New York City's Jazz Venues

Are you a jazz enthusiast, or just trying to familiarize yourself with this antediluvian musical form? Well, here are a couple of spots in New York City where jazz enthusiasts of all levels are welcome-and trust me, I know, because I am more of a novice than most when it comes to jazz!

B.B. Kings - 237 W. 42^nd Street, New York, NY

If you're looking for spectacular jazz performances, certainly B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is one of your better options. Yes, B.B. King himself stops by every now and then, but far more talents and jazz acts come through for their nightly 8 o'clock shows that include performances ranging from Eddie Trunk to The Lovin' Spoonful. Tickets are not costly either. Depending on the act, ticket prices range from $10 to not much more than $20 or $25. It is an affordable experience, for the most part, as they do have per-person minimums for each performance, however, that's pretty standard. Besides, the food is more than okay at B.B. Kings, which can't really be said about most jazz establishments. But once again, you won't go for the food, as the eclectic jazz performers and bands they put on display on a nightly basis makes B.B. Kings one of the few upscale places in New York where you can get your jazz on every night of the week.

Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola - 33 West 60^th Street, New York, NY

Located inside the "Shops at Columbus Circle," Dizzy's is not exactly a place full of what most jazz connoisseurs would call "character." Dizzy's is set in a pristine, modern, stylish get-up that oozes with comtemporary appeal. Therefore, if you are a jazz traditionalist, who loves your jazz music played in cozy basements and cellars, this isn't the place for you. However, if you're all about the music, then Dizzy's won't disappoint you in the least. This venue sports some of the most interesting jazz musicians in the business, including Judy Carmichael, the Cedar Walton Trio, the Carlos Henriquez Quartet and one of my favorites, the Amina Figarova Quintet. So check it out! It's a little pricey for the tickets and the food minimum, but the shows are definitely priceless-to an extent of course!

Iridium - 1650 Broadway, New York, NY

This split-level basement club is a haven for jazz enthusiast. If you're looking for character this place has it, and Iridium has the jazz talent to turn this cozy spot into a packed, candlelit arena for some of the finest jazz performances there are in Manhattan. Catering to pure acoustic performers, Iridium has played host to some of the great jazz instrumentalists, including McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders and one of my favorites, the late David "Fathead" Newman. Located right in the middle of the Theater District, Iridium has no problem putting on show stopping performances of its own. In fact, every Monday, Les Paul (the solid-body electric guitar guru) packs the house for what is one of the best weekly jazz events in New York City. To add to all of that, the food at Iridium is great, and the prices are not too far over the top.