All Your Jazz » Venues

La Fonda Boricua Jazz Lounge In Harlem

drumminfabe — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:52:12 +0000

FB Lounge is a Jazz lounge in Harlem, NY. Bringing the flavor of Latin Jazz to the masses for about a year now, this is a great hang out and jam venue, offering a great mix of both musicians and style. Add the touch of traditional, home style cooking from Puerto Rico, and you have a place that is is friendly and welcoming to everyone in the community.

View Performance Calendar

FB Lounge

La Fonda Boricua Jazz Lounge , also known to many in the Harlem area as the FB Lounge, was opened in 2008 as an extension of the original La Fonda Boricua restaurant (which is across the street). Building on the success of the original restaurant’s Latin Jazz Thursdays, the Ayalas opened the FB Lounge as a way to continue in the Fonda tradition of combining great food, music and art in El Barrio.

The FB Lounge has become home to some of the most authentic live improvisational afro-caribbean and Latin music being played today. This is where New York City’s best come to jam, and on any given night, you never know who’s going drop by to sit in.

While it is true that many celebrities have been to The Fonda, the Ayala Brothers know that the strength of their business comes from the wonderful people of El Barrio. It is they who have made La Fonda the success it is today, and it is they who have kept the brothers focused, inspired and motivated all these years.

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Venue Details

Sets:
Unless otherwise stated, 7:30 pm & 10:30 pm

Cover:
$15-$30, depending on artist (some are free)
Reservations are recommended.

Attire:
Casual

Location:
FB Lounge
172 East 106th Street
New York, NY 10029
(212) 348-3929
http://www.fondaboricua.com

Iridium Jazz Club: A Must See For Jazz In New York

jazzman — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:53:09 +0000

Unlike other jazz clubs that force you to endure cramped tables, indifferent service and typical club food, the Iridium Jazz Club excels not only by presenting New York’s hottest jazz acts, but also with excellent cuisine, outstanding service, and one of the world’s most intimate and visually exciting club – designed by noted designer, Larry Bogdanow and Associates.

Perhaps this is why New York Magazine named us New York’s Best Jazz Club and The New York Times called us “one of New York’s major jazz clubs.”

- Performance Schedule
- Follow Them on Twitter
- Follow Them on Facebook

History

The Iridium Jazz Club has been thrilling International jazz fans since 1994 and is proud to announce an even better Iridium Jazz Club, now located at 1650 Broadway at 51st, in a historic jazz neighborhood. The New Iridium Jazz Club has been designed to be among the best live music experiences available anywhere!

Improvements to the club include a new state of the art Meyer Sound System conceived by no less an authority than the legendary guitarist Les Paul, Acoustics, Lighting, Design and a Recording Studio. What hasn’t changed is Iridium’s stellar roster of jazz artists, including Les Paul who plays every Monday, along with our Wine Spectator award winning wine list and upscale cuisine.

Iridium Jazz Club started with a mission in December 1994; present local artists in an attractive setting. New York’s jazz scene is littered with the remains of countless jazz clubs, who shot up quickly, only to close soon after. The Iridium took an unplanned evolutionary approach, utilizing local artists culled from homemade tapes. Soon, Iridium was “discovered” and was fortunate to begin operations in the midst of a jazz revival, the success of jazz at Lincoln Center, and an affluent West Side looking to experience a real NY Jazz Club.

The club has undergone several renovations to keep up with its increasing popularity. There have been many major releases recorded live at Iridium from such artists as Jacky Terrasson, Charlie Haden, Kenny Barron, Benny Carter, The Jazz Messengers, Sweets Edison, and Clark Terry.

Location

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Iridium Jazz Club
1650 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 582-2121
iridiumjazzclub.com

Corner of
Broadway & 51st

Small’s Jazz Club In NY: Not only one of the best places for jazz in NY but also has its own label

jazzman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:20:22 +0000

Tucked away in Greenwich Village, in New York City, is a small jazz club that has grown dramatically over the past decade. Bringing some of the finest jazz musicians the scene can produce, this venue has been home to many a big name – Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Josh Redman, Brian Blade, Sam Yahel, Roy Hargrove, Peter Bernstein, Mark Turner, Omer Avital, Jason Linder, Sasha Perry, Chris Byars, Ari Roland, Ned Goold, William Ash, Zaid Nasser, Spike Wilner, Grant Stewart, Larry Goldings, Joe Magnarelli, Guillermo Klein and Norah Jones among many, many others.

