leads to a live jazz club upstairs." ~from their website. It's as slick as it sounds. ~GP

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.  Recent Mondays featured Hilton Ruiz, Dewey Redman, and Claudio Roditi and their 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 with Charles Blenzig & Friends.

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.  Go to website and choose music calendar -- then select Blue Water Grill.

(Brooklyn Clubs: bottom of page)

Cachaça - RIP - CLOSED - March 15, 2009
(212) 388-9099
35 West 8th Street
(at MacDougal)
The latest and greatest addition to 8th Street since Jimi Hendrix opened his studio across the street. Great live jazz in a great location. Watch out for the parking regulations on 8th street late at night. Cover charge $10 - $20.
 

Cafe Creole RIP 2004 -Moved uptown to Perks l
(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.  No website, so call for schedule.

 

The Cajun -- RIP as of July 30, 2006 - after 28 years in business
(212) 691-6174
129 Eighth Ave. (16th / 17th Streets)
Dixieland and swing nightly 8 - 11 as a backdrop to a New Orleans dining experience. 
Monday: Kevin Dorn's Traditional Jazz Collective
New to the Cajun - 8:00 - ll:00 pm
Tuesday: Stanley's Washboard Kings
Dixieland Music - 8:00 - ll:00 pm
Wednesday: Canal Street Dixieland Jazz & Blues Band
Featuring Authentic New Orleans Jazz - 8:00 - ll:00 pm
Thursday: The Manhattan Ragtime Orchestra
Conducted by Orange Kellin - Radical Pop Music from the Ragtime Era - 8:00 - ll:00 pm
Friday: Johnny Tupelo & The Sidekicks
1950's Pop, Rock & Country - 8:00 - 11:30 pm
Saturday: The Red Onion Jazz Band
Featuring New Atlantic Jazz - 8:30 pm - Midnight
Sunday: Kevin Blancq's Crescent City Trio
New to The Cajun - 7:30 - 10:30 pm
The Cajun 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.

Chez Suzette
RIP
Closed but may reopen elsewhere.
Stay tuned for updates.
(212) 581-9717
675 Ninth Avenue (46th /47th Streets)
Chez Suzette maintains an especially inclusive policy by featuring a different singer every night. In addition to the ever-rotating schedule of singers, Chez features Trudi Mann's open mic on Wednesday evening - 8:30pm - 12 am (sign in starts at 8pm) and Sunday brunch: 1pm - 5pm (sign in starts at Noon).  Please bring two copies of your music for piano and bass. On most Fridays at 9:00 Chez's Musical Director/Vocalist, Melody Breyer-Grell, hosts a singer's Salon with the Ellen Starr trio.  NO COVER - $11 minimum will get you great French meals and/or drinks.   "Chez Suzette is a serious little bistro; a remnant of what was once a neighborhood of little French places." Bryan Miller, New York Times

Cleopatra’s Needle
(212) 769-6969
2485 Broadway     (92nd / 93rd)
(W. 92nd / W. 93rd)
Music from 8 pm to 4 am.  No cover.  $10. min. per set.  Eclectic Mediterranean menu, big screen sports and weekly showcases, featuring Eric Lewis Trio on Mondays and Julius Tolentino on Tuesdays from 8pm - 1. And nightly jams Wednesday thru Saturday 1am - 3:30am. Jazz vocalists open mic every Sunday 2 to 6pm. 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, and enjoy the company of your friends.  Please call ahead as set times fluctuate throughout the year.

Creole
(212) 876-8838
2167 3rd Ave.  (118th Street)
Great Creole cuisine by way of New Orleans and music from around 8PM - 12AM - check schedule for music nights - also check their website to find out the cover charges and minimums and the music policy for the night in question.  Expect to find a lively scene with good food, live music in a fine looking Spanish Harlem restaurant/club.

Detour
(212) 533-6212
349 E. 13th St.     (1st / 2nd Aves.)
RIP Oct. 28, 2006
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.    For more information see: Big Apple Jazz Detour Club Profile by Gordon Polatnick
 

Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
Jazz at Lincoln Center
(212) 258-9595
Columbus Circle
60th Street at Broadway, 5th floor
This is the latest and most ambitious venue to open in NYC in a while.  Your friends at Jazz @ Lincoln Center moved their stages to the new Time Warner Building at Columbus Circle and have added 2 other world class venues (Frederick P. Rose Hall and the Allen Room) to enjoy jazz for all tastes.  Days/Times: 7:30pm, 9:30pm every day of the week, plus 11:30pm Friday and Saturday. There's an 11pm late-night set featuring the best local artists Tuesday through Thursday and after last artist set Friday and Saturday for $10 cover.  Monday nights feature Jazz Stars of Tomorrow.  Reservations are key: $30 cover charge ($10 minimum at tables, $5 minimum at bar),
Mondays: Upstarts!, 7:30 & 9:30pm
Tuesdays-Thursdays: Artist Sets, 7:30 & 9:30pm, After Hours Set 11:00pm
Fridays & Saturdays: Artist Sets, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm, After Hours Set follows last Artist Set
Sundays: Artist Sets, 7:30 & 9:30pm

EZ's Woodshed/Big Apple Jazz RIP - Closed July 2008:  
(212) 283-JAZZ (5299)
2236 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.  (7th Ave)
(131st / 132nd)
Jazz from 2PM - no cover and no minimum. Up to 3 bands and 8 sets daily. EZ's Woodshed is our own establishment in the back of the Big Apple Jazz Boutique and Cafe, located down the street from the legendary "Corner," where Harlem's mystical Tree of Hope once stood.  EZ's is a "Day Club," that offers you an opportunity to hear great local jazz during the daytime.  Musicians show up to sit in or promote their night gigs and cd's.  You may come by when a living legend stops by to play or hang out.  Consider this your jazz home away from home.  The store carries all the essential cd's that were recorded live in local New York clubs, and the largest selections of independent cd's by currently gigging NY musicians.  If you're looking for the next Miles, Mingus and Monk, or Billie, Betty, and Ella, all roads lead to EZ's Woodshed.  We also carry a wonderful selection of local jazz-themed art in our gallery and less expensive framed or rolled posters of vintage concerts from NY's legendary clubs and performers.  And you have to try our Bebop Coffee, Swing Potato Pie and other pastry delights.  No cover charge. Great hand-crafted wood design by master woodworkers: Michael T. Stevens and Matthew Erickson.  Open daily from Noon - 8:30.  Friday and Saturday nights we have EZ's Evenings, with sets from 8:30PM - 11:00PM for a small cover charge and no minimum.  While you're here, don't forget to check out Chris Wallace's remarkable hand-carved EZ's Woodshed sign, and Nina and Dizzy portraits in wood. EZ's Woodshed on YouTube.

Fat Cat
(212) 675-6056
75 Christopher Street    (at 7th Ave. South)
(note: reopened in summer 2007)
Fat Cat is back.  2 or 3 shows 7 nights a week,  jam sessions run until closing (4 AM) nightly.  This club is "around the corner pocket" from its once defunct now reopened big brother, Smalls, and features billiards and jazz (sold separately).  Keep track of their schedule by checking their website.  The jazz is great, the vibe is college clubroom cool or Village bohemian, and nobody is pushing you to keep drinking if you just want to hang out all night.  Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens of Brooklyn have been reviving West Village souls here for years on Friday nights and should not be missed.

Feinstein's At The Regency
(212) 339-4095
540 Park Ave.
(61st / 62nd) 
Cabaret music policy. 
A partnership between the entertainer Michael Feinstein and the Regency Hotel. Seven shows weekly - $60.00 cover charge. Tuesday through Saturday - 8:30 p.m. (seating begins at 6:00 p.m.) - a la carte dinner menu.  Dinner required Friday & Saturday only- 11:00 p.m. (seating begins at 10:00 p.m.) a la carte supper menu. 

Fez under Time Café RIP March 2005
(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 the bad boys of New York's big band players.

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 Joel Forrester's People Like Us, Sam Ulano, David Coss Trio, and don't miss the Howard Williams Jazz Orchestra on Mondays.

Ginny's Supper Club at Red Rooster Harlem
(212) 421-3821
310 Lenox Ave
(W125th / W126th St.)

Currently the swankiest best kept secret of the Harlem jazz scene.  Local and internationally known talent are filling up the schedule in this subterranean speakeasy.  Tickets range in price from $10-$30.  Upstairs at Red Rooster's bar the music is free and swinging.  Gospel brunch offered on Sundays.

Gizzi's

The Greenroom  RIP
(646) 345-2229
765 Sixth Avenue  (25th / 26th Streets)
This could be the most charming and unexpected jazz room in NY. Tucked in the midst of Chelsea's floral district (thus the name), The Greenroom is part cafe and part plant shop. Call ahead for current jazz schedule. No cover. Nice Bar. Food Served. Weekend jazz brunch as well as evening jazz.  Great neighborhood/non-touristy vibe.

