Hearing Jazz in NYC

[blank]

I want to start hearing more jazz at night in New York City.

Where to do this?

I know of the staples (Blue Note, Small's, Vanguard) though haven't been yet. Does every club charge a cover? Are there any off the beaten path that you recommend?

 

[Septavius]

Originally Posted by blank

I want to start hearing more jazz at night in New York City.

Where to do this?

I know of the staples (Blue Note, Small's, Vanguard) though haven't been yet. Does every club charge a cover? Are there any off the beaten path that you recommend?

Birdland is another place. The cover charge differs depending on who is playing.

 

[ryansmith]

Little Branch

 

[CunningSmeagol]

55 Bar and Smoke are less obvious but respected and always have good music. It seems like the vanguard always has Paul Motian, at least the last few times I've been to NYC.

 

[feynmix]

Zinc Bar is a good place. Small and Vanguard can be pricey - cover is usually $25.

 

[highball]

+1 for smoke and birdland. Also heard good things about zinc bar, but I've never been.

 

[Vince Lombardi's Ghost]

Sorry for dragging up a dead thread but are these places good for a drop in? I'm going to be in the area sometime in Oct but don't know if I can make a show until the last minute. Do I need to get a spot in advance or can I be reasonably sure of finding an act to enjoy the night of or will I be turned away at the door.

 

[bullethead]

Dizzy's Club Coca Cola is one of the best.

 

[ecs135]

Originally Posted by Vince Lombardi's Ghost

Sorry for dragging up a dead thread but are these places good for a drop in? I'm going to be in the area sometime in Oct but don't know if I can make a show until the last minute. Do I need to get a spot in advance or can I be reasonably sure of finding an act to enjoy the night of or will I be turned away at the door.

I think you could usually drop into Smalls, and 55 Bar is right down the street in case you want to check who is playing and whether you can get in.

 

[lefty]

http://www.arthurstavernnyc.com/

lefty

 

[highball]

Originally Posted by Vince Lombardi's Ghost

Sorry for dragging up a dead thread but are these places good for a drop in? I'm going to be in the area sometime in Oct but don't know if I can make a show until the last minute. Do I need to get a spot in advance or can I be reasonably sure of finding an act to enjoy the night of or will I be turned away at the door.

Depends on who is playing and how popular they are as well as the size of the club. I've gotten into Smoke before as one of the last people in just by showing up 15 mins or so before showtime, but that's a gamble. Not sure about other venues. If you get there far enough in advance (30mins to an hour perhaps) so that you're one of the first in line, and it's not someone huge playing you should be ok

Originally Posted by bullethead

Dizzy's Club Coca Cola is one of the best.

Depends on what you're looking for. Dizzy's has a great view and gets some good acts but the atmosphere is definitely not a traditional jazz club, if that's what you want.