Friday, August 7, 2015

Part II: 7 Great Places to Hear Cool Jazz on a Budget in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie - (New York, NY) Jazz clubs are not the only place to hear great music. In NYC, there are several unique venues to enjoy jazz on a budget.
(photo: Evi Abeler)

UNIQUE JAZZ VENUES
Saint Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Ave, at 54th St; Tel: 212-935-2200; www.saintpeters.org
Saint Peter’s Church is a sanctuary for jazz! There's a Jazz Vespers (Sun, 5pm, Free) and Midday Jazz Midtown in the Sanctuary (Wed, 1pm, Cost: donation).


Louis Armstrong House Museum
34-56 107th St, Corona, Queens; Tel: 718/478-8274; www.louisarmstronghouse.org
Any jazz lover should make a pilgrimage to the house "Satchmo" lived in from 1943 until his death in 1971 in this working-class, Queens neighborhood. An added treat is the Summer Concert Series in the magnificent garden. With the addition of the new Louis Armstrong Center, just across the street, there will be year-round events.
Lucky Dogs Jazz Band with "Satchmo"


Jazz Foundation of America/Local 802 - Monday Night Jam
(Mondays: 7-9:30pm; Free; Local 802, 322 West 48th St.)
For the past 30+ years, the Jazz Foundation of America has helped keep jazz & blues alive by aiding musicians in-need. This includes musicians who've played with everyone from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. On Monday nights, you can hear some of these greats, along with up-&-comers, jam for free!
Nick Hempton

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
58 West 129th St; Tel: 212/348-8300; www.jmih.org 
The Jazz Museum offers concerts, educational exhibits, and several interesting programs such as “Jazz for Curious Listeners” and “Harlem Speaks,” an interview series; it's definitely worth a visit. The NJMH also does events in conjunction with the Jazz Foundation & Jazz at Lincoln Center.

AFFORDABLE JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER & JUILLIARD
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th St; www.jazz.org
There are several affordable ways to enjoy jazz at this great venue: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola - Late Night Session ($5-$10, after 11pm); The Appel Room - Hot Seats ($10) for select concerts. Listening Parties - (Free) Listen to new jazz albums with the

Dizzy's Club (photo: Frank Stewart)
performers who recorded them or learn about late, great jazz artists.
Call: 212-258-9800 to find out about more JALC free/cheap events.


The Juilliard School (Tel: 212/769-7406; juilliard.edu) Throughout the school year, Juilliard offers many, free & affordable jazz concerts by The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and the Juilliard Jazz Ensembles in Paul Hall (155 West 65th St) and other venues. Since most Juilliard grads go on to fame-and-fortune, hear them now for free! (Live Stream some concerts.)
FREE SUMMER JAZZ FESTIVALS IN NYC
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (August) & Jazz Mobile (July & August).
Jazz Nights in NYC
Jazz fans check out gigs for the fabulous sax players Nick Hempton and his band and the great Mike DiRubbo
Find out about other festivals and New York City's jazz scene all year long from: Hot House Jazz & The New York City Jazz Record.
(Due to COVID, please double check all event listings before heading out!)

No comments:

Post a Comment