Apart from the great atmosphere and the fantastic music this club has to offer, you can also get a peek at SmallsLIVE, their own recording label that draws from live performances. With lost of names rolling through this establishment, the odds of seeing a performance that will be recorded for their label is pretty good. Drop by, have a drink, and listen to some great music at “New York’s Cutting Edge Jazz Club.”

Performance Schedule

The Club

Smalls was created in 1993 by jazz impresario Mitch Borden, a former nurse and the son of an art-gallery owner. The original Smalls was a raw basement space that quickly became the late-night hangout for a multi-generational assortment of jazz musicians. Many masters such as Frank Hewitt, Tommy Turrentine, Bubba Brooks, Jimmy Lovelace and Herman Foster made their final homes at Smalls and shared their musical legacy with an eager and dedicated younger crowd.

Many of the well-known musicians of the current jazz scene cut their teeth at Smalls during this period. The list of musicians who played at Smalls at that time is enormous and includes such luminaries as: Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Josh Redman, Brian Blade, Sam Yahel, Roy Hargrove, Peter Bernstein, Mark Turner, Omer Avital, Jason Linder, Sasha Perry, Chris Byars, Ari Roland, Ned Goold, William Ash, Zaid Nasser, Spike Wilner, Grant Stewart, Larry Goldings, Joe Magnarelli, Guillermo Klein and Norah Jones among many, many others.

During the financial trouble that followed New York City after September 11th, Smalls was temporarily forced to close. The control of the space changed hands briefly but the popularity of the club did not allow it to end. In February of 2007, musicians Spike Wilner and Lee Kostrinsky partnered with Mitch Borden with the goal of restoring Smalls back to its original freewheeling and bohemian vibe. The club has been beautifully renovated and a full bar is now in service. The comfort and feeling of the club is amenable to after-hours hangs and the music again goes all night.

The Recording Label

Not only is Smalls a great jazz club, but its also home to their very own live recording lable, SmallsLIVE. They say the focus is to capture top notch jazz groups in live performances at the club. The goal is to take advantage of the wonderful acoustic qualities of the room and preserve the excitement of a live performance. Artists are booked for two or three nights and recorded in an unobtrusive fashion. The audience hardly knows that a recording is taking place!

The artists are given full control of the material and of the choice of the cuts. The SmallsLIVE team of engineers, Ian Hendrickson-Smith and Glen Forrest, deliver the highest-level of sound quality, focusing on the strength of the room sound. The digital masters are then transferred to analog tape and then back to digital to create and warm and natural sound.

Past & Current Projects at SmallsLIVE

Details

Cover is $20, after-hours half-price. They don’t take reservations, so show up early for the show you want to see. Under-age people are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Smalls Jazz Club
183 West 10th street
New York City, NY 10014
www.smallsjazzclub.com

Creole Restaurant & Music Supper Club Present Latin Jazz Legacy Series

jazzman — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:04:27 +0000

Creole Restaurant and Music Supper Club in New York continues to raise artistic and showcase standards while invigorating the Harlem Jazz scene, and proudly presenting the Latin Jazz Legacy Series – featuring top stars on the Latin Jazz scene – Fridays and Saturdays in July and August (showtimes at 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm).

The following is a list of dates and performers for their July and August Latin Jazz Legacy Series:

July 17th & 18th (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)
Steven Kroon Sextet
Featuring Steven Kroon (congas & percussion), Adam Perez (piano), Waldo Chevez (bass), Bryan Carrott (vibraphone), Craig Rivers (sax & flute), Alex Garcia (drums) – The sultry jazz Latin style of master percussionist Steven Kroon has captivated audiences for over half a century. Kroon has lent his remarkable percussive skills to hundreds of recordings in the Latin jazz, pop, R&B and jazz genres as well as in concert settings around the world. Experience the Sextet’s hot and energetic Harlem Latin Jazz sound.

