February 26, 2019
Four Great Places to Hear Live Jazz In and Near NoMad
Since the “Roaring Twenties” when jazz music first exploded onto the New York scene, NYC has been known as an epicenter for great jazz, with some of the world’s most outstanding venues. The NoMad neighborhood is one of the cornerstones of this reputation—with a rich history as an entertainment destination and being home to the legendary Jazz Loft.
Between 1957 and 1965, dozens of jazz musicians would jam night after night in a NoMad loft on Sixth Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets. Among the luminaries who passed through the loft were: Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Zoot Sims, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes, Sonny Rollins, Roland Kirk, Alice Coltrane, Don Cherry, and many more. Much of what they played and said to each other was captured on audio tape and in still pictures by LIFE Magazine photographer W. Eugene Smith, who lived in the loft space next door.
If you are out on the town and are looking to enjoy a cocktail with a side of live jazz in NoMad, here are a few of the top venues worth trying out.
Jazz Standard
In one short decade, the Jazz Standard has become known as one of the world’s premiere jazz destinations and has been rated the Best Jazz Club by New York Magazine. Regularly hosting up-and-coming talent alongside celebrities like Branford Marsalis and Ravi Coltrane, the Jazz Standard presents a full calendar of nightly jazz coupled with some of the best Southern-style cuisine you can find in NYC, thanks to noted Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois. Enjoy a craft cocktail or choose from a generous selection of wines and beers, along with upscale small plates, delectable entrees or pit barbecue served family style—all served up with some of the finest jazz you’ll hear anywhere. (Don’t find fault with the prices—gratuity is already included. Jazz Standard is a non-tipping establishment.)
Jazz Standard
116 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 576-2232
The Flatiron Room
At this world-class whiskey lounge and restaurant, live jazz is presented nightly as part of the relaxing ambience. The Flatiron Room offers an upscale menu and more than 1,000 types of whiskey (along with a generous cocktail menu and full bar) in a comfortable dining room with a stage featuring a regular rotation of great local talent—with no additional entertainment cover charge. Light conversation is encouraged during the sets. Reservations are encouraged on their website.
The Flatiron Room
37 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10010
(212) 213-0969
The Jazz Gallery
For the more serious jazz aficionado, The Jazz Gallery is world-renowned as a key player in the NYC jazz community, focusing on mentorship, education and artistic excellence. The New York Times has referred to it as “the most imaginatively booked jazz club in New York.” Among its calendar of offerings are regular programs pairing young talent with seasoned pros, as well as original commissioned works by emerging jazz composers. Taken together, this means you’re likely to hear something fresh, new and innovative almost every time you show up. The Jazz Gallery currently offers performances three nights a week; check their calendar for the latest offerings.
The Jazz Gallery
1160 Broadway
New York, NY 10001
(646) 494-3625
Fine & Rare
If the other venues mentioned above are full or sold out, and if you don’t mind walking a few blocks north from NoMad up Fifth Avenue, check out Fine & Rare on East 37th Street. Owned and operated by the creators of The Flatiron Room, Fine & Rare promises visitors a taste of “old New York” with an upscale menu, original cocktails and rare, curated spirits in an elegant atmosphere of custom artwork and interesting décor. And it’s all accompanied by live jazz nightly.
Fine & Rare
9 East 37th Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 725-3866