Visiting the States - Jazz Club Suggestions

**basinstreet** · 06-06-2015, 10:42 AM

A couple of months ago a friend convinced me to buy a plane ticket with him to spend my summer off uni in America. I finished uni yesterday and am flying to Detroit on Friday. It has suddenly hit me that (other then free accomodation in Detroit) I have made no plans whatsoever.

Impending embarrassing brit geography - we plan on staying around the east area (sorry if this is totally wrong) and seeing NY Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington. However, my friend and I have completely different tastes (he has none) and I was wondering a few things.

Can I have a few recommendations for Jazz clubs in above mentioned cities? Am I missing any blatant cities in that area worth seeing? and are any worth avoiding?

Would it be worth me spending some time on my own and making the trip down to New Orleans? This might be a staggeringly stupid question, but is there contemporary jazz there as well as the old stuff? (i'd like to see both, ideally but not just the former) and would I be able to bump into it if I walked around on my own?

Finally, I know its a jazz forum, but finally is there anything at all I would kick myself if I missed it whilst spending my summer in the states? walks, swims, art, nature etc

I know its incredibly broad thread but hopefully it will get the ball rolling from some like minded thinkers

Regards

**fumblefingers** · 06-06-2015, 10:52 AM

NYC for jazz clubs. Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, many other smaller ones. Can't go wrong for US jazz in NYC.

Also, there are jazz festivals - the Newport Jazz fest is one big one on the east coast!

Beaches aren't too great on the east coast with the exception of Florida. It's off season though, and pretty hot/humid.

A lot of people vacation in the west in the summer because of the mild, arid climate and lots of outdoor activities - not because of high culture. You may not make it this trip but California offers a lot - from the redwoods, to wine country, to Pebble Beach (for golf, since you're a Brit), to Beverly Hills, to Laguna Beach for the famous surfing and California beach lifestyle. The coastal "mediterranean" climate in southern California is unbeatable in the states.

Then there is Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Rockies. I prefer skiing but a lot of mountain nuts prefer summer sports/activities to winter. Colorado weather in the summer is hard to beat as well.

There is a little bit of jazz in California - but nothing like NYC.

Maybe next trip for the west, eh?

**basinstreet** · 06-06-2015, 12:51 PM

Thanks mate, that is exactly the sort of reply I was after.

I'd have to be a LOT better at guitar before I get involved in golf!

That does make the west sound very tempting, but i think it will be too much of a stretch to fit in this year. (still worth looking at flights though)

Getting my head round the scale of America is taking some getting used to - everything looks like a short blast in a car!

(we can comfortably drive east to west coast whilst it is still dark and my dad has walked it in just over a week.)

**snoskier63** · 06-06-2015, 02:52 PM

From New York to LA is 3000 miles, so it's not quite a short blast.

For music Chicago and New York have much to offer, and Cincinnati has a few nice clubs as well. If you are willing to drive a day or two Austin, Texas is possibly the ultimate city for music, and New Orleans had much to offer as well. LA might be kind of far, but surely has a strong music scene due to its shear size.

For beaches I would agree that Florida beaches are some of the best, not just in the US, but anywhere. As for it being hot, it is, but that is what summer and beaches are all about. The rest of the east coast isn't as good, but the Outer Banks of North Carolina offer excellent beaches, as well as interesting history as it is where the Wright brothers first took flight. New England beaches are okay, but they aren't worth the time and effort unless you will be there anyway. The Oregon and California coastline has some nice beaches, along with very scenic roads to drive. Search on best beaches of the United States and you will find all you need.

For nature the national parks are excellent. Yellowstone is in Wyoming, which would be a reasonable trek from Detroit. If you do an internet search on national parks of the United States you will find a list and description of each of the 58 or 59 throughout this country.

As for cities worth seeing:

Denver and Boulder, Colorado
Chicago, Illinois
New York, New York
Seattle, Washington
Boston, Massachusetts
Austin and San Antonio, Texas
New Orleans, Louisiana
San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, California
Orlando, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada

I'm sure I left off some great places, but I can't mention them all.

Places to avoid:

Not many, except for perhaps Baltimore, Maryland. There have been various issues lately that have caused unrest in some of the US cities, such as Baltimore and Chicago. I'm not mentioning this to get into a political debate or argument with anyone. I'm simply making you aware of this fact so that you and your friend can stay safe and have an enjoyable time while you are here.

**Stuart Elliott** · 06-06-2015, 03:09 PM

Non-baseball stuff. See a baseball game, still America's past-time. Baseball and jazz were closely intertwined. Two bass hit, etc. In fact,

The very word jazz may owe its origins to baseball. The first documented use of the word—meaning pep, or energy and vigor—occurred in a 1913 newspaper article about the San Francisco Seals.