August 7th and 8th (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)
Latin Jazz All Stars
Featuring a stellar cast of musicians: Grammy-winning Brian Lynch (trumpet), Little Johnny Rivero (conga), Willie Martinez (drums), Hans Glawischnig (bass), Peter Branin (saxophones), John Di Martino (pianist, musical director) – Combining rhythms from African and Latin American countries with jazz and classical harmonies, these six masters will light your fire.

August 21st and 22nd (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)
Tribute To Ray Barreetto
Featuring the super-talented artists: Special Guest Steve Turre (trombone), Chembo Corniel (conga) Vince Cherico (drums), Boris Kozlov (bass), Peter Branin (saxophones), John Di Martino (piano) – Paying homage to the Grammy winning Latin jazz giant Ray Barretto – often called “the godfather of Latin jazz,” these accomplished musicians infuse new energy into his big sound.

August 28th and 29th (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)
Dr. Mambo & Experience Ensemble
Featuring Dwight Brewster (keyboards), Bill Jacobs (vibes/percussion), Alex Blake (bass), Neil Clarke (percussion), KC Benjamin (alto saxophone), Chacho Ramirez (drums/percussion) – Experience good, solid Tropical Caribbean Jazz music featuring the best African Caribbean Jazz musicians New York has to offer, and rhythms from around the world .

Check For Upcoming Events

About Creole:
Creole is known for its bright management, quality food and music and for bringing Jazz, Latin Jazz and R&B back uptown. Located in the heart of East Harlem, its ambiance is reminiscent of the nostalgic era of jazz supper clubs that spawned careers of countless jazz and blues artists who went on to make history.

At Creole, one is immediately comforted by warmth and hospitality, as well as international cuisine, which features dishes such as blackened spice catfish, sweet potato beignets, and 20 variations of classic gumbo. Proprietor Kevin Walters prides himself on this unique environment that marries art, music, culture, entertainment, food and a sense of community in one location.

Location:
Creole
2167 Third Avenue (Corner of 118th Street)
New York, NY 10035
(212) 876-8838
www.creolenyc.com

Cornelia Street Cafe In New York

drumminfabe — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:34:53 +0000

Having first opened on July 4th, 1977, the Cornelia Street Cafe in New York City was from the beginning, and still is, an artists’ cafe. From poetry readings to story telling to live jazz, this place has it all. This venue has bar area adorned with a beautiful oak bar, three dining rooms – one with a working fireplace – and in the summer establishes itself as one of Greenwich Village’s loveliest sidewalk cafes.

Over the years the Cornelia Street Cafe has presented an enormous variety of artists, from singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega to poet-senator Eugene McCarthy, from members of Monty Python to members of the Royal Shakespeare Company. It has offered a performance home to the Songwriters Exchange, the Writers Room, the Writers Studio, the Greek-American Writers Association, the Italian-American Writers Association, the New Works Project/Theatre, and many others.

In addition, Cornelia Street Cafe has become just as much a culinary as well as cultural landmark in the Village, gaining all kinds of acclaim as it won the 1998 Village Arts Award for “inspired cuisine.” Downstairs from the kitchen is their performance room, which host live jazz and poetry reading.

Performance Schedule

Dining reservations can be made online.
Reservations for shows downstairs can only be made by phone.

Location:
The Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 989-9319
www.corneliastreetcafe.com

Minton’s Playhouse Hosts 2nd Annual Jazz Marathon: July 4th & 5th

jazzman — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:52:51 +0000

Minton’s Playhouse hosts its 2nd Annual Jazz Marathon this weekend, starting at noon on July 4th and running until noon on July 5th. Performing artists include vocalist Dennis Day with The Billy Kaye Trio, chromatic harmonic/guitarist Enrico Granafei, Latin percussionist Hymie Rivera, drummer Kali Fasteau, and more.

As part of the marathon, from midnight until 4:00 am, Eli Fountain and Patience Higgins will lead a traditional late night jam session. Minton’s Playhouse invites all artists to come and participate.

