Blues, Jazz entertainment in New York City
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A
Stone
Created by renowned downtown jazz cat John Zorn, the Stone is about the music and nothing but the music, in all its experimental and avant-garde forms. The $10 cover goes entirely to the musicians, and there’s no bar or frills of any kind, just folding chairs on a concrete floor. Shows take place nightly (except Mondays) in the unsigned space, with a repertoire of psychedelically tinged Dixieland, alternative folk, electro-acoustic provocation and other instrumentalists working in a sometimes aurally-challenging landscape.
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B
Blue Note
This is by far the most famous (and expensive) of the city’s jazz clubs. Most shows are $20 at the bar, $35 at a table, but can rise for the biggest jazz stars, and a few outside the normal jazz act (um, Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald, anyone?). Go on an off night, and be quiet – all attention’s on the stage!
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C
St Nick’s Pub
You can literally take the A train to this amazing place to hear raw jazz created by musicians for musicians (beginning at 10pm nightly); the stage is taken by open jams on Monday and Saturday nights. Later in the evening, big-name jazz cats come from their bigger gigs around town, keeping it real and live here at the Pub.
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D
Jazz Standard
The lineup at this sleek and spacious music hall ranges from classic jazz to funk, blues, R&B and world. And adding real appeal to the music are the sizzling barbecue platters, courtesy of Danny Meyer’s award-winning restaurant Blue Smoke. Monday nights belong to the ever popular Mingus Big Band.
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E
Jazz Gallery
A cultural center rather than your typical jazz club – there’s no bar here, folks – the Gallery is for fans who are really serious about their music. The small space with great acoustics hosts several shows per week, often with two sets per night. Tickets are typically $10 to $20.
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F
Smalls Jazz Club
Living up to its name, this cramped but appealing basement jazz den offers a grab-bag collection of jazz acts who take the stage nightly. Cover for the evening is $20 (including a free drink Sunday through Thursday) – with a come-and-go policy if you need to duck out for a slice.
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G
Minton’s Playhouse
Back after three decades, Minton’s is a slicked-up version of the classic spot where the Bird joined Dizzy and Monk during the birth of bebop. There’s a two-drink minimum daily, plus a $10 cover most days.
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H
BB King Blues Club & Grill
Catch old-school blues performers – along with rock, folk and reggae acts and theme nights (eg Johnny Cash’s birthday) at this two-tiered, horseshoe-shaped room in the heart of the new Times Sq.
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