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 (Sundays, 5pm, Free) and midday Jazz on the Plaza in the summertime (July thru early Sept; Thursdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm, 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 

- Monday Night Jam

(Mondays: 6pm, be sure to check the calendar; Free at the Jazz Museum)

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. Usually, 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 - Late Night Session ($15, after 11pm); Hot Seats ($10) for select concerts in the Rose Theater; The Appel Room ($10 for students); 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.

(Even post-COVID, please double check all event listings before heading out!)

15+ Musical & Cool Reasons To Visit Leipzig, Germany

By Jacquelin Carnegie  

St Thomas Boys' Choir

 

Leipzig has been a city for 1,000 years, managing to beautifully preserve its history without getting stuck in the past. Once home to music legends Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Robert Schumann as well as Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler, Leipzig should be on any music lover's itinerary. Recently, Leipzig has become a Mecca for a new music scene and a haven for contemporary artists, as old factories are converted into studio spaces. Come discover Leipzig's past, present, and future!

DISCOVER LEIPZIG'S MUSICAL HERITAGE
Leipzig is called the "City of Music" because the world's most preeminent composers worked and lived here from the 18th to the 20th century.

It's a thrill knowing they walked these same streets as you stroll around the beautiful, historic center.
Leipzig Music Trail - Walking or Bike Tour
There's an online map with a guide highlighting some 23 places where all these famous composers worked, lived, and performed, then do a walking or bike tour to check out the sites. If you'd prefer a guided tour, Leipzig Tourism has some tours to choose from.
Get Your Guide offers several low-cost tour options (make sure you select one in English, if you don't speak German).

THE MUSIC SCENE: THEN & NOW
First walk and/or bike around to get a feel for this lovely city, then listen to music in some pretty special places:
Thomaskirche - St. Thomas Church
Thomaskirchhof 18; http://bit.ly/20Na3YE
The church is known for the renowned St. Thomas Boys' Choir, once directed by none other than Johann Sebastian Bach. The Choir's repertoire has remained unchanged for 800 years and you can enjoy one of their weekly performances. (Fridays, 6pm - Vespers; Saturdays, 3pm - Bach cantata; Admission Fee: Purchase at the church or online.)

The Bach Museum
Thomaskirchhof 15/16; www.bachmuseumleipzig.de
Bach was an influence on Leipzig’s musical life from 1723 until his death in 1750. Relive that period at the museum, adjacent to the church.
Mendelssohn House
Goldschmidtstrasse 12; www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de
The house features the Mendelssohn family's former living quarters and numerous interactive displays about the composer's life and works. Also learn about Felix's equally-talented sister Fanny who was a musician & composer in her own right. (Performances: Every Sunday, 11am, concert in the music salon.)
Gewandhaus Concert Hall
Augustusplatz 8; www.gewandhausorchester.de
Treat yourself to a concert by the world-famous Gewandhaus Orchestra, the oldest civic concert orchestra in Germany, established in 1743.

Gewandhaus Orchestra (photo: Jens Gerber)

Leipzig Opera House
Augustusplatz 12; www.oper-leipzig.de/en
Hear fantastic operas, musicals, and also see ballet at Oper Leipzig, founded in 1693, twice voted “European Opera House of the Year.”

THE NEW, HIP CULTURAL SCENE
While classical music is still lauded here, Leipzig is now considered the #1 destination for "Yuccies" (young, urban creatives) as the former industrial areas such as Plagwitz and Connewitz are transformed into neighborhoods for artists and students with cultural spaces, galleries, start-ups, and eateries. Check out these hip venues:
UT Connewitz (Wolfgang-Heinze-Strasse 12A; utconnewitz.de) - This old theater is now a cool music hall that also presents films and performance pieces.

Spinnerei, Plagwitz

Werk II (Kochstrasse 132; werk-2.de) - A former factory, now a hip scene for an eclectic mix of music and events.
Conne Island (Koburgerstrasse 3; www.conne-island.de) - A punk rock & hip-hop music venue.