For more information,visit their site or send them an email at info@mintonsuptown.com

Location:
Uptown Lounge At Minton’s Playhouse
208 W. 118th St, New York, NY
(212) 864-8346
www.mintonsuptown.com

Bargemusic: Great Venue In New York City

jazzman — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:48:55 +0000

Imagine a truly unique New York City location with charm, history and spectacular water views: a location that will delight even the most sophisticated socialite or businessperson. And envision this against the magnificent backdrop of the New York City skyline.

The venue is Bargemusic, a floating concert hall that The New York Times calls “inviting… ideally intimate… with grand views.” The 102-foot long covered barge, which was once used to transport coffee, is beloved by discriminating concertgoers around the world and is now one of New York City’s most unusual and enchanting event venues.

Located at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, Bargemusic began its Thursday Night Jazz Series in June 2007. Performance Schedule can be found on their site at www.bargemusic.org.

Background:

From its inception, Bargemusic has been committed to attracting local audiences and enhancing the cultural life of New York by offering frequent, year-round performances of chamber music in a fittingly intimate setting—the type of setting in which chamber music is meant to be heard. To make that unique musical experience available to as many people as possible, Bargemusic presents 220 chamber music concerts annually—four days a week, 52 weeks a year—and offers free tickets to a variety of groups every week, plus a monthly free concert open to the community.

For reservations and further information
phone: (718) 624-2083
fax: (718) 624-1155
email: info@bargemusic.org
web: http://www.bargemusic.org/
address: Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Monday Jazz At The Turning Point Cafe

jazzman — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:06:17 +0000

With its screened porch, woodstove, bright quilts, wainscoting and gleaming wood floors, the Turning Point Cafe is full of old-fashioned charm. The cafe, with ample bar, is crowded four or five times a week for performances.

Monday appears to be their feature night however, and on top of their great Monday lineups, they are offering great deals for these shows. Tickets for these shows are only $15, and there are 2 sets (8:00 pm and 9:30 pm). In addition, there is no drink minimum, though great drink prices are available.

Recent appearances included names like the Persuasions, Junior Wells, the Holmes Brothers, the Bobs and Freddie Hubbard, and coming up soon are Tommy Makem, Odetta and Fairport Convention, among others.

History:

The Turning Point was started back in May of 1976 by John McAvoy and his sister Diane. The name of the club was in dispute between John who wanted to call it “The SoHo” and Diane who wanted “Sojourners Truth” (a real mouthful). Their mother intervened and suggested finding the name of a song or album as the name. Well the name was found on one of John’s favorite performer’s album “The Turning Point ” by John Mayall.

The restaurant was created in a small room seating 36 people. After dinner, local musicians would come in to play and be paid by “passing the bottle”. In 1978 Diane and John with the help of some friends, bought the building that houses the Turning Point today. Finally moving into the new location in September of 1981. Opening on the first floor only at this time, there were always plans to get the Cafe open (in the basement).

Diane left the restaurant in 1979 finally settling in Austin, Tx.. In November of 1984 they presented Eric Anderson, the first of many concerts featuring nationally prominent musicians. The next to appear was Rambin’ Jack Elliott. Slowly more and more national acts came to the Turning Point. In August of 1985 they finally got the Cafe open. The opening night performer was a little known blues guitarist from Seattle named Robert Cray. More and more artists began to appear here, including Arlo Guthrie, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Mason, Poco, Orleans, Bela Fleck, Bill Monroe, Joan Osborne, Christine Lavin, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Richie Havens, Janis Ian, Rick Danko just to name a few. The rest is history, as The Turning Point continues to host some of the greatest names in jazz.

View their Performance Schedule.

Location:
Turning Point Cafe
468 Piermont Ave.
Piermont, NY 10968
(845) 359-1089
www.turningpointcafe.com

Visit Red White + Bluezz In Pasadena, CA

jazzman — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:09:17 +0000

While Food and Wine reviews continue to express that few places stimulate your senses like RedWhite+Bluezz, even fewer places offer three sets of Live Jazz Every Night (and Sunday Brunch). General manager, Russ Meek, goes to great lengths to offer guests a perfect evening of atmosphere, dining, and entertainment.

