1. Beacon Theater
Location: Broadway by 74th Street
The Beacon Theater, a legendary cultural venue and national landmark, was opened in 1929 with the purpose of staging vaudeville acts, musical productions, opera, drama and movies. Since then the Beacon Theater has been known for live entertainment acts and cultural events. The venue, known for its acoustics, has seen many a star. Such famous artists as Bob Dylan, B.B. King, the Rolling Stones, Sting, Queen, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith and others have performed here. Each year in spring the Allman Brothers hold a series of concerts at the Beacon Theater. As there is always something interesting going on here, check the website for details!
2.Birdland
Location: 315 West 44th Street, between 8th and 9th Street
The Birdland, one of the most famous jazz clubs in New York, was originally situated at 1678 Broadway. Its name is connected with Charlie Parker, nicknamed ''Bird'', the renowned alto saxophonist, who was the major personality performing at Birdland, the Mecca of Jazz. The club, established in 1949, also attracted other jazz musicians who made regular appearances here playing and recording their hits. To mention but a few: John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Lester Young, etc. The newly-revived Birdland, in its present shape, is a modern three-story club with perfect acoustics. Come here to the ''Jazz Corner of the World'' to listen to top-class jazz while enjoying a delicious southern cuisine.
3. Village Vanguard
Location: 178 7th Avenue at 11th Street, Greenwich Village
The Village Vanguard, situated in a dark basement, has been one of major jazz scenes since its establishment in 1935. Originally, it hosted folk and poetry stars, like Harry Bellafonte and Pete Seeger. However, since 1957 the Village Vanguard is a venue where live jazz reigns. It has featured all the big names in the history of jazz. Such famous musicians have performed and recorded their jazz albums here as John Coltrane, Wynton Marsalis, Dexter Gordon, Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, etc. It has survived all the other jazz venues in NYC in its original site. Jazz stars still regularly perform here at 6-night-long engagements with sets beginning at 9:00pm and 11:00pm.No food is on offer at the Village Vanguard.
4.S.O.B.s
Location:204 Varick Street at Houston St
The Sounds of Brazil, commonly known as S.O.B.s, is situated in the heart of SoHo. Since its opening in 1982, it has been renowned as a venue for world music. Apart from the Brazilian sounds, one can take delight in listening to jazz, soul, reggae and African rhythms at S.O.B.s . Famous for its intimate setting and relaxed atmosphere, the S.O.B.s attracts both mainstream artists and less known musicians. The menu, mainly consisting of Brazilian and Latin specialities, is also regarded as the best in the area. Monday - salsa! The party never stops at S.O.B.s!
5.Joe's Pub
Location: Lafayette Street, between East 8th Street and East 4th Street
Joe's Pub, situated at the Public Theater, has been ranked among the top New York City's venues specializing in live music and performance. Since its establishment in 1998, Joe's Pub has hosted a wide variety of international leading artists from a wide spactacle of disciplines. Moreover, it has featured local emerging musicians. All kinds of music can be heard here. Joe's Pub, known for its perfect acoustics, warm atmosphere, classic Italian dinner menu and good drinkbar, holds three shows a day all week around. Good music and delicious food combined!
6.Knitting Factory
Location: 74 Leonard Street, between Broadway and Church Street
The Knitting Factory, set up in 1987, was originally meant as an art gallery and cafe with space for presenting experimental music performances. Nowadays, it has turned into the Knitting Factory Entertainment and comprises of two venues, one in NY and the other one in L.A. Over the years it has turned into a club which is home to genre-crossing music of rock and jazz. So far the Knitting Club has featured such world stars as Cassandra Wilson, Cecil Taylor, Bill Frisell and many others. The multistory club comprises 4 bars and 4 club halls, catering for all tastes. A popular meeting place!
7.Blue Note
Location: 131 West 3rd Street between MacDougal St. And 6th Avenue
Blue Note, situated in New York's Greenwich Village, is one of the chain of top jazz club-restaurants. Since its establishment in 1981, the Blue Note Jazz Club has been reputed as one of the best jazz clubs in the world. The club has featured such renowned artists as Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea, John Scofield, Chris Botti, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, etc. However, jazz is not the only music genre to be heard at Blue Note. New York's up-and-coming jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B and funk artists perform here during Monday Night Series and the bi-weekly Late Night Groove Series. Always rave reviews in locals papers! A must to jazz fans!
8.Iridium Jazz Club
Location: 1650 Broadway at 51st Street
According to New York Magazine, the best jazz club in New York, Iridium Jazz Club was set up in 1994. Newly refurbished, the club attracts international jazz fans with its state-of-art acoustics system and top-notch jazz musicians plus an award winning wine list and high-end cuisine. Iridium Jazz Club is also known for its intimate ambience and visually exciting design, which makes it a perfect venue for the hottest jazz acts. Every Monday the legendary guitarist, Les Paul, plays at the Iridium. Major artists such as Kenny Barron, the Jazz Messengers, Clark Terry have recorded here.