THE ART SCENE
Leipzig has marvelous museums such as the MdbK (Museum of Fine Arts) & the GRASSI (Museum of Applied Arts) and as old factories are converted into art studios and gallery spaces, a whole new art scene has emerged.
SPINNEREI
Spinnereistrasse 7; www.spinnerei.de
The Leipzig Baumwollspinnerei was once Europe's biggest cotton mill. Now, the factory has been transformed into an arts complex with studios for 100+ artists, 14 art galleries including HALLE 14 and Eigen + Art, and workshops for architects, designers, printers, and jewelry and fashion creators. There is also: a place to stay, Meisterzimmer; the LuRu cinema, and a theater and dance center. Explore it all on a guided tour. 

G2 Artspace

Eigen + Art: an influential Germany gallery in the Spinneri, is credited with promoting the "New Leipzig School" of neo-realistic painters such as the artist Neo Rauch.

MUSIC FESTIVALS GALORE
Classical-music lovers take note of the many, marvelous annual festivals such as:

Bachfest www.bachfestleipzig.de 

(June) - World-class musicians and international orchestras celebrate Bach with over 100 events, including “Cantata Day” when ten Bach cantatas are performed back-to-back!

Chamber Music Festival  http://bit.ly/1EFgsNS
(September) - "Con Spirito" This annual festival features music by Robert Schumann, the brilliant composer, his wife Clara, the talented pianist, and their composer friends who made beautiful music together in Leipzig in the early 1800s. (In addition to the festival, concerts are held throughout the year in the Schumannhaus museum.)

FOR LITERATURE LOVERS
Since Medieval times, when Leipzig was at the crossroads of two important trade routes, the city has been a thriving center for commerce and culture. In addition to famous musicians, Leipzig has some impressive literary landmarks:

Leipzig Book Fair - Literary Festival “Leipzig Liest” (Spring)

Leipzig is still referred to as the city of printing and publishing as this book fair--dating from the 15th century--is one of the most important in the world. And, now, its famed Literary Festival “Leipzig Liest” (Leipzig Reads) includes an English-language reading series.
Schiller House

"Shiller"

Menckestraße 42; http://bit.ly/1HIP2Tj
In 1785, Friedrich Schiller, the 18th-century German poet and playwright, lived and worked in this small farmhouse.
Auerbachs Keller (Mädler Passage, Grimmaische Strasse 2-4; http://bit.ly/1GXUdE7) - Established in 1525, this historic old tavern was a favorite hangout of Goethe, who was in Leipzig from 1765 to 1768 studying law. Lucky for us, he preferred poetry and the establishment's Fasskeller (barrel cellar) is

Barthels Hof

immortalized in Goethe's masterpiece, "Faust."

MAKING YOUR TRIP EASIER:
Leipzig Card - Gives you free rides on all public transport (bus, train, trams), along with free or discounted entrance to museums, attractions, events, & sightseeing tours, and reduced prices at select restaurants and stores.
Leipzig Tips - Interesting off-the-beaten-path things to do. Tips on neighborhoods, dining, lodging, and sightseeing via the Explore Leipzig App.

Dining: You can find everything from traditional German fare to vegan meals, from budget to pricey. These two places represent the old and the new Leipzig, from down below to on high:
Restaurant Ratskeller (Lotterstrasse 1; www.ratskeller-leipzig.de)
- This historic tavern, located in the underground vaults of the Neues Rathaus (new city hall) built in 1904, serves Saxon cuisine favorites such as roast pork, schnitzel and dumplings in a very traditional setting.

Marktplatz (photo: JCarnegie)

Panorama Tower - Plate of Art (Augustusplatz 9, 29th fl; www.panorama-leipzig.de) - Enjoy imaginative, nouvelle cuisine and spectacular views of the city.
Classic Coffee Houses: After sightseeing, relax over coffee and some Leipzig pastry specialties at Coffe Baum, Kaffeehaus Riquet, & Café Kandler.
Where to Stay: There is every type of accommodation imaginable from top hotels to Airbnb choices.
Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
Salzgäßchen 6; steigenberger.com/Leipzig
This lovely hotel, in an historic building in the heart of the old city center, is within walking distance of all the highlights.
Getting There: Most flights from the US to Leipzig are connecting, but Leipzig is only one hour by direct train from Berlin, so combine a visit to both. 