The attractive, contemporary restaurant is an intriguing medley: a wine bar offering tasting flights; a foodie destination with well-chosen cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate tasting flights; a New American grill with an up-scale menu; and a happening jazz venue. It’s an ambitious composition, but Meek hits all the right notes!

About The Venue:

The “Grill” is our elegant dining room visible on the corner of Raymond & Green, open every night at 5pm. Early in the week Duos and Trios play here, from a stage set near the front door and guests enjoying Happy Hour, Tasting Flights and Dinner at the Bar. For those who seek to focus on great food, wine and company away from the music, secluded quiet tables are available. The live music is not heard at all in the Grill on Jazz Club nights, as they are completely separate rooms.

The Jazz Club (nicknamed the “Bluezz” wing) is around back of the building, down the alley, off of Green Street. Open only Thursday-Saturday at 7:00 pm (or by private arrangement), this as close as it gets to a First-Class, old Chicago speakeasy. Actually larger in size than “the Grill” – white linen tables, famous musical art pieces and low ceilings complete the setting for LA’s greatest recent jam sessions and wine dinners. Usually packed by 8:30 pm for dinner, countless locals show up after 9:30 pm to await tables that free up on a “first-come” basis.

Some diners in “the Grill” commission their servers to arrange space for music after dinner when space permits, but generally the complete Dinner-Theatre dynamic is best started and finished back in “Bluezz.” The full menu is available in “Bluezz” until 10:00 pm, after which a wide list of tastings, classic appetizers and desserts complement our well-priced wine list and after-dinner drinks.

Who’s Performing:

Get an updated list of their Performance Schedules.

Details:

- Live Jazz every night of the week
- Most evenings offer 3 sets
- Except for special events, NO COVER CHARGE, but they only reserve tables for dinner.

Location:
RedWhite+Bluezz
70 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA
(626) 792-4441
www.redwhitebluezz.com

Regatta Bar In Boston

jazzman — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:21:36 +0000

Just the name, Regatta Bar, suggests tony leisure. Indeed, tucked away in a corner of the elegant Charles Hotel in Cambridge, near Harvard Square and the boating clubs along the Charles River, this “bar” is more night club than corner hang. Or rather, more jazz club than sports bar.

On the third floor of the hotel, the Regatta is hardly a small venue by jazz club standards, seating 225 when packed full, which it was both nights I visited. Tables and chairs nearly spill onto the stage area, simply a corner of the floor rather than a raised platform. An outer circle of high tables and chairs suggests a low mezzanine.

Although open and presenting music all year, it’s the Regatta’s Jazz Fest (running from February through April) that brings in a tight schedule of such high profile artists as McCoy Tyner, Cassandra Wilson, Kenny Barron, John Scofield, and Bill Frisell, to grab a few names off the spring 2009 calendar. And it was my fortune to be in the Boston area in the midst of this annual celebration of jazz, and to snare tickets for Freddy Cole and McCoy Tyner only two nights apart. Two very different musicians, two different experiences, both memorable in their own way.

The Regatta Bar opened its doors to the public on January 29th, 1985. Since then it has become the leading jazz club not only in Boston, but also New England. Named one of the “Best of Boston” by Boston Magazine an astonishing thirteen times, the Regattabar has made its mark on the cultural landscape of New England. Honors have also been bestowed on the Regattabar by the Boston Phoenix and the Improper Bostonian.

Performance Schedule:

View their Show Schedule online.

Details:

- In addition to showcasing acts not normally found on the Boston scene, the Regattabar is home to an annual Jazz Festival that features the best of today’s jazz.

- The famed 225-seat venue is located on the third floor of The Charles Hotel at One Bennett Street in Cambridge, MA.

- All Regattabar concerts are open to ALL AGES, thought we request that children under the age of 13 be accompanied by an adult.

Location:
Regatta Bar (Charles Hotel)
1 Bennett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 661-5000
http://www.regattabarjazz.com