Atlanta has long been known globally as a centre for hip hop, but its live jazz scene is just as good! Read on to learn more about five of the best jazz clubs in Atlanta.
Atlanta has been a musical town for years. In 1969, the district known as Underground Atlanta was opened, which served as a meeting place for social activists and jazz musicians alike. Perhaps one of the earliest jazz clubs in Atlanta was Dee’s Birdcage which opened in the early 1950s and stayed open for over three decades.
Meanwhile, the Chitlin Circuit was a collection of bars in the city that provided work for touring black musicians during the early 20th century.
Atlanta also has its own Jazz Festival – Atlanta Jazz Festival – which is one of the biggest free jazz festivals in the US. It takes place every year in September.
If you’re looking for great jazz clubs in Atlanta, here are some of the best ones to check out.
Apache Cafe
The Apache Cafe provides a unique dining experience that combines an intimate interior with fantastic live jazz music. Stepping into Apache is like stepping into a VIP booth; you feel like you’re in an exclusive, secretive place – even when it’s packed with people.
It’s located in Downtown Atlanta. You can find it on Marietta street, between Ivan Allen and Simpson. This bar has a very intimate atmosphere and can be a little tricky to find.
It’s a great place to discover the local art and music scene, and it provides lots of opportunities for local musicians to perform. They always have music so check out their website to find out what’s on.
St. James Jazz Club
Known for its unique blend of artistry and savoir-faire, St. James Jazz Club is dedicated to offering world-class entertainment in a warmly intimate setting. It’s located just five miles away from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
The club hosts regular jazz nights on Thursdays and gospel jazz acts on Sundays. The venue owners have a deep love for live music and their city’s music community. Their passion shows when you step into the venue. It has a calming, sophisticated atmosphere and the music is always fantastic.
The cover charge is usually $20 for each event and you can either book online or pay at the door.
Red Light Cafe
Red Light Cafe is a music, comedy, and burlesque venue situated in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. It is known for its contemporary jazz, country, folk and blues concerts with a selection of live gigs every week.
The Cafe has hosted the likes of Charlie Hunter, Myrna Clayton’s International Jazz Series and Nick Rosen.
Those looking for a relaxed jazz show will find it in this listening room. With live music on almost 7 days a week, Red Light is one of the best jazz clubs in Atlanta.
At the heart of the city, this restaurant brings on some of the best musicians to play on its stage.
If you’re a musician, make sure you check out the club’s weekly jam sessions on Thursday to play alongside some of the city’s up and coming players.
Velvet Note
Velvet Note is a 40 seat jazz club located in the heart of Atlanta that offers delicious southern food and world-class jazz.
It has won Downbeat’s “Best Jazz Clubs” award consecutively four times in a row and has consistently been recognized as one of the 100 best jazz clubs in the world and one of the best jazz clubs in Georgia.
It has worked with artists including Robert Glasper, Gretchen, Larry Carlton, and many other jazz legends.
They offer a sophisticated menu with options to suit everyone’s taste buds.
Kat’s Cafe
This club is all about live music. Kat Cafe is a comfortable bar and restaurant located in the heart of Midtown; it is known for its relaxed but elegant atmosphere, delicious martinis, and exceptional live music.
Jorel Flynn, Reci Reign, Trey, and Sweet Lu are just some of the jazz artists that have performed at the venue over the years.
Kat’s has live jazz music, comedy shows, open mic nights, and everything in between so head to their social media to find out about their next jazz gig.
Thanks for reading this list of the best jazz clubs in Atlanta, Georgia. Do you have a recommendation? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for more great jazz clubs in the South East? Head over to our lists of the best jazz clubs in Jacksonville and Miami in Georgia’s southernly neighbour of Florida.