Guggenheim Museum
(212) 423-3500
1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street)
Ed. note: Check website to see if live music program is still on...
Fridays and Saturdays  5 - 8 PM.  Worldbeat jazz program. 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." ~By COREY KILGANNON (NYT)

Iridium
(212) 582-2121
1650 Broadway (at 51st St)
This venue features top internationally known artists, many of whom play in a Les Paul Tribute every Monday. Check out the Iridium for their proactive booking policy which adds many tributes and unusually compelling pairings throughout the year. This is the big Times Square music venue, mainly known for its jazz roots. It is striving hard to create a niche sound of its own, and is not afraid to throw the rock guitar heroes onto the roster. Set Times at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm . Cover charge ranges from $15 up to $40 with a $10 minimum depending on the artist performing.

Harlem Tavern
(212)866-4500
2153 Frederick Douglass Bvld
(NW corner 116th and Frederick Douglass Blvd. - 8th Ave.)
Jazz and New Orleans on Tuesday and Wednesday nights respectively at this new beer garden located right on top of the C/B subway line at 116th Street.  Weekend brunches feature jazz as well.  Be prepared for a nice, loud party scene with plenty of big screen TV's and a great selection of beers, cocktails, wine and interesting dishes.  For music lovers, ask to be seated at tables by the band or at the north section of the bar.  Big Apple Jazz Presents some of the Tuesday and Wednesday night artists so you know the bookings will be excellent.  Check the calendar listings online.  No cover / no minimum.

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
A moveable fiesta
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, although visitors are more than welcome.

Jazz Standard
Blue Smoke
(212) 576-2232
116 E 27th St.     (Park / Lexington)
Blue Smoke is the barbecue restaurant on the ground level, and the Jazz Standard is below featuring live jazz music. JS is a nicely appointed basement club with 130 seats and improved sightlines and more room since their recent renovation. Live jazz 7 days, and sometimes a blues act like Lucky Peterson is tossed into the mix. Show times are 7:30 & 9:30 pm, plus additional set from 11:30 till 1AM on weekends. Cover charge varies from $15-$30. 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.  Mingus Band on Mondays!

Jesse's Place
(212) 795-4168
812 W. 181st Street (Corner of Pinehurst)
Check for current music schedule.
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 Bistro
(212) 477-5560
65 St. Marks Pl. (8th St.)    (1st / 2nd Aves.)
A friendly, and casual French bistro with some outdoor seating, great food and abundant wine selection, and a  deep love of jazz.   Jazz nightly starting at 9:00 on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends.  Wednesday jam with a Brazilian vibe.  No cover.  Jean Michel Pilc and other noteworthy artists have performed here. Sunday jazz brunch starts at 12:00 and goes till 3:00.  If you're a fan of good wine and jazz or mussels and french fries with jazz, you'll love the vibe.

K’av’eh’az   RIP
MOVED to CHELSEA
(212) 343-0612
37 West 26th   (Broadway / 6th Aves.)
NOTE: K'av'eh'az has closed its SoHo location for good this June 30th and has moved to a new and improved location in Chelsea: 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. If you are in Chelsea and need to relax in a wide open space with an extensive coffee and tea selection, and great live music, I can think of no better place than K'av'eh'az.

Kitano Hotel
(212) 885-7119
68 Park Ave. (37th / 38th)
Very intimate and nicely sophisticated Japanese hotel jazz lounge booking top NY players. Mostly piano trios and quartets, some vocalists perform Monday: Open Jam Sessions, 8:00pm – 11:30pm. Tuesday: Young Pianist Showcase, 8:00pm - 11:00pm.  Wednesday through Saturday: Live Jazz Sets at 8:00pm and 10:00pm.    Pricing: Wednesday and Thursday: No cover, $15 minimum drink and food per person, per set.  On Friday and Saturday: $25 cover, $15 minimum drink and food per person, per set. Monday and Tuesday: No cover.

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 Friday and Saturday, beginning 9:45 PM for only a $4 - $5.00 cover charge. Knickerbockers often features legends with stars as bright as Ron Carter, Nicky Parrott, Junior Mance, Mulgrew Miller, Billy Drummond, Earl May, Judy Carmichael, Christian McBride. 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.  To its credit, this is not a hip place, and it does not offer anything in the way of show biz presentation.  The only way a visitor off the street would know that they are witnessing jazz legends performing at arm's length, is to listen closely to the unerringly high quality of music.

Knitting Factory   RIP   moved to Brooklyn
(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 deceptively vast complex. There are too many shows to mention so just go to their web site calendar or call them directly to attain schedule and ticket information.

Le Jazz Au Bar: RIP
(212) 308-9455
41 E.58th   (Park / Madison)
This is one of the big players on the upscale (read: expensive but usually well worth it) NYC scene. Recent vocalists include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kevin Mahogany Ruth Brown, and Marlena Shaw. Expect cover charges to hover around $35.

The Lenox Lounge  RIP historic location--
soon to reopen at 333 Lenox Ave sometime in 2013
GET HERE FAST.  CLOSING AT THE END OF 2012. NEW JAZZ CLUB SAID TO BE TAKING OVER THE SPACE UNDER DIFFERENT NAME AND MANAGEMENT.
(212) 427-0253
288 Lenox Ave.   (124th  -125th St.)
Recently renovated to its 1939 art deco splendor. The Zebra Room in back has a baby grand piano, tiled floors and leather banqueted booths and is one of the finest looking jazz spaces in town. Local jazz legends booked on weekends with a $20 cover charge and $16 drink minimum per set. The 2 Sets are 8:30 and 10:30.   Monday nights with Patience Higgins and the Sugar Hill Jazz Quartet or Eric Wyatt's band with the jam following and heating up till 2:30 AM.   Tuesdays feature vocalist, Sweet Georgia Brown, the last of the red hot mammas. Wednesday has the remarkable Nathan Lucas organ quartet from 8:00-12:00.  Thursday Urban and R & B covers with Fred McFarland.  Sundays vocal jam session gets cooking at 7:00 PM and goes till 11:00 PM led by the great pianist Lafayette Harris.  Southern style cooking served.  After hours jam sessions with Harlem legends Bill Saxton and Greg Bandy were added in 2011 Friday and Saturdays after midnight.  Legendary comedian Paul Mooney is featured monthly.

Louis 649
(212) 673-1190
649 E. 9th St.   (Ave B / Ave C)
An 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. 

Marie's Jazz Bar And Performance Center For The Arts  RIP
(212) 944-7005
51 West 46th Street
(5th / 6th)
Expect live jazz bands 5 nights a week, but not Wednesdays nor Sundays. Internationally recog'nized jazz musicians find their way to Maries including Bob Cranshaw, John Colianni, Dave Hopkins, Harvie S., Kenny Werner, Billy Drewes, Tony Marino, Jamey Haddad, and Dave Schnitter.  About $10 cover for bands. Call for updated information. Check out Monday night jam session with Art Lillard .

Metronome: Jazz Lounge
(212) 505-7400
915 Broadway (Corner of 21st St.)
No longer a jazz venue.

Metropolitan Room
(212) 206-0440
34 West 22nd St.
(5th / 6th Ave)

Downtown's premier jazz cabaret.  Great talent booked regularly - check Tuesday's calendar for legendary vocalist: Annie Ross!  The club features excellent sightlines, and intimate ambiance; snacks menu and specialty drinks.  2 drink minimum plus cover charge.

Mo'Bay  RIP 2012
(212) 876-9300
17 W. 125th Street
( 5th / Lenox)
Music from 8:30 - 12:00 on Tuesdays through Sundays, in the lounge of this fine Jamaican restaurant newly opened in Harlem.   Gospel brunches from 11 - 5 on Sundays and dinner music after that till 10PM.  Please check their website for menus and entertainment updates.  The food is so good and the atmosphere is so lively, you'll have a great time every time.

Minton’s Playhouse: aka Uptown Lounge  RIP AGAIN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Scheduled to reopen again in 2013
(212) 864-8346
210 W 118th Street
(7th / St. Nicholas Ave.)

RE-OPENING DAY HAS COME - May 19, 2006.  There will be jazz 7 nights a week in the style of the proprietor's last foray into uptown jazz: St. Nick's Pub.  St. Nick's Pub is still going strong up on 149th Street (see listing below), but patrons wishing to revisit the heyday can try finding it at Minton's Playhouse, where they will see weekly performances by Bill Saxton, Eli Fontaine, Gerald Hayes, Wayne Escoferey, Patience Higgins and tap dancer, Omar Edwards, along with their groups.  Sunday though Tuesday will have no cover charge. Wednesday – Saturday: $10 Cover/ 2 Drink minimum.  Show times: Sunday Starting at 9PM.  Monday-Friday starting at 10PM.  Seating First Come First Served -- Bar opens at 3PM.  NOTE: Big Apple Jazz is running a Harlem tour including Minton's Playhouse and other hidden jazz haunts that continue to excite audiences in ways that downtown clubs have been trying to emulate for the past 80 years.  Call Gordon for tour reservations and details: 212 283-JAZZ. and visit our Tour Page.

Moldy Fig  RIP
(646) 559-2553
178 Stanton Street
Lower East Side of Manhattan
(Clinton/Attorney Streets)
We have a winner folks.  Moldy Fig is a Cafe and Bar that brings killer jazz acts to the Lower East Side 6 nights a week, and they bring it in style and under budget - between $5 and $10 cover for music from 8 till late.  The jam session starts at midnight nightly but on Sunday they rest.  July 4th, 2011 was their grand opening and I expect they'll be around for a long time.  Moldy Fig is the sister act of Fat Cat Billiard, a well worn and well loved West Village jazz joint, that inspired the addition of board games, shuffleboard and an all-ages always welcomed vibe. The big difference between the two, is that you won't feel out of place coming from a pricey restaurant and landing in the bare brick wall, fine leather couch, dim lighting chic of Moldy Fig.  Nothing moldy about this fig.  Another great feature is all the uptown jazz players who are being booked into this downtown spot.

National Jazz Museum of Harlem
(212) 348-8300
104 E. 126th Street
Open Mon, Wed-Fri 10am-4pm; Tue 10am-8:30pm
Coming "soon" to 125th street across from the Apollo in Harlem.  Check their website for updates and further information on museum plans.  In the meantime, enjoy a weekly array of activities from live archiving interviews with NY's jazz elite, jazz movies, concerts, lectures and fund raising events.  Also, check out their visitors center, and Savory Collection of rare recordings from the golden age of jazz.   This promises to be the most important jazz institution in the world, which will accommodate visitors seeking out the jazz history of Harlem in a way that's never been accomplished on this scale before and is way overdue.  Events currently take place in several venues throughout Manhattan so check ahead for addresses.

Orbit Restaurant and Bar - - RIP
(212) 348-7818
2257 1st Avenue (E. 116th Street)

"A Different Planet Lands in East Harlem."  Call ahead for current jazz policy.  The room is great with a warm vibe and great food. 

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! 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. - Read an online article. 

Porters  -  RIP
(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.

Go to Queens Jazz Clubs 
please submit names of other Queens jazz venues (Email Bigapplejazz)

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 - - NO MO' JAZZ as of summer '08
(212) 541-9000
890 Seventh Avenue (Corner of 56th Street)
Jazz nightly Tuesday - Saturday: 8-11:30, Sunday jazz brunch 12 - 3.  Here is a link to their monthly jazz calendar.  Redeye Grill is conveniently located near many midtown Manhattan and Times Square hotels.  It's interesting to watch the band perform in a tight balcony space above the bar and do their best among the crowd of diners and imbibers below.  The jazz is good, and the food is fine, and there's no cover charge, and if you want to talk during the performance you will not be made to shush.

Robin’s Nest Restaurant & Bar RIP
(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. 

Rose Theater
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Columbus Circle
60th Street at Broadway
212 258-9800 (general information)
212 721-6500 (City Charge tickets 212 721-6500)

Designed for jazz, but boasting a flexibility to also showcase opera, dance, theater, film and orchestral performances.  Expect Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to perform here for now on as opposed to their previous home up the street.  Other jazz educational events and two other Jazz at Lincoln Center venues are worth looking into at the same address.

Roth's Westside Steakhouse
(212) 280-4103
680 Columbus Avenue  (93rd / 94th)
(93rd / 94th)
Great neighborhood steakhouse is now a jazz haven on weekends from 10PM - 1AM.   Jazz piano also accompanies dinner hours from 6 or 7 every night.  This is the place to enjoy jazz on the Upper Westside without the sports bar intrusions of another local favorite.   Keep a look out for vocalist Annette St. John and Frank Senior.  Jazz Brunch at noon on Sundays.
 

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. See pianist Brooks Hartell Sundays from 8:30 -11PM. They have a Steinway piano, and a great looking menu.

Satalla: RIP
(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:  CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - March 2011
photo of club
(212) 283-9728
773 St. Nicholas Blvd.  (Corner of 149th St.)
This club had an amazing run for the last decade and is now under new management. The owners are giving St. Nick's Pub a second chance at greatness.  They've added inexpensive, microwave-heated soul food with $3 table charge 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 8PM to 10PM then a second band from 10:30pm - 2:30am.  Mondays jam with Melvin Vines - trumpet, Chip Crawford -keys, Mike Grey - trombone  and Tuesdays join them again with a featured guest and Kay Mori with the Harlem Jazz Machine.  Wednesdays has Rahn Burton on keys and Vicky Kelly's old school vocals, and on Thursdays different bands rotate through.  Friday night is the standing room only event of the week, as Donald Smith leads the best weekly session you're likely to see, which follows the Skill-it Show.  West African music every Saturday at midnight following Arlene Talley's session.  And Sundays belongs to TC III's singers' workshop, which follows a two-hour jam by Atiba Wilson and the B4 Quartet.  St. Nick’s Pub, club review with additional photos.

Shell's Bistro
(212) 234-5600
2150 Fifth Ave.
(131st St / 132nd St)
Prix-fixe Sunday jazz brunch buffet for $25, featuring top shelf NY jazz talent from 2PM-6PM.  Stay tuned for more weekly jazz offerings at this hidden gem of a joint which in the past has been the location of the Den and Gishen.

Showman's
(212) 864-8941
375 West 125th Street
(East of Morningside Ave.)
Tues - Thurs. sets: 8:30, 10, 11:30.   Friday and Saturday sets:  9:30PM, 11:30PM  &  1:30AM  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, and Nathan Lucas  among others -- call to check their schedule.  Soul food appetizers are always available -- free for the asking.  Two drink minimum (@ $14 minimum) per set is strictly enforced.

Smalls 
(212) 675-7369
183 W. 10th St.
(West of  7th Ave. South)
Word is out, Smalls has come back to life in the newly refurbished Brazilian bar it had briefly become, and now it's under new management as well.  Jams till late once again!  The new set times are 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 & 12:00 AM. With an after-hours set/jam session at 1:00 AM.  The cover is $20 which includes a drink from the bar.  Pay one price, and hang out as long as you want.
Big Apple Jazz "Old" Smalls Review.  RIP May 31, 2003  Read All About It
Resurrected in March 2005
 

Smith's Bar & Restaurant           NO MO' JAZZ
(212) 246-3268
701 8th Ave
(Corner of W44th Street)
Smith's is perfectly placed in midtown next to hotels, subways and easily found around the corner from the more popular Birdland. Jazz is brand new in this decades old Irish pub with a strong neighborhood vibe.  Reedman, Dave Hopkins, plays twice weekly with the stunning John Colianni on piano and renown bass hero Bob Cranshaw as the main trio every Wednesday and Friday.  No Cover.  No Minimum.  Call in advance to confirm and keep up with their jazz programming for 2005 which has added jazz nights Mondays through Fridays.   Easily, the most laid back yet spirited jazz evening in Midtown for free (most nights).  Always a great chance to sit in or watch the stars come out with The Hopkins Trio.  Music from 9:00PM - 1:00AM.  Some nights feature the likes of Harold Mabern, Kenny Werner, Dave Liebman, Rachel Z., or Harvie S.  Check in advance if a cover charge applies for special engagements.

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. Located on Broadway and Duke Ellington Blvd it is easily the standard bearer for quality jazz, food and service north of  Columbus Circle.  Sets: 7pm, 9pm & 10:30pm. Round Midnight sets start at 11:30PM and after-hour weekend sets are: 11:30pm & 12:45.  Kitchen open till 2AM.  Bar closes at 4:00.  A food/drink minimum often serves as the cover charge during the week. Big name acts on Friday and Saturday costs more (around $30), and reservations are a must on weekends and special shows.  $30 prix-fixe menu available.
Mondays:  Jam session & special guest artist
Tuesdays:  B3 organ grooves & soul jazz
Wednesdays:  Funked up jazz
Thursdays:  Sideman in the spotlight
Sundays:  "Evening" vocal jazz  -early
Sundays:  Afro-Cuban / Latin jazz  -late
  Now with a great new menu.  For more information see: Big Apple Jazz Smoke Club Profile by Gordon Polatnick

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, when the real sounds of Brasil start spilling out onto Varick Street starting 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. Every Monday!!! Join Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks (11-piece band) for a great evening of Dinner & Dancing at: Club Cache -downstairs- at the Edison Hotel

Somethin' Jazz Club
(212) 371-7657
212 E. 52nd St. 3Fl.
(2nd / 3rd Ave.)
Name changed from Miles Cafe.
E/M train to 53rd St./ Lexington, 6 train to 51st St.
Midtown jazz fans and musicians on the Eastside will be happy to know that a spot just opened up in the spring of 2010 that is all about jazz. Check schedule of nightly events. Every Sat. 3-6pm Open mic for vocalists. Japanese cuisine cause it is the sister club to Miles Cafe in Tokyo. All shows are $10 cover/$7 min. (unless noted otherwise). Most nights feature two bands playing two sets each starting at 7:30PM for the early set; and the next band starting at 9:30PM till 11:30.

The Stone
is located in the closed up looking space at the NW corner of
Avenue C and 2nd street.
This is John Zorn's baby; a not-for-profit performance space dedicated to the EXPERIMENTAL and AVANT-GARDE.  MUSIC: Tuesday thru Sunday - 8 and 10pm. closed on Mondays. ADMISSION: $10 per set (unless otherwise noted). Students 13 to 19 admitted half price. Children 12 and under free.  There are no advance ticket sales.  All admissions are at the door prior to each performance.  Recently opened in 2005, it will most likely become the venue that the Knitting Factory started out to be 20 years prior.  Expect folding chair comfort and intense quiet from the worshipping crowd.  If it's all about the music for you, than you will rejoice in the nightly pushing of envelopes.  Loisaida, as Avenue C is known, is turning out to be a great place to hear music that is true to the neighborhood's history of cultural activism.  The Stone, 5C, and the Nuyorican are within blocks of each other and are great compliments to one another.

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   -- NOW: BATON ROUGE - NOW RIP
(aka Renaissance Jazz Lounge)
(212) 491-5505
458 W 145th St  (Amsterdam / Convent Avenues)
Opened July 31, 2001
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:  RIP
Sweet Basil RIP -- closed April 30, 2001
(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.)
Swing 46 is a restaurant/bar offering swinging dance bands 7 Nights a week. $10 - $12 cover at the door.  Sundays feature an afternoon tap class and showcase which honors the late, legendary hoofer: Buster Brown now from 1pm to 4pm.  Followed by Sarah Hayes & the Sophisticats starting at 6:30.  Every Monday Ron Allan and the The Harlem Renaissance Orchestra performs from 8:30pm to 11:30pm. Tuesdays feature the The Bensen-Scott Big Band.  Suggested dress code - no jeans or sneakers but jackets are not required.  Weekend dance bands from 9:30 - 1AM.  Dance lessons are also a welcomed feature prior to the show.

Times Square Brewery RIP
(212) 398-1234
210 West 42nd Street
(7th / 8th)
A real brewery making beer and serving food with a lively bar scene right next to the Lion King at the crossroads of the world.  And jazz playing nightly.  From 8-12:30 Tues - Sat. and on  Sunday and Monday from 6 - 10:30.  Wednesday pre-matinee at noon till 4:00. Old school jazz from the 20's and 30's is featured.  Check out John Booker's Big Apple Jazz Band,  Sol Yaged, Red Blazer Too Jazz band led by Bob Cantwell.

Tonic  RIP Continued performances in cooperation with Abron's Arts Center
LAST WEEK  April 13, 2007
(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 Thursdays- Saturdays.  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.
"After more than 9 years as a home for avant-garde, creative, and experimental music, Tonic will reluctantly close its doors on Friday, April 13th, 2007. We simply can no longer afford the rent and all of the other costs associated with doing business on the Lower East Side.
The neighborhood around us has been increasingly consumed by "luxury condominiums", boutique hotels and glass towers, all making the value of our salvaged space worth more then our business could ever realistically support. We have also been repeatedly harassed by the city's Quality of Life Task Force which resulted in the debilitating closing of the ))sub((tonic lounge in January. Coincidentally, this campaign began as our immediate neighbor, the Blue Condominium building - a symbol of the new Lower East Side - prepared to open its doors.
As a business, we take responsibility for mistakes made along the way. If profit had been our chief motivation we could have changed our programming to something more mainstream and financially lucrative. Instead we were more committed to a certain type of music and loyal to the community that supported us. As a result, we've always just survived but never really prospered. It is, however, unfortunate that it is so difficult for small businesses to operate in this city and that a chain store that can afford a high rent is more desirable than a place like Tonic that has a different kind of value.
While this is certainly the end of Tonic at 107 Norfolk Street, we remain committed to what Tonic represents and plan to try again in some form as soon as possible. In the interim, Tonic will make efforts to present new music in existing venues such as the Abron's Arts Center located just a few blocks away.
We invite you to join us as often as you can over our remaining days to help us celebrate Tonic and more importantly the amazing artists, our unwavering staff, and the nurturing community that made Tonic possible. It’s because of you that we’ve stayed open as long as we have. Thank you!  Sincerely, Melissa and John
Contact: tonic@tonicnyc.com"
HELP SAVE TONIC!  Posted January 31, 2005... SAVED -- you did it.
"Since 1998 Tonic has been a haven for creative music. We have helped nurture the vital community of musicians and audiences who keep this music alive. Now we are in danger of closing and ask you to help us keep Tonic alive. Over the past few years we have suffered a series of blows: our rent has doubled since 1998, our insurance costs have tripled, we've been robbed, and we've been plagued by the expense of maintaining a building in ill repair “  including the collapse of our main sewer line. Any of these things would be challenging on their own but together they've taken a more serious toll and we are now facing the threat of eviction. A number of outstanding musicians have come forward to help save Tonic and throughout February we will be holding a series of fundraising concerts. If Tonic has been an important venue to you, we ask that you please attend as many of these concerts as possible. Those who cannot attend but would like to help, please consider making a contribution. For Tonic to survive we will need to raise a upwards of $100,000 in the next few weeks. Only with your support can Tonic continue playing its role in presenting this important music to its fans. Our deepest thanks."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Torch RIP
(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. 

Tutuma Social Club
(646) 300-0305
164 East 56th Street
(Lexington / 3rd Ave)
This is the first Afro-Peruvian jazz venue in New York City (2009). The top musicians in the world are playing live. Open 7 days a week, lunch through dinner, 11 am -2 am. No cover. Singers and musicians to look out for: Sofia Rei Koutsovitis, Laura Andrea Leguia, Hernan Romero, and Gabriel Alegría.   Great food presented gloriously for a jazz club, that is exotic and authentic.  This is exciting jazz; and you may run into some instruments last seen 50 miles into an arid wilderness.

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: $30.00 at the door (includes $20.00 admission plus a $10.00 drink minimum). On Friday and Saturday: $35.00 at the door (includes $25.00 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  -  NEW LOCATION

(212) 477-8337 or (212) 505-ZINC
82 West 3rd Street (formerly Baggot Inn)
(Thompson / Sullivan)
Open 7 days   5 P.M. - 4 A.M.  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 $7 cover and a one drink minimum, and the service charge for drinks is included on the check to safeguard the wait staff.
OLD ADDRESS: 90 W. Houston St. (Thompson St. / LaGuardia Pl.) 

Brooklyn Jazz Clubs

Park Slope & Gowanus

Bar 4
444 7th Ave. Brooklyn
(718) 832-9800
A cool bar in South Park Slope with Jazz on Monday nights, curated by guitarist Mike Gamble.
No cover.

*Barbès
376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn
347-422-0248
A very authentic South Park Slope venue run by French owners
Some famous regular acts:   Slavic Soul Party: (Balkan music) on Tuesdays
The Mandingo Ambassadors: (African music) on Wednesdays
Usually $10 cover charge or suggested donation.

Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th Avenue Brooklyn
718-857-4816
Cafe/venue in Park Slope/Gowanus with jazz on Sundays (curated by Chris Komer) and Wednesdays (curated by Joe Phillips).
$10 cover

Douglass St Music Collective
295 Douglass St. (3rd / 4th Ave), Brooklyn
An artist-run rehearsal and performance space in Brooklyn’s historic Gowanus district with some happening live music acts.

I-Beam
168 7th Street, Brooklyn
Kind of hidden, nice performance space/studio in Gowanus/Park Slope with amazing bookings - most often featuring musicians' music with a community feel.
$10 donation suggested.

ISSUE Project Room
232 3rd Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn   
718-330-0313
Interesting live music/events/projects space in Gowanus/Park Slope.

Korzo Restaurant
667 5th Avenue (bet. 19th + 20th streets) Brooklyn
718.285.9425
*Konceptions series in Korzo Restaurant-  Great live jazz/experimental music on Tuesday nights curated by pianist/composer James Carney.  Eastern European cuisine; great choice of beers on tap.
Schedule and directions: http://www.myspace.com/konceptions
Cover: $7 per set 

Machavelle Sportsbar & Lounge
602 Pacific Street, Brooklyn,  (near intersection of Flatbush Avenue)
718.636.3928
Subway: near Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street Station - N, Q, R, B, D, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Jeff King Band every Saturday Night at 9PM
No cover. Drink and light menu available.

Puppets Jazz Bar  RIP 2011
481 5th Ave, Brooklyn
718-499-2622
Jazz bar in Park Slope with nightly jazz acts and Jazz Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3 PM. Full line-ups usually not stated on their calendar which could mean nice surprises. Cover usually from $6 to $12 per set. 

