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As the birthplace and hometown of some of the most notable figures in jazz history, including Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Ethel Waters and Dizzie Gillespie, Philadelphia’s jazz roots run deep. Luckily for us, the city’s reputation as a go-to destination for jazz music doesn’t stop there.
Almost any day of the week, residents and visitors can find a stellar lineup of local, national and international talents performing at one of the city’s many jazz clubs and concert venues. As acclaimed bassist and Philly native Warren Oree once said, “There’s another ‘Sound of Philadelphia’ — the sound of Philadelphia’s jazz.”
Here are a few places where you can find the sweet sound of Philadelphia jazz.
SOUTH fuses its modern Southern fare with soulful table-side jazz nights. The restaurant’s jazz parlor welcomes local and national acts six nights per week and invites diners to enjoy an extensive selection of American bourbons and whiskeys, and a delicious meal in front of the smooth tunes.
Where: SOUTH, 600 N. Broad Street
The longest continuously operating jazz club in Philly hosts live jazz six nights a week. Guests enjoy performances by local, national and international artists and an all-day menu of lunch and dinner punctuated by a popular happy hour and a late-night bar menu.
Where: Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street
Like a multiplex theater for drink and music lovers, Time houses three very different venues within the bar. Patrons can choose the whiskey bar, upstairs or the main dining room, where they can enjoy nightly jazz and soul as well as happy hours from Sunday to Friday. Don’t miss open mic nights on Tuesdays, which draw talent from all across the city.
Where: Time, 1315 Sansