Jazz is best enjoyed live, and we all have our preferred venues for it.
We asked Jazz24 listeners to share their favorite local jazz club. We received over 100 submissions from all over the world, and a few clubs in particular are especially well-loved.
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, located near Jazz24’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington, was a frequent answer from listeners. This time-honored jazz supper club, which presents music nearly every night of the week, offers a cozy and upscale feel and a great menu of food and drinks to enjoy.
Birdland, in New York City, was another repeat submission. Located in what might as well be considered the capital of jazz due to the density of jazz musicians, clubs, and late-night jam sessions, Birdland is one of the city’s oldest and most storied jazz clubs.
Across the pond in London, England, Ronnie Scott’s was another top choice. Opened in 1959 by saxophonists Ronnie Scott and Pete King, this club presents new and seasoned jazz artists in a luxurious, red-velvet room designed to “bring audiences as close as possible to the music.”
Other favorites include Unterfarhrt, a popular underground club in Munich, Germany, the colorful Blu Jaz Cafe in Bali Lane, Singapore, and the retro Zinco Jazz Club in Mexico City.
Some listeners submitted clubs that are now closed, but not forgotten, including three San Francisco jazz venues — Basin St. West, Roland's and El Matador — Tonic in New York City, and Grooving High in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dig into the full venue list below.
More about Jazz24:
A service of KNKX Public Radio, Jazz24 is a 24/7 jazz streaming service, playing a diverse range of jazz artists, including foundational luminaries like Miles Davis and Billie Holiday, as well as contemporary greats like Diana Krall and Wynton Marsalis.
Jazz24 is accessible via Jazz24.org, the Jazz24 mobile app, third-party apps including TuneIn, myTuner, Airable, and Grace Digital, as well as your smart speaker. Jazz24 is made possible by the generous support of listeners.