Royale
506 5th Ave.   (12th / 13th)  Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-840-0089
With semi-public jam sessions every Tuesday, run by drummer Diego Voglino. Often great jazz bands on Mondays as well. Great Brooklyn vibe. 
Music calendar: http://www.myspace.com/royalebrooklynmusic

Southpaw
125 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn
718.230.0236
Cool venue with occasional jazz, check calendar.

*Tea Lounge
837 Union St, 11215, Park Slope, Brooklyn
718–789–2762
Nice and cozy neighborhood cafe/bar/venue in Park Slope. Live music mostly from Wednesday to Sunday; great eclectic booking featuring jazz musicians of the highest caliber, but also some interesting up and coming talent, world music and various other creative acts.  Great choice of coffee and tea; free wifi.
No cover, $5 donation suggested

ZORASPACE
315 4th Avenue (3rd / 2nd streets) Park Slope, Brooklyn
(718) 832-4870
Lots of innovative programming or accomplished musicians with their own world view.  Not only jazz, but good music nonetheless.
 

Williamsburg

Knitting Factory Brooklyn
361 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn
(347) 529-6696
Knitting Factory is at its 3rd NYC location with this move to Williamsburg.  Look for cutting age bookings, sometimes in the jazz genre.

Music Hall of Williamsburg
66 North 6th St, Brooklyn,  
The Bowery Presents venue

*Rose Live Music
345 Grand Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(718) 599-0069
Bar and restaurant in Williamsburg, very nice cozy atmosphere, often featuring most cutting edge experimental live music acts like Mark Guiliana's THING (in theory, every other Wednesday). Other noteworthy regulars: Monday night Soul Sessions hosted by guitarist Chauncey Yearwood, Sunday night Brooklyn Jazz Experiments Series curated by Chris Conly.   Amazing wine garden in the warmer months.
Almost always, no cover.  Donations welcome

*Spike Hill
184-186 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(718) 218-9737
Bar in the hippest part of Williamsburg - Jazz night on Monday nights, featuring 3-5 up and coming bands, a great spot to see some young NY jazz talent.
No cover, donations welcome.

Zebulon
258 Wythe Avenue Brooklyn
(718) 218-6934
A bohemian bar/ hang in Williamsburg with free live music every night.  Booking varies greatly - check schedule for jazz. Can have some of the best shows in the city but very often also featuring rather obscure indie bands.
No cover. 

Rest of Brooklyn

BAM Cafe
1087 Broadway, Brooklyn
(718) 636-4139
Brooklyn Academy of Music in Fort Greene.  Nice cafe with a young creative vibe, occasional jazz concerts/projects.
Calendar: http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=38
Some free, some cover charges events.

Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium
(718) 569-1896
1958 Fulton Street
Suite 300 A
Brooklyn, NY 11233

Coco 66
66 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn
718-389-7392 / 917-807-6045
Club/bar in Greenpoint with occasional jazz programming.

Goodbye Blue Monday
1087 Broadway, Brooklyn
A one-of-a-kind bar/cafe/venue in Bushwick/Bed-Stuy with a creative vibe, a definite neighborhood favorite. Featuring live jazz, rock, indie and more, mostly young talent. Watch out for show times - they say everything starts at 9PM. Check the calendar for more accurate show times.
Calendar: http://www.myspace.com/goodbyebluemondayinc

*Le Grand Dakar
285 Grand Ave. (Clifton Pl. / Lafayette Ave.), Brooklyn
718.398.8900
An African restaurant in Clinton Hill featuring really good Live Jazz, African music and great African menu. Listings often stated on website by style only, check out local monthly jazz magazine: All About Jazz, NY for specific names.
No cover. 

*Solo Kitchen Bar
1502 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn
A great bar in an up-and-coming creative neighborhood in Ditmas Park/Flatbush, right next to the Cortelyou Rd subway stop off the Q train.  Top class jazz on Sundays -  first band (usually featuring younger talent) starting at around 6 PM and the second band at 9 PM - usually featuring some of the most happening cats in New York jazz - a great chance to hear great jazz music in a casual unassuming atmosphere.  Affordable beers on tap, brick-oven pizza, pool table and more. Also has a great jam session on Thursday nights, hosted by guitarist Aki Ishiguro.
No cover, $5 donation strongly suggested.

Sucre Coffee and Jazz Lounge
718-636-2000
520 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn 11205
7:30 -10:30 at the lounge for Weekly Jazz Jam session.
(Bring your own beer until their license is attained.)

* Strongly recommended by Ines Kuusik

This list of Brooklyn jazz spots and comments was assembled by Ines Kuusik and Gordon Polatnick. 
Read Ines' blog at http://ineskuusik.wordpress.com/
Gordon's website is www.bigapplejazz.com

older listings for Brooklyn jazz - alphabetically:

Barbes
(718) 965-9177
376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.)
Park Slope, Brooklyn
"Barbès is a new bar and performance space located in the South Slope part of Brooklyn. Barbès is also a neighborhood in northern Paris famous for its discount stores, its large North African population as well as the record stores which helped launch the Rai music explosion of the mid 80's. Owned and operated by two French musicians and long-time Brooklyn residents, Barbès hopes to function as a neighborhood community center of sorts. Its intimate back room will be host to regular events - music, readings and more - and should fill a gap in a neighborhood which is home to a large population of artists, musicians, and writers but still offers very little in terms of performing outlets. Much like the neighborhood it is named after, Barbès will put the stress on cultural variety, neighborhood conviviality - and bargain hunting, with $5 Ricard and an ecclectic music collection which ranges from the Algerian diva Asmahan to Mexican bandas, Venezuelan joropos and Romanian brass bands."

The Brazen Head
(718) 488-0430
228 Atlantic Avenue  (Court Street / Boerum Place) Brooklyn Heights
Jazz every Wednesday (AKA Ladies Night) 9:00PM-12:00 Dan Adler - Guitar, Jeff Russian - Piano, Ian Brandt - Bass, Josh Arenberg/Al Ashley - Drums.

Brooklyn Academy of Music
(718) 636-4100
30 Lafayette Ave. (At Ashland Place)
BAM Cafe
The weekly performance series BAMcafé Live has featured great artists from jazz, spoken word, blues, afro-pop, Latin, r&b, rock, and experimental backgrounds such as Billy Martin, Survival Soundz, Tracie Morris, Carl Hancock Rux, Duncan Sheik, Chocolate Genius, Bilal, Antibalas, Tanguardia, and much more.  Sounds of Praise Sunday Gospel Brunch occurs on select Sundays throughout the year. Enjoy a delicious soul food buffet brunch with live contemporary and traditional gospel music, focusing on Brooklyn artists. 2–4pm; $20 inclusive (free for children 5 and under; reduced price for children 6–12).

The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium
(718) 569-1896
1958 Fulton Street
Suite 300 A
Brooklyn, NY 11233

Brooklyn Public Library
Second Floor Auditorium
Grand Army Plaza / Eastern Parkway
"Brooklyn Sings, Brooklyn Swings" at the Brooklyn Public Library:
A series of free concerts featuring jazz vocalists:
Christiana Drapkin on Wednesday, 11/17/04;
Renee Manning on Wednesday, 12/15/04
Michelle Walker on Thursday, 2/3/05
Giacomo Gates on Thursday, 3/3/05
Barbara Sfraga on Thursday, 3/31/05
All concerts are free and open to the public.  7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Grand Army Plaza, Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library.  In the Second Floor Auditorium.

The Burger Bar
(718) 832-5500
499 9thStreet( at 7th Ave.)
Park Slope,  Brooklyn
No Cover. No Minimum.  
Every Thursday and Saturday from 9pm-1am.

Café 111 -
(718) 858-2806
111 Court Street
Downtown Brooklyn (between State and Schermerhorn)
Not only jazz performed here but Electro-Acoustic Original Music 7 nights a week. They have a nice and inexpensive menu that tips it's hat toward New Orleans a little, and a wide variety of local music booked which can be checked out online.  Jazz fans should focus on Wednesdays.

East End Ensemble
(718) 624-8878
273 Smith Street (Degraw / Sackett Sts., Carroll Gardens)
Sunday open jazz jam starting at 7:30-10:00 (Spring and Summer hours are 9:30 till 12:00 starting in April).  Call ahead for updates to schedule.  E.E.E. describes itself like this: "Our wish is to bring the works of the artistic community to our neighborhood and its surrounding community, recognizing the deep wealth of artistic energy in Brooklyn.  We strive to provide an outlet and supportive network where children and adults can come to express themselves.

Europa Club
(718) 383-5723
98-104 Meserole Ave.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Hip and diverse Polish nightclub with a variety of cutting edge entertainment worth checking out.  Check their website or call to find out what's going down.  (Their homepage has an option to view the schedule in html as opposed to flash version).