Leipzig City Center (photo: A. Kliushnyk)

More Reasons To Visit

Leipzig is a beautiful, little city with so many wonderful things to see and do from the terrific, year-round music offerings to its famous Christmas Market. Live it up in the hip pubs & clubs or quietly reflect in Nikolaikirche - St. Nicholas Church, the oldest in Leipzig, celebrating 850+ years. Come discover it all for yourself, you won't be disappointed!

Part 1: Hear Great Jazz on a Budget at 5 Clubs in NYC

(photo: Evi Abeler)

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

Baby, when it’s cold outside, jazz will warm you up. And, when it’s too darn hot, jazz will cool you down. New York’s known for its big jazz clubs—the Blue Note, the VillageVanguard, and Birdland. But, you can hear great jazz in several smaller, more affordable venues.

THE BEST CLUBS FOR GREAT AFFORDABLE JAZZ

Downtown:

Small's Jazz Club

183 West 10th St.; Tel: 212/252-5091; 

www.smallsjazzclub.com

(Open: Daily, 7pm-4am; Cost: $25-$35 cover; students $10; 1 drink minimum; Get here early!)

Small’s is indeed a small, low-key venue that’s especially popular with jazz musicians themselves. After playing their own gigs, they come here to groove to the sounds of their compatriots and, occasionally, even to sit in on sets. There’s drinks, but no food.
Mezzrow (163 West 10th St.) Small's also runs Mezzrow, a nice jazz piano lounge, right down the block. (Live stream shows from both clubs for free.)

Zinc Bar

82 West 3rd St., btw Thompson & Sullivan; Tel: 212/477-9462; zincbar.com

(Open: Nightly, 6pm-3am; Cost: $25-$35 cover; 1 or 2 drink minimum)

This very nice space puts a spotlight on Brazilian, Caribbean, and Afro-Cuban jazz. There’s a pleasant bar area, where there's no cover, or sit at tables closer to the action.

The Django
The Roxy Hotel, 2 Sixth Ave, btw Walker & White St; Tel: 212/519-6649; http://www.thedjangonyc.com

(Open: Nightly; Cost: $35 cover, plus a 2 drink minimum per person)
Downstairs at The Roxy Hotel, The Django jazz club has a very cool, yet welcoming vibe. Fantastic musicians, plus drinks, cocktails, and a full menu. There are two featured performances each night, 2 sets per show. (1st performance: sets, 7:30pm & 9pm. 2nd performance: sets, 10:30pm & 12am.)

Midtown:

The Jazz Gallery

SFJAZZ Collective (photo: GA-Photos)

1158 Broadway, at 27th St., 5th fl; Tel: 212-242-1063; jazzgallery.nyc

(Open: Wed-Sat; Sets: 7:30pm & 9:30pm; Cost: $20-$35*)

This is the place for serious jazz aficionados. No food or drinks are served, just pure listening pleasure. The Jazz Gallery moved into this space in the hip & happening Flatiron/NoMad district, after many years downtown. (*Become a member or get a JazzPass for even cheaper tickets and special deals. Also, Live Stream some shows for a moderate fee.)

Smalls, jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel  

Jazz Bulletin: To find out what’s happening on the jazz scene in New York City on a regular basis, check out: HotHouse Jazz & The New York City Jazz Record. But, jazz clubs are not the only place to hear great music. Discover several unique venues to enjoy jazz on a budget in Part II.

Saying Goodbye: COVID dealt a blow to several wonderful venues including the off-the-beaten-track 55Bar and Harlem's famous jazz hangout, Showman’s, opened since 1942. We bid a fond, but very-sad, farewell.  

Part I: 10 Ways To Hear Great Music On a Budget in Paris

By Jacquelin Carnegie

(Artist: Felipe Ferrer Ceroni)

In Paris, no matter what your taste in music--jazz, rock, world or classical--you can find a place to hear it on a budget. In certain cafes and bars, there’s often no cover and just a one- or two-drink minimum. Then, there are other affordable alternatives that include a meet-&-greet reception with the musicians. Check out these delightful options:
MEET THE MUSICIANS
Classical Cool

Sinfonietta Paris - Music by the Glass 
sinfoniettaparis.org (Concerts: €25)
Sinfonietta presents talented young musicians performing lesser-known works by famous, classical composers. The Music by the Glass concerts are in lovely, intimate settings followed by a wine-and-hors-d'oeuvre reception where you can chat with fellow music-lovers and meet the musicians; an absolutely delightful way to spend an evening in Paris.