There are world class museums in NYC: Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim, Natural History Museum, etc. US history sites galore in Philly and DC. If you go to DC, the Smithsonian museums are a must.

do a websearch for jazz festivals and jazz parties. Detroit has a world class jazz festival, but it's not until Labor Day.

Posters have made the case for NYC and the West Coast, let me make the case for the mid-west.

Four to five hour drive from Detroit to Chicago.

Here's a listing of blues clubs in Chicago. Many are on the northside and in walking distance, so you can catch more than one. Used to be --and may still be--that some clubs could be open to 5 am with others closing at 2 am.

Even better, Chicago Blues Festival is June 12-14!

Here's a listing of jazz clubs in Chicago.

Drive from Chicago to Kansas City is about 8 hours.

You might want to make a trip to Kansas City, visit 18th and Vine, the American Jazz Museum (check the "Blue Room" Performances), and visit Charlie Parker's grave. There is a pretty lively local jazz scene in KC with national quality performers. Take a look at the magazine of the KC Jazz Ambassadors for club dates. If you go the AJM, the Negro League Baseball Museum is in the same neighborhood.

It's about a 7 hour drive from KC to Memphis.

There is some non-trad jazz in New Orleans. Philip DeGruy plays there regularly. Steve Masakowski is a great modern guitarist and (one of his) band(s) Astral Project.

One advantage of your first idea of an East Coast trip is that there is much better public transportation there. Philly, NYC, and Washington are connected by rail.

**fumblefingers** · 06-06-2015, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by snoskier63

From New York to LA is 3000 miles, so it's not quite a short blast.

For music Chicago and New York have much to offer, and Cincinnati has a few nice clubs as well. If you are willing to drive a day or two Austin, Texas is possibly the ultimate city for music, and New Orleans had much to offer as well. LA might be kind of far, but surely has a strong music scene due to its shear size.

For beaches I would agree that Florida beaches are some of the best, not just in the US, but anywhere. As for it being hot, it is, but that is what summer and beaches are all about. The rest of the east coast isn't as good, but the Outer Banks of North Carolina offer excellent beaches, as well as interesting history as it is where the Wright brothers first took flight. New England beaches are okay, but they aren't worth the time and effort unless you will be there anyway. The Oregon and California coastline has some nice beaches, along with very scenic roads to drive. Search on best beaches of the United States and you will find all you need.

For nature the national parks are excellent. Yellowstone is in Wyoming, which would be a reasonable trek from Detroit. If you do an internet search on national parks of the United States you will find a list and description of each of the 58 or 59 throughout this country.

As for cities worth seeing:

Denver and Boulder, Colorado
Chicago, Illinois
New York, New York
Seattle, Washington
Boston, Massachusetts
Austin and San Antonio, Texas
New Orleans, Louisiana
San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, California
Orlando, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada

I'm sure I left off some great places, but I can't mention them all.

Places to avoid:

Not many, except for perhaps Baltimore, Maryland. There have been various issues lately that have caused unrest in some of the US cities, such as Baltimore and Chicago. I'm not mentioning this to get into a political debate or argument with anyone. I'm simply making you aware of this fact so that you and your friend can stay safe and have an enjoyable time while you are here.

to be fair and honest, Detroit is quite troubled as well. just look at the warnings from the police to the average person. they admit its deadly.

**pamosmusic** · 06-06-2015, 06:17 PM

Blue note, standard, and vanguard are way cool but pricey and would be bigger touring acts that you could probably see in - for example - London. Smalls, Cornelia St Cafe, Bar Next Door, 55 Bar, Whynot, Fat Cat, The Garage, Shapeshifter Lab, Korzo, Smoke, The Stone.

lots more but those are some cool ones that will have a lot more of the local baddassery.

**pamosmusic** · 06-06-2015, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by fumblefingers

to be fair and honest, Detroit is quite troubled as well. just look at the warnings from the police to the average person. they admit its deadly.

A list of entire cities to avoid is a little odd. Just be aware of where you are - wherever you are. For what it's worth Midtown has a higher crime rate than just about anywhere else in the city. Why? Lots of tourists in close quarters who don't watch their back pocket because they're in "the safe part"

**pamosmusic** · 06-06-2015, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by TruthHertz

Start in Greenwich Village, take in the food, the scene, the people in Washington Square park. It's all about the people.

Also the places I just listed ...

55 Bar, Smalls, Bar Next Door, Cornelia St. Cafe, Mezzrow, The Garage, and Fat Cat are all in the West Village within ten blocks of each other. Literally take the train there. Do all the stuff David said ... print out my list here.... close your eyes and point to one.

Can't go wrong.