Five Spot Supper Club
(718) 852-0202
459 Myrtle Ave. (at Washington Avenue)
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
--Not related to the original 5 Spot of Monk, Coltrane and Coleman fame--  But a great local success story: A soul food take out joint that was transformed into a jazzy neighborhood supper club with jazz brunch on Sundays.  Live music (R&B Funk and Soul) performances are Tuesday thru Saturday and start 'round about 9 or 10 -- there is a $5.00 cover charge.  The music policy changes, so call after 4:00 PM to get the latest updates on their jazz bookings, or visit their website.

Freddy's Bar and Backroom
(718) 622-7035
485 Dean Street, Brooklyn
Freddy's is becoming a Brooklyn institution for it's open minded eclectic music policy and neighborhood friendly "Never a cover charge" door policy. Saxophonist and composer, Will Vinson performs every second & fourth Tuesday. Check their music schedule or call ahead to see where else jazz pops up during the week.  According to Time Out:  "Brooklyn is muscling in on Manhattan's music scene with some of the best rock and jazz clubs in the city...(Freddy's) Hosting proudly.. jazz and bluegrass jams, tribute nights and open mics, Freddy's is the most versatile of the Park Slope-Prospect Heights music bars. It's also the most spacious: While the thrift store vibe upfront is welcoming enough, the shows take place in the comfy rec-room-like space in the back."    Directions: By Subway take the 1/2 to Bergen Street; Freddy's is right around the corner. Or take practically any train in the city to Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street Stations; Walk East on Flatbush and take a left on Dean.

Galapagos
(718) 782-5188
70 N 6th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn
This is not a jazz club, but they dabble in jazz and are worth a look see.  Check their calendar for upcoming events.  Galapagos presents a nightly array of film, music, dance, theater, performance art & gallery shows. Galapagos is open nightly.  Performances Monday - Saturday.  Film Screenings every Sunday.  Hours: Sun-Thur 6-2am, Fri/Sat 6-4am.

IO RIP
119 Kent Ave  (corner of North 7th and Kent)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(718) 388-3320
Give them a call to see if jazz is being presented these days at this great Williamsburg restaurant/lounge.

Jalopy
(718) 395-3214
315 Columbia Street
Redhook, Brooklyn
(Hamilton Ave / Woodhull St)
Closest subway is the F and G Train/ Carroll Street
The room is huge and combines a great sounding stage with a coffee/vintage guitar shop.  There's a weekly jam session is on Wednesday nights, from 9:30pm- 1am, starting with a short concert set of the house band and a different featured guest every week.
The house band are:
Dan Tepfer (piano)
Chris Benham (drums)
Anne Lieberwirth (bass)
 

Jazz 966
(Friday Nights at JAZZ 966)
966 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
(718) 638-6910 Ext #25
The Fort Greene Senior Citizens Council, Inc. has sponsored Jazz 966 for the Past ten years. During this time it has been building its reputation as a place where one can enjoy Friday nights of great jazz. From the beginning the objective of Jazz 966 was to bring quality jazz entertainment into the neighborhood at an affordable price. For community residents, it is a place where they can rest assured of not only being treated to great talent, great music, and a warm atmosphere, but will walk away with more knowledge of jazz and its development throughout history as well. Doors open @ 7pm.  Admission: $10.00 (Dinner included).  www.illbrew.com .  First Show at 8pm. Take the C Train To Clinton & Washington.

Jazz at Four
(718) 797-0635
1907 Ditmas Avenue, Brooklyn
Jazz at Four is held the 3rd Sunday of each month. They are limited to 40 attendees, so reservations are a must.  Located in a beautiful and historic Brooklyn home with fine architecture. Donation: $25.00.  Refreshments will be served.  For reservations and directions please call 718-797-0635 or email them at jazzatfour@nyc.rr.com.

The Jazz Spot
(718) 453-7825
375 Kosciuszko Street (on Marcus Garvey Boulevard, Brooklyn)
"Listen to the stimulating, sultry sounds of jazz while basking in the delights of intimacy. Our fireplace, exposed brick walls and home-like atmosphere add to  the coziness of our environment. Your epicurean spirit will be awakened in our smoke-free, alcohol-free environment by our light fare, including organic coffees and teas."  They have great live jazz every Friday and Saturday: $15 from 9pm-1am; and every Monday night a Jam Session: $5 from  8pm -12midnight.  Thursday Night Poetry/Open Mic: $7 from 7pm -11pm.

Koze Lounge
(718) 832-8282
676 Fifth Avenue
@ 20th Street
Park Slope, B'klyn  (R train to Prospect Avenue)
konceptions@koze: jazz & improvised music series...Tuesday, sets @ 9:00 & 10:30 p.m. $7 cover charge for one or both sets  See bands such as Ted Poor's Third Wheel: Ralph Alessi - trumpet, Ben Monder - guitar, Ted Poor - drums.

Laila Lounge
(718) 486-6791
113 N 7th St
(b/w Wythe and Berry) Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Sunday: Live Jazz 9PM. Hosted by Jesse Selengut. $5 Cover Charge.

Marriott
THE ARCHIVES RESTAURANT & BAR
(718) 222-6543
AFTER WORK COCKTAIL JAZZ SERIES
NY MARRIOTT AT THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN (BOROUGH HALL)
333 ADAMS STREET
Bob Myers from Up Over Jazz Club is presenting his jazz every Friday here while he prepares to open a new space for his legendary Brooklyn jazz club.   ONE SET ONLY 6:30 ~ 8:00 PM.  RESTAURANT OPENS 5:00 PM.  NO COVER CHARGE.

Night and Day
(718) 399-2161
230 5th Ave. (at President Street)
Park Slope
From the creators of two venerated Greenwich Village bohemian melting pots: Judy Joice of the Lion's Head and Robin Hirsch of Cornelia Street Cafe comes Night and Day.   Fine food, good vibe, and a performance space which hopes to offer Brooklyn's brightest and best an opportunity to shine in their own hood.  Jazz will only be one of the genres of entertainment offered.  More to come.  Opening in the summer of 2005.

Night of the Cookers
(718) 797-1197
767 Fulton Street, Brooklyn (South Oxford / South Portland)
Named for the Freddie Hubbard record. They feature weekend jazz, with the restaurant serving all week. No cover. Live Jazz Thursdays 8:00 p.m. to 11:30, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Sunday jazz brunch from noon to 4:00 p.m. Subway: C to Lafayette.

North Six
(718) 599-5103
66 North 6th Street  Brooklyn
Lots of music, not all of it live jazz.  Check schedule.

ParlorJazz!
(718) 855-1981
119 Vanderbilt Ave., Lower Duplex,
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Inspired by the "Jazz Hostess of Harlem," Marge Eliot's Sunday jazz open house, we are hosting semi-monthly jazz sessions (first and third Saturdays) in the double parlor of our 1850's Gothic Revival brick row house in Brooklyn's historic Clinton Hill/Ft. Greene district.   This is a unique venue for jazz musicians to play, sing and swing while surrounded by contemporary and African art.   This is a not-for-profit event.  $20 suggested donation (except for "special events" which run between $25 - $30 (all inclusive: open wine bar, beverages, snacks & dessert).  Our roster of interested and wonderfully gifted jazz musicians and fine artists continues to grow. ~Jim Morehand

Pod -- RIP
(718) 302-3754
141 N. 7th   (Bedford/Berry)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Call Pod for other possible jazz events during the week.

Po'k Knockers
(718) 638-0727
956 Atlantic Avenue (Washington & Grand Avenues)
We think this club doesn't have jazz anymore.  If you have different information please get in touch. Email
A recently discovered place in Brooklyn named Po'k Knockers features a 16 piece jazz orchestra named Brooklyn Big Band every Tuesday from 9:30 pm to 12 midnight. Brooklyn Big Band, Co-led by Tim Armacost and Craig Bailey, Robert Landham - saxophone, Keith Loftis - saxophone, Craig Bailey - saxophone, Mark Gross - saxophone, Tim Armacost - saxophone, Jason Jackson - trombone, Dion Tucker - trombone, Mike Fahn - trombone, Alan Ferber - trombone, Larry Gillespie - trumpet, Riley Mullins - trumpet, Duane Eubanks - trumpet, Kenyatta Beasley - trumpet, Rick Germanson - piano, Phil Palombi - bass, Gene Jackson - drums. Po'k Knockers offers Caribbean food and an eclectic roster of live performances ranging from soca and calypso, to reggae and comedy, to karaoke and R&B. Located on neighborhoods of Bedford Stuyvesant, Fort Green and Park Slope, the four-year-old dining and entertainment oasis is open seven days per week. The club is beautiful and located right in the middle of the block. Po'k Knockers is open from 5:00pm until 1:00am Monday through Sunday nights. Friday and Saturday hours are from 5:00pm until 4:00am. Reservations are not necessary. ~This review is a composite of words by Linda Y. Walters and Enid Francis.

