... is certainly the most famous and gets top notch musicians. It has been there for 70 years. The room is lined with photos of the jazz titans that have played there. MANY fabulous live LPs were recorded there, not the least of which is John Coltrane Live at the Village Vanguard - a seminal jazz recording. The only problem is it is pretty cramped, but that is true of many jazz clubs. Birdland is another good one. Jazz Standard. Iridium.
Iridium is great and upscale. Have always enjoyed my time there. Blue Note is the default for upscale, but expensive. The Vanguard is the classic. Saw Miles, Monk, Sanders, and Coleman there. But, it isn't really upscale. It is more of an earlier age when frills weren't in vogue. I'd compare it to the Village-A-GoGo, where the best blues groups, Cotton, Butterfield, BST, the Blues Project, etc. performed.
My son is 19 and, last time he was visiting me up here in Manhattan, I was searching for a club, bar or even a restaurant around Midtown with good live jazz band. Couldn't find anything. He's a musician, LOVES jazz and most bars I called didn't let under 21 get in at night. He will be back to visit me soon and I want to have a jazz club in my list of places to go with him. Even if is out of the Midtown area is fine. Thanks!
While you may have trouble getting him in at night, quite a number of clubs do a Jazz brunch which should not be a problem, just google Jazz brunch NYC and you will find a number of locals, and just call to make sure that they don't have a problem. Have fun.
There is the Hotel Kitano on 39th and Park ave which is a Japanese owned hotel that has a sushi lounge that has live jazz on Sat and Wed nights. I don't think they check IDs as its a lounge that serves food.
I went to Iridium once and had a great time...however, it was very loud. Could'be just been the night I went, as the featured performer was an electric guitarist.
I believe that Hillstone on 54 and 3rd has live jazz most nights.
As for restaurants in Midtown East or UES, few of my favorites are: Wolfgang Steakhouse (33rd and Park), Cafe Boulud (E. 76rd and 5th), and Quattro Gatti (E. 81 and 3rd). You are more than welcome to PM me for more suggestions...I lived in both neighborhoods.
If you need more info PM me It is TRUE upscale place if you wish find one I surprised that no one recommended it to you .. : it is actually jazz concerts of top artists place wher you can take a lady in evening gown with open back dance slow and have a table with food People do not dance there but if you lady wish and you are both an artists - you can take her on dance floor :0 I did danced there twice rlly nice place with real nice city view from the top .. if nee more inf PM me I will give you info or just Google Dizzy Jazz club link is
Here's a site that I've always liked because it lists places large and small, from jazz concert halls to hole in the walls to restaurants that regularly hire jazz musicians to play for their patrons (like the Knickerbocker in the Village):
Unfortunately it looks like your attempt to purchase VIP membership has failed due to your card being declined. Good news is that we have several other payment options that you could try.
VIP MEMBER
, you are now a VIP member!
We thank you for your purchase!
VIP MEMBER
, Thank you for becoming VIP member!
Membership should be activated shortly. You'll receive notification!