**pamosmusic** · 06-06-2015, 06:36 PM

Shit they're so close together ... pick two.

**goldenwave77** · 06-07-2015, 08:00 AM

[QUOTE=basinstreet;538249]A couple of months ago a friend convinced me to buy a plane ticket with him to spend my summer off uni in America. I finished uni yesterday and am flying to Detroit on Friday. It has suddenly hit me that (other then free accomodation in Detroit) I have made no plans whatsoever.

Baker's Piano Lounge in Detroit---on Livernois Ave. just inside 8 Mile Rd.....1/4 mile inside Detroit city limits...this is a safe area of town...parking is cheap (3-5$)...music is available most nights of the week....decent soul food dinners reasonably priced (10-15$)...music charges are minimal...covers are 5$ and $10....this is a venerable club...check out the pictures---everybody who was anybody played there (Miles D., Clifford B., etc, etc.) the list goes on and on. I always check it out when I'm visiting the gf in Detroit. Probably doesn't get the A list talent anymore, there are fancier clubs downtown. Still worthwhile... I always have a good time there.

You really ought to consider some time in Nashville...probably more great musicians there than anywhere else...the Time Jumpers ("A list" studio players who play together are well worth seeing)...there is so much music in that town.

Detroit Jazz Fest (near Labor Day) might be the biggest jazz festival in the country...Pat Metheny and a LOT of other acts...Ron Carter lives in Ferndale (suburb bordering Detroit city limit)

Detroit is an 11 hr. drive from NYC...Cincinnati is 5 hrs. from Detroit.

**snoskier63** · 06-07-2015, 08:37 AM

Here is a list of jazz festivals.

Jazz Festivals

Newport is highly recommended... great music, great town.

**basinstreet** · 06-07-2015, 11:14 AM

this is brilliant.

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I will check out the festivals as it would be great to squeeze one or two of those in.

And the small venues are good too as i could easily spend a few nights on my own there.

Really appreciate the info

**basinstreet** · 06-07-2015, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by logictweek

I don't think NY, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, New Orleans is a convenient itinerary. I've done a lot of traveling and know how easy it is to underestimate travel distances and bite off more than you can chew.

NY-Philadelphia-Washington is a realistic grouping, they are relatively close are connected by train and bus. Branching out from there I would choose either New Orleans or Chicago but not both.

You might also want to consider heading up to Montreal from the NY area as another option. I've heard it's fantastic in the summer and has lots of entertainment.

Interesting points, thanks. I was thinking about making New Orleans the final stop, but I think I may then have to make it back to NY to get a flight home again.

**John A.** · 06-08-2015, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by basinstreet

A couple of months ago a friend convinced me to buy a plane ticket with him to spend my summer off uni in America. I finished uni yesterday and am flying to Detroit on Friday. It has suddenly hit me that (other then free accomodation in Detroit) I have made no plans whatsoever.

Impending embarrassing brit geography - we plan on staying around the east area (sorry if this is totally wrong) and seeing NY Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington. However, my friend and I have completely different tastes (he has none) and I was wondering a few things.

Can I have a few recommendations for Jazz clubs in above mentioned cities? Am I missing any blatant cities in that area worth seeing? and are any worth avoiding?

Would it be worth me spending some time on my own and making the trip down to New Orleans? This might be a staggeringly stupid question, but is there contemporary jazz there as well as the old stuff? (i'd like to see both, ideally but not just the former) and would I be able to bump into it if I walked around on my own?

Finally, I know its a jazz forum, but finally is there anything at all I would kick myself if I missed it whilst spending my summer in the states? walks, swims, art, nature etc

I know its incredibly broad thread but hopefully it will get the ball rolling from some like minded thinkers

Regards

NYC has many different jazz clubs, at different price points and styles. There are also things like open jams, free outdoor events, buskers, etc. worth checking out. A good starting point is to listen to WBGO (the main FM jazz station in the area). They have frequent announcements of who is playing where; their website (WBGO.org) has streaming audio and a calendar of events. TimeoutNY and the Village Voice also have pretty good listings. Clubs where you pretty much can't go wrong:

Blue Note
Village Vanguard
Smalls
Smoke
55 Christopher Street Bar
Cleopatra's Needle
Jazz Standard
Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center
Cornelia Street Cafe (some jazz, + poetry and folk music)

Other ideas:
Museums - I recommend the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and MOMA at a minimum; plus there are many smaller and/or more specialized ones (the Frick Gallery and the Guggenheim are great), plus you can wander the galleries in Soho and Chelsea for Free)
If you're into classical, there's always something at Lincoln Center, and they have a free outdoor concert series that's more eclectic

Central Park (depending on when you're around, there are free concerts of various genres in multiple spots + Shakespeare in the Park)
The High Line
Bryant Park
Washington Square Park (full of buskers and street performers)
Chinatown

If you want to get off the beaten track and/or out of Manhattan in terms of parks, there's great stuff in the Bronx (Wave Hill, Botanical Gardens, Bronx Zoo) and Brooklyn (Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Williamsburg and Fort Greene if you're into Hipster-spotting)

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk or bike across the George Washington Bridge

Someone downthread said the good east coast Beaches are in Florida, which is just plain silly. There are great beaches in NYC itself (e.g., Coney Island, Rockaway Beach, Riis Park), that are accessible by subway. Plus public beaches on Long Island that are all accessible bus or train. Great beaches close by on the Jersey Shore, as well. All kinds of other great outdoorsy stuff (hiking, biking, etc.) surprisingly close to NYC accessible by bus or train.

John

**snoskier63** · 06-08-2015, 03:40 PM

John,

That was I who said the best beaches in the east are in Florida, and based on this year's reviews of the top US beaches that is true. I love the NJ and NY beaches as much as you as I spent much of my childhood from Belmar down to Long Beach Island, and my later years at the beaches of Long Island where my brother and his family go (Lido Beach). Great beaches, just not the ones I would recommend to a traveler coming to the states for the first time. As a New Yorker I can appreciate your defense of New York, but my comment was simply based on annual rankings and left my personal views out of it.

**John A.** · 06-08-2015, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by snoskier63

John,

That was I who said the best beaches in the east are in Florida, and based on this year's reviews of the top US beaches that is true. I love the NJ and NY beaches as much as you as I spent much of my childhood from Belmar down to Long Beach Island, and my later years at the beaches of Long Island where my brother and his family go (Lido Beach). Great beaches, just not the ones I would recommend to a traveler coming to the states for the first time. As a New Yorker I can appreciate your defense of New York, but my comment was simply based on annual rankings and left my personal views out of it.

You said "Beaches aren't too great on the east coast with the exception of Florida."

With the understanding that the only reason I'm going to push back here is that I'm hoping to get banned by a moderator (NY doesn't need me defending it) ... OK, not silly. Just wrong.

John

**snoskier63** · 06-08-2015, 05:37 PM

Actually, that quote was attributed to another, whereas I at least gave support to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As for the Ramones and Rockaway Beach, you get no argument from me.

**eddy b.** · 06-17-2015, 10:07 PM

Basin Street come to New Orleans we have all the flavors of jazz you will bump into on the streets either Royal, Bourbon or Frenchmen it's all here plus some truly deliscious food... Hotter than Hot from now till October.

**basinstreet** · 07-02-2015, 12:41 PM

thanks everyone for the suggestions. havent had forum access for a while.

I have just made it to chicago which has blown me away. Staying right across from double door which I have read is meant to have good music which I will check out this week. Nice area too.

I didnt get to see any music in detroit unfortunately as I was very lost without a car there. I did make it to a see tigers vs white sox though which was cool.

Current route it going to be chicago - nashville - mephis - new orleans - orlando up the east coast to NY then Bosten. then back to NY and fly back to a family home halfway up a mountain in Wales. Going to be quite a culture shock!

**mr. beaumont** · 07-02-2015, 12:43 PM

Check out Andys, Green Mill, jazz showcase for jazz in Chicago. You just missed a free Snarky Puppy show in the park.

**Stuart Elliott** · 07-02-2015, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by basinstreet

Current route it going to be chicago - nashville - mephis - new orleans - orlando up the east coast to NY then Bosten.

When in Nashville, be sure to see the Time Jumpers, great Western Swing from some of the finest musicians in Nashville--or anywhere. They play Monday nights and the Third and Lindsey club.

**jasaco** · 07-02-2015, 02:48 PM

Slight spelling correction; it is: "3rd and LindsLey". I mention this, not to be a prick, but because I wouldn't want anybody to ever miss the Time Jumpers. If in town on a Monday night, you MUST go there. And show up early, cuz the line goes around the block...

3RD AND LINDSLEY :: OFFICIAL

**basinstreet** · 07-10-2015, 08:22 PM

Hi Jasco, i remember seeing a short clip of time jumpers a year or two ago, I hadnt realised they were in Nashville. I will probably stay til tuesday then to fit them in. Any other suggestions for music bars? I have walked broadway, which is cool but chaotic to say the least!

Mr B - cheers for the Andy's suggestion. I went to the jam on sunday and the standard was insane. Some of the younger guys are scary good

**jasaco** · 07-10-2015, 08:33 PM

Better check to make sure they will be playing on your particular Monday night. They seem to be traveling a lot this summer with Vince Gill around the country. that might be just weekend gigs and they're back in town for their regular Monday night but double check.