Pumpkins RIP
(718) 284-9086
1448 Nostrand Ave. bet. Church and Martins (The 2 train to Church St.)
This is the down and dirtiest 7 nights a week jazz club in Brooklyn.  Low cover charge ($5 Sun.-Thurs. and $10 on Friday and Saturday) with a two drink minimum.  The scene is hot and all are welcome.  From 6:00 - 10:00 on Sundays; and 8:00 - 12:00 Mondays through Thursdays. On Friday and Saturday sets begin at 9 PM and they jam till 1 AM.  Gerald Hayes, Miles Griffith, Derrick Gardner, David Gibson, Dennis Jeter, Tootsie Bean, and Brad Leali (who hosts the Sunday Jam) are some of the performers who grace their stage-less stage. Come to watch or come to play, the music is hot every night.  If you travel from outside of Brooklyn to get to Pumpkins you will be among the few who did, this is a true diamond in the rough which pays off in spades.

Puppet's Jazz Bar  RIP
(718) 499-2627
294 5th Ave. ( 1st / 2nd St.'s in Park Slope)
Monday: Free admission jam-session) Tues-Thurs: $5 music charge.  Fri-Sat: $10 music charge. Sun: Closed (for now).  Music ranges from classic jazz and blues to some funky Brooklyn grooves. (Also, may have the occasional rock show and art showings and have free wireless internet).  Open for lunch: vegan burgers and organic vegetarian pizzas, coffee, tea, etc.

Reign
718-643-REIG
46 Washington (Park / Flushing)
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Jazz is on it's way to this Cafe/Lounge/Bar.  Call for details.

Sistas' Place
(718) 398-1766
456 Nostrand Ave.  (Enter on Jefferson Ave.)
Sistas is the literary poets cafe that offers jazz weekly from September through May. Jazz season begins on the week of John Coltrane's birthday: September 23rd. Call for weekly schedule. Saturday nights, $15 cover, sets 9 and 10:30.  Artists have included: Robert Rutledge, Louis Reyes Rivera and Jazzoets, Sonny Fortune and Akua Dixon's Quartet, Will Calhoun, Eddie Gale, Byard Lancaster, Vincent Chancey Quartet, and Lonnie Plaxico.   Every first and third Sunday from 3 - 7 Sistas presents: Jazzoetry, which is an open mic collaboration between jazz musicians and poets.  Sistas is open daily from 10 - 10.

Sugar Hill Restaurant and Supper Club
(718) 797-1727
609-615 DeKalb Avenue
Live jazz and rhythm and blues:  Mon.& Thurs., 7 p.m.-11 p.m. $10.00 minimum.  One hundred-seat oak-and-brass dining room. Southern-style seafood as well as the classics.   $12 average entree.

Tamboril
(718) 622-5130
527 Myrtle Avenue . Brooklyn.
Brooklyn's new home for Afro Jazz.  Every Sunday through labor day, beginning Father's Day, music from African, Caribbean & Latin traditions will be woven together with Jazz. Check out the eclectic schedule online.  Times are 6:00 and 7:15 PM, no cover, table & bar minimums. Afro Jazz Sundays is an Up Over Jazz Production

Tea Lounge
(718) 789-2762
837 Union St. (6th / 7th Ave)
Park Slope
Jazz happens Thursday and Friday evenings at 9pm & 10:30pm in this coffee and tea lounge which also features an art gallery.  There is no cover and superb jazz to be experienced.  Check their music link on their website to keep up with the bands rotating through.

Two Boots
(718) 499-3253
514 2nd Street (Between 7th / 8th Ave)
Park Slope, Brooklyn
By Subway: F or Q Trains to 7th Avenue,
2 or 3 Trains to Grand Army Plaza
The hippest, most creative and soulful, neighborhood-aware, pizza/po-boy restaurant chain in the city is now breaking new ground in their Brooklyn venue by offering great jazz to go with their Cajun/Italian cuisine.  On the nights when jazz is not featured the party will rock with zydeco and rockabilly and other earth toned genres.  No Cover and No Minimum plus indoor & outdoor seating for dinner.  Check their website to see who's coming and when.

UnderWater Lounge
under the Water Street Restaurant
(718) 625-9352
66 Water Street
D.U.M.B.O., Brooklyn, NY 11201-1048
Every Wednesday this Fall 2005, the Brooklyn Jazz Series continues with jazz in the UnderWater Lounge under the Water Street Restaurant.  The excellent featured musicians play 2 sets from 8 to 11pm. There will be a Jam Session afterward with Chase Greye of The Steele Greye Quartet over-seeing the Jam.  He may be contacted through: info@waterstreetrestaurant.com

Up Over Jazz Cafe -- RIP
(718) 398-5413
351 Flatbush Ave in Park Slope, Brooklyn
They are in the process of moving to a street level location nearby.  In the meantime, consider checking out their weekly Friday evening happy hour series at the Brooklyn Marriot (see listing above).

Queens and Long Island Jazz Clubs
please submit names of other such jazz venues (Email Bigapplejazz)

Cooking with Jazz
(718) 767-6979
12-01 154th St. (At 12th Ave.)
Flushing, Queens
Cajun/Creole Restaurant
Dedicated to the soul food of New Orleans, this Queens restaurant offers Cajun menu items like chicken and andouille gumbo, red beans and rice, shrimp remoulade and chicken jambalaya. There's also live jazz Thursday nights at 8:15 with suave, legendary bass player, Leonard Gaskin (Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Sonny Stitt, King Curtis, Bob Dylan, Lightnin' Hopkins et al). Wednesday nights catch guitar wizard Rob Ross at 7:30.   Reservations suggested.

Flushing Town Hall
137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
(718) 463-7700
Check out their jazz webpage and watch the stars come out.  Joey DeFrancesco is coming in March and Nat King Cole and Duke tributes follow on the 2005 schedule.  Prices vary depending on your level of commitment to the jazz series: Tickets $30/ $24 for Members, 8-Performance Series: $190 per seat / $140 per seat for Members.

GoWasabi
(718) 204-7354
34-0 30th Avenue
Astoria
Jazz will be playing Thursday, Friday and Saturday @ 7-10.  But call first to be sure.

and

29-11 Ditmars between 29th and 31st.
Jacob Varmus-trumpet and cornet
Nate Radley-guitar
Yoshi Waki-bass

Jamaica Center For Arts & Learning (JCAL)
(718) 658-7400 x23
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, Queens
When you get to the website check out "Liner Notes" link to see if the jazz series has an upcoming show or jam.  Expect a small fee for weekend series.

Kolonaki Cafe  RIP
(718) 932-8222,
33-02 Broadway
(33rd St & Broadway) Astoria
 This is the kind of Greek cafe you come to Astoria for and it has live jazz every Monday and Wednesday night.  A personal favorite is Ploes next door for a great Greek meal also.

LaGuardia Performing Arts Center / CUNY
Institution Address: 31-10 Thomson Avenue, E-241 Long Island City, NY 11101
Directions: Located at 47th avenue. and Van Dam Street, L.I.C.,
Queens. 10 minutes from Grand Central Station on the #7 train to 33rd St.
Phone, fax & email for General Information: Phone: 1(718)-482-5151, Fax: 1(718)-609-2061
Email: ocorrea@lagcc.cuny.edu .  Jazz Jam Series : www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac  

Manhattan Proper Café
(718) 341-2233
217-01 Linden Blvd.
St. Albans, Queens
Dedicated musicians and singers can be heard every Wednesday night at 8:00 PM. The public and musicians are invited to attend. Mrs. Elaine Phipps and Mr. Hank Turner, members of the Creative Jazz Organization were asked how the club started. (Mr. Hank Turner, 93 years young plays the trumpet and in the past fired Charlie Parker from his band. Mrs. Elaine Phipps was one of the founders of the CJO).  The Creative Jazz Organization (CJO), previously located in the basement of Carmichael's Diner on Guy Brewer Blvd. has moved and is presently located here in February of 2005.  The Creative Jazz Organization was organized to promote jazz & jazz history, to encourage teenagers in their endeavors.  Many great jazz musicians have played at the club. To name a few, Dave Carter, Ed Stoute, Hank Edmonds, Stan Hope, Weldon Irvine, Roy Meriweather, Hank Johnson, Walter Kelly, Harold Ousley, Ed Jackson, Dave Jackson, Nick Carella, "Winky" Flyth, John Abrams, Hank Turner, Roy Haynes, and Max Roach. The present musicians are: Hank Wentz, Ed Stoute, John Dooley, Bob Cunningham, Clarence "Tootsie" Bean, Lon Ivey, Napoleon Bey, Gerald Lindsey, Mike Benjamin, Butch Bateman, and Bill Wurtzell. For more information contact President Reuben C. Bankhead at telephone number (718) 529 2840.

