escargot

Meeting friends in NYC for a long weekend - there will be 8 of us and we are looking for at least one night of enjoying some jazz music - we've looked at so many internet sites at this point confusion has set in -
we looked at birdlandjazz.com, allaboutjazz.com and bigapplejazz.com - and someone suggested the WoodShed Cafe in Harlem -

but once again I turn to you all for any personal recommendations - we are staying in midtown Manhattan if that matters, and we can take the subway or taxis to and from a destination if further than a walk -
any suggestions in helping us narrow this down would be appreciated, or if anyone knows of anything particular happening jan 4,5,6 or 7....

thanks in advance for any ideas -

also any favorite spots for post theater for something different - fun bar or somewhere with light music - we are all in our early 50's, like all types of music but would prefer not to be the only ones over 30 anywhere

bettyo70

Hi escargot,

I lived in the West Village so I can only speak for my area. People love The Village Vanguard, but they tend to get great acts in which you have to buy tickets in advance. For example, Pat Metheny. You can google their website.

Right near The Vanguard is a small, cozy place called "Small's". They do a lot of lesser-known but still very good acts in a space the size of a large living room. Yes, intimate. They also feature a lot of fast-paced improvisational performers if that's your thing.

Also, there's Blue Note, not too far away from both of these places. I say stick with the West Village, because it's such a fun area to hang out in. Lots of little pubs and nice restaurants. I'm not a big fan of midtown. Don't know enough about the place you mentioned in Harlem to comment.

The West Village also has a bunch of crazy piano bars where you can request songs. (Like "Rose's Turn".)

Have a great time.

iamq

I've been to New York only once, so I'm no expert, but seeing the Billy Hart Quartet at the Village Vanguard during our trip last year was a highlight of the trip. I loved it.

-Bill

HCart

I’m not a big jazz aficionado but I have enjoyed going to Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard and the Blue Note (http://www.bluenotejazz.com/newyork/index.shtml). However, I just saw that Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard will be closed while you will be here. So I will second the recommendation of the Blue Note.
On Monday, the Jim Caruso Cast Party at the Birdland is always a lot of fun.
http://www.castpartynyc.com/

escargot

thank you all so much.
Betty,- the West Village sounds like the perfect idea -
any specific ideas for restaurants in that area that would be fun for a party of 8 would be also appreciated since I am not particularly familiar with that area of the city.

mdn

I like Blue Note too. Pick up a copy of TimeOut New York or Village Voice and they'll have a listing of all music events going on in the city. Birdland, Village Vanguard as well as several others are good spots (including smaller, less popular spots). If you're a jazz fan, I'd pick the venue based on who's playing. The experience is only enjoyable if you like the music, regardless of how good/bad the jazz club. You'll be miserable if you go to The Blue Note & mereley put up with a performance that's not your cup of tea.

GoTravel

Ditto for VV and Blue Note.

I also like Iridium.

If you want a more Disney-fied type of jazz, BB Kings in Times Square.

lmoneylsauce

I vote for Village Vanguard but caution against Blue Note (which I actually do go to) just because they SQUEEZE you in at tables and their food/drink is ridiculously overpriced. To me it lacks some ambience (although the history of the place and the talent they have sometimes makes up for the surroundings). Actually, I'd say go to "Next Door at La Lanterna" in the West Village---it's very romantic and the drinks/food are great. You can either eat dinner there or eat at one of the fabulous restaurants in that neighborhood.

http://lalanternacaffe.com/page/nutr...Next_Door.html

I also stand by the Blue Smoke Jazz Standard which is REALLY fun as is the restaurant Blue Smoke---some of the best BBQ in the city!

http://www.jazzstandard.net/

escargot

Thanks !! I am forwarding these recs to the group and hopefully we can get a rezzie for one of the nights we are there -

if we decide to go to West Village earlier, is there any particular area you would suggest walking around in just to get a feel for the neighborhood or will we get enough of that at night? any other restaurants for pre jazz that are favorites if these are full?

thanks !!

escargot

and yes, someone was right - blue note is closed for renovations during our stay ! next time for that one -

lmoneylsauce

I would eat at Blue Smoke if you're going to The Jazz Standard (which is downstairs), but if you are going to one of the West Village jazz clubs THEN I'd eat before you go to see jazz at another restaurant in the same neighborhood. Here are some of my favorite restaurants in the Village, not sure what you're looking for but:

http://luparestaurant.com/

http://marysfishcamp.com/

http://sevillarestaurantandbar.com/

http://augustny.com/

http://cafeino.com/

http://extravirginrestaurant.com/

bettyo70

The restaurant selections in the West Village are ENDLESS!!!!!!!!

For a group of 8? Sushi Samba might be fun if you're looking for more of a "scene". They're right on Seventh Ave. Lively and trendy. (Very close to Vanguard.)

If you're more of a quiet, laid-back group, I love MALATESTA, a more intimate Italian trattoria. I think it's on Washington Street. Nice, friendly staff. Simple but good Italian fare. Very reasonable prices.

BRUXELLES on Greenwich Ave is great if you like Belgian moules frites (mussels and Belgian fries) with Belgian beer. For 8, you might have to reserve in advance because it's not a large restaurant. But a great neighborhood place for sure. Generous with portions.

Get a walking map of just the West Village. There are many beautiful side streets that curve around, and unlike the rest of Manhattan, it's NOT a grid system. Which makes it easier to get lost... which is why I LOVE the West Village!

And make sure you have a round of beer at CHUMLEY'S on Bedford Avenue. I've never been to the UK, but I imagine Chumley's closely resembles the neighborhood British pub. Laid-back and fun.

Make sure you post back here after the trip and fill us in on what you did. Cheers!

--Betty, an ex-New Yorker/West Villager

escargot

thank you - thank you -
I will definitely let you all know how it worked out.

escargot

posted trip notes on
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34925087

seeksocean

It's been almost a year since this thread started. Our small group will be in NYC towards the end of spring and love jazz. We will be staying at the Omni Berkshire. Any updated suggestions for great jazz?

Also, any great shows, Broadway or otherwise? Thanks!!

mclaurie

Dizzy's Coca Cola may not have been mentioned on this thread. It's in the Time Warner and affiliated with Jazz at Lincoln Center. They also have a lovely view of Central Park but it's not cheap. Mon. nights are cheaper with students performing.

For shows, Billy Eliot has opened to rave reviews and should be purchased as soon as you can. Here's a link to upcoming shows for next year. http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuz...cle/80060.html