Give Beats a Chance

Fresh Dixie

Sofar Sounds www.sofarsounds.com/paris (Concerts: around €15) This is a way-cool concept: Talented young musicians perform in unique, intimate settings such as a beautiful private home or hip art gallery. On the bill for each concert are three acts, selected by a panel of music experts. Sofar (Songs From A Room) concerts take place all over the world. This is a great way to discover terrific new musicians.

DISCOVER NEW VENUES
Jazz & More

Tiphenn Fauchois

Bab-Ilo
9 Rue du Baigneur; Tel: +33 1 42 23 99 19; babilo
18th arrondissement, Metro: Jules Joffrin (Open: Thurs-Sun nights; Cost: From "pass the hat" to €10-20, depending on the show)
This funky, little downstairs club features an eclectic mix of African, Caribbean and Brazilian jazz groups. If you're lucky, you'll hear the fantastic Tiphenn Fauchois singing world-music infused jazz accompanied by terrific musicians such as Georges-Ed Nouel on piano, Tommie Lee Mckenzie on bass, Didier Haboyan on saxophone, and Armando Assouline on percussion. 
Bab-Ilo's Sunday Night Jam (7:30pm-10pm): Hear great Brazilian bossa, samba & jazz.

Floating Entertainment

Peniche Anako
Bassin de la Villette, in front of 34 Quai de la Loire; penicheanako.org; 19th arrondissement, Metro: Stalingrad or Jaurès (Cost: Free to €5-20, depending on the show)
A truly unique and wonderful place to hear music in Paris is on a barge (peniche). There are several to choose from, but the Peniche Anako presents a fantastic lineup of international musicians in this delightful setting several nights a week. (Be sure to arrive early to ensure a good seat.) Drinks served on the deck, music down below!

Bars With Benefits

Naomi Greene

 

Le Truskel
12 Rue Feydeau, www.truskel.com
2nd arrondissement, Metro: Grands Blvds or Bourse; Live music, 8:30pm; DJ, 10pm (Cost: Free, buy drinks)
This is a dive bar in a nice neighborhood, with good live music, followed by a DJ, and lots of beer. If you're looking to hang with twentysomethings, this is your spot and you might get to hear someone talented.

Le Fokus
12 rue Leon; 18th arrondissement, Metro: Château Rouge (Thurs, 7-11pm; Cost: No cover; buy a drink)
Get to know the locals at this little neighborhood bar. On Thursday evenings, hear some terrific music in this so-small-you-can-kiss-the-musicians space. D'Jam Orchestra - Features an eclectic mix of genres. Tiphenn Fauchois' world-music infused jazz with Tommie Mckenzie on base; Anna Morse on accordion singing traditional French chansons; and Ameth Sissokho on guitar, singing and strumming African rhythms.

MORE FREE CONCERTS
There are many ways to hear great music on a budget all year long:
Kiosques en Musique - Music Kiosk Concerts (May-Sept)
In Parisian parks and gardens, kiosks, dating from 1890 to 1920, have recently been restored and upgraded. Enjoy free concerts featuring all kinds of music from classical to electronic.
Fête de la Musique (June 21)

Each year, the summer solstice--the longest day of the year--is celebrated worldwide with music. It started in France; in Paris, it's a daylong musical fest. Hear musicians for free in the streets and parks, and at low-cost in bars and concert halls.
Parc Floral de Paris - Bois de Vincennes
Esplanade du Château de Vincennes, route de la Pyramide, 12th arrondissement - During the summer and fall, several music festivals take place in this park. While the concerts are free, there is a fee to enter the park; nominal by day, slightly higher at night: Paris Jazz Festival (June-July) - Features concerts by major, international jazz musicians. Festival Classique au Vert (Aug) - Free classical music concerts every weekend at 4pm. Pestacles (June-Sept) - On Wednesdays, family-friendly entertainment and concerts.
For a list of free (gratuit) concerts year-round, try this site (in French): Lylo.
Where To Stay: To get the most out of Paris, stay in a variety of places all around town.