Mixed Notes Cafe
(516) 328-2233
333 Elmont Road
Elmont, (near) Queens
This is a rare Long Island cafe with a sophisticated sense of entertainment scheduled.  Featuring a piano bar on Sundays, comedy on Mondays, jazz on Thursdays with Miles Ahead Band, live music on Fridays and Caribbean Night on Saturdays.

Nite of the Stars Cafe
(718) 978-7001
201-10 Linden blvd.
St. Albans, Queens
Thursday and Friday night jazz with the likes of Miles Ahead Band.  Friday night jam with Ajax starts around 10:30pm.

Pomme Cafe
(718) 545-4301
37-19 Broadway
Astoria, Queens
Jazz on Sunday evenings..  Nice French restaurant with sidewalk seating in good weather

Queens College
Colden Center
(located at the corner of the Long Island Expressway and Kissena Blvd. in Flushing)
Administrative and technical services: (718) 544.2996
Box office: (718) 793.8080
Just jazz series features big name bands like Queens stalwarts, The Heath Brothers.  Single ticket prices: $22/20 seniors and students.  Shows happen infrequently, but all are worth checking out.

Sacs Pizza & Restaurant
(718) 204-5002
25-41 Broadway (corner of 29th)
Astoria, Queens
Look for the regular Monday night gig of guitarist Larry Luger's swinging trio. Sacs is an excellent old school Astoria neighborhood Italian restaurant with several tables surrounding the musicians and a small bar.  In the borough of Queens on any given Monday night, this is the only place to be for jazz.  Not only is Larry's trio, (Roy Antic on drums and bassist John De Cesare) top flight musicians, but they have a seemingly endless list of guest performers sitting in to add a dash of magic to the proceedings.  Starting at 7:00 with no cover charge;  the sets end at 10:30. Highly recommended.

Safari Lounge
(718) 217-6962
112-32 Springfield Blvd
Queens Village
Miles Ahead every Thursday starting at 10PM.

Terraza 7 Live Music Café
(718) 803-9602
40-19 Gleane St.
Elmhurst, NY 11373
"It's the hub for art, political expression, live music and for your favorite mixed drink.  Located in the heart of Queens, NY – directly between Elmhurst and Jackson Heights – two locations containing the most diverse population of working class immigrants on the planet- Terraza Café is committed to preserving and promoting all local artistic and political expressions within the community.  Through drinks, art, live music, workshops, community and political partnerships, owner and active community member Freddy Castiblanco has built an intercultural bridge (and an amazing stage and 2nd floor balcony) coaxing a cultural experiment that strives to cultivate a better understanding of human complexity, cultural diversity, creativity and solidarity. Every night there is something for the curious-minded either live music, a literary event, film screening or a workshop. Terraza Café also encourages local and like-minded non-profits to rent the space for an event, meeting or fundraiser".

Two Finger Jake's
39 Sarah Drive
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(631) 390-8844
Long Island, New York: Blues and Jazz Club
Elegant and comfortable space which is also available for business meetings, private events, as well as film, video and photo shoots.

Vino di Vino at Trattorio Lincontro
(718) 721-3532
29-21 Ditmars Blvd @ 31 St, Astoria
Wednesdays 7:30 - 11:30, Fridays 8 - 12, featuring Jed Levy and other excellent guest musicians rounding out the piano, bass, sax trio.  Look no further, this is the place to be in Astoria on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Workshop39
NW corner,  39th Avenue at 29th Street
Long Island City, Queens
the place: "It's where we live, but it's neat." Wednesday sessions to 7:30-10:30pm.   Jacob Varmus (trumpet), Lars Jacobsen (woodwinds), Lee Alexander (bass), Don Peretz (drums), Jacob Garchik (trombone) and John Bollinger (drums). more information

York College
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
Jamaica, Queens
THE 2005-06 JAZZ FORUM ARTISTS

Monday, December 5, 5 p.m.
Jazz Forum #9 with bassist Luico Hopper
www.luicohopper.com

Monday, March 6, 5 p.m.
Jazz Forum #10 with saxophonist Oliver Lake
www.oliverlake.net 

Monday, April 3, 5 p.m.
Jazz Forum #11 with vocalist Gino Sitson
www.ginositson.com

Monday, May 8, 5 p.m.
Jazz Forum #12 with drummer Lenny White
www.lennywhite.com
All events will take place in the Performing Arts Center Lobby. As always, the Jazz Forums are free and open to the public.

Bronx Jazz Clubs
please submit names of other Bronx jazz venues (Email Bigapplejazz)

Bassline
(914) 699-1722
130 East First Street, Mount Vernon, NY 10550
$25 to $30 tickets for top flight jazz in Norman Connors' new Westchester nightspot, housed in a historic multilevel swing era speakeasy. 

Giovanni's Grand Concourse
G-Bar
(718) 402-6996
579 Grand Concourse (Yankee Stadium is within walking distance. )
The Bronx
The G-bar offers a full menu of Italian dishes in a serene atmosphere at affordable prices. Have a few drinks and a delicious meal, cooked to order, while enjoying the free Live Jazz, Tuesday and Thursday, from 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m.   Featuring the talents of: Bobby Curtis, Jennifer Jade, Dakota McLeod, Janice Robinson, Annette Aguilar, Sonido Magico, and up and comer Charli Rockstar.

Ibiza Lounge
646-256-9968
220 W. 242^nd Street
Riverdale, The Bronx
(one block west of the last stop on the 1 train = 242nd) 
This is an easy to get to Bronx hang for their two headliners, Eric Alexander and Joe Farnsworth when they are in town.  A great chance to hear world class jazz in the jazz wilderness of Riverdale.  The cover is $10.00, two sets every Thursday at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.  Drinks, no food - but restaurants nearby in this pleasant Bronx neighborhood.

PeaceLove Cafe
PeaceLove Facebook Page
617 Melrose Avenue (151st/152nd), Bronx, NY 10455
347-577-6397
Take #2 or #5 train to 3rd Avenue, 149th street and walk 2 blocks north.
Thursday: poetry 4:30-8PM.
Friday  LIVE JAZZ: 6PM -8:30PM - JAZZ / R&B: 8:30-11PM. Featuring Alvin Rogers.
Saturday Jazz Jam: 6PM-8:30PM.   THE Rahn Burton Band: 8:30PM-11PM
No cover/ tip bucket.  low minimums.  Great inexpensive natural food menu - nothing over $6.00!

Riverdale Gardens RIP 2008
(718) 884-5232
4574-4576 Manhattan College Parkway
The Bronx
Check them out for award-winning, cutting edge jazz trumpeter, Matt Schulman and the Schulmansystem Trio. on Thursday nights 9 to 11:30.  Sundays they feature jazz saxist, Jonathan Lorentz with his trio -- sets at 8 and 9:15.  This is purported to be a great restaurant and bakery and wine bar and now a great jazz venue in The Bronx. Call ahead for jazz updates and directions.

Sam's University Bar & Grill RIP
(718) 466-9719
1534 University Ave. (172 / Featherbed Lane)
The Bronx
Tuesdays is the only evening to catch live improvisational jazz at Sam's, Mondays is Karaoke.  Expect a $5.00 cover for the jazz night to compensate the players.  Music starts around 8:30.

Scottie's Lounge -- RIP
Closed as of Nov. 2004
(718) 601-3444
6697 Broadway (at 263rd Street)
Riverdale, The Bronx

Dear Friend, It is with great sadness that we must Close SCOTTIES. Due to increased costs (rent, utilities, taxes etc.) the constant visits by the 50 Pct, which caused our patrons (present and possible future) to think SCOTTIES is not a safe place and as a result of these visits creating an air of instability and un-safeness has made keeping SCOTTIES open at this time impossible. We are planning to re-open SCOTTIES in the future and hope that all who have patronized us in the past will be there for us in the future.
Again, THANK YOU FOR YOUR 2 ½ years of Patronage. We are sorry we could not make it three.
The Scott Family,
Eleanor, Steven, Stewart & Kelly

You must take the 1 Train...to 242nd Street and the Bx9 bus to 262nd Street.  Scottie's is not strictly a jazz club, offering everything from R&B to comedy.  To see the jazz players of the Bronx  jam, you must come on a Wednesday night.  A two drink minimum but no cover charge enforced before 7:00 PM.  The music starts then and to help out the musicians, $5.00 is asked till the music ends at 11:00 PM.  Come to hear Buddy Henry, Patrick Poladian, Dorothy Williams and other denizens of the mainland borough in this classy Bronx venue.  23 and over and a dress code is strictly encouraged.
 

Tito Puente's Restaurant and Cabaret  RIP
(718) 885-3200
64 City Island Avenue
City Island, Bronx,
Upscale Jazz, Blues and Latin Jazz Supper Club.  Music sets begin after 10:00pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  If you've never been City Island, this is another great reason not to miss out.  You don't know the full story of the Bronx till you make it out to this famous fishing and seafood village, which people more easily compare to New England then the Bronx.  Tito Puente's Restaurant is revamped and ready to entertain you.  Calll ahead for schedule of performers.