Blue Note

Greenwich Village / NoHo, New York –

A New York standard for live jazz since 1981, Blue Note draws a savvy clientele of jazz buffs, entertainment professionals, and hip out-of-towners alike looking for hot tunes in a cool and classy setting.

Once past the piano-shaped awning, patrons are ushered to one of the blue lacquered tables facing the small stage, where they join a mix of regulars, couples, and music students chatting over wine and burgers as they wait for the show to begin.

An elevated seating area at the club’s far end, backlit by a massive sign of the club’s name, provides a bit more space for VIPs and special guests, which often include the likes of Quincy Jones and Liza Minnelli, who aren't above hopping on stage themselves.

Two shows a night – at eight and ten-thirty – feature both traveling jazz ensembles and experienced local acts playing everything from tinkling oldies to atmospheric acid jazz for an appreciative audience – but though the tunes may get wild, the enthralled patrons limit their zeal to bursts of enthusiastic applause.

Sleek and mellow, Blue Note offers jazz lovers old-school sounds served up in an upscale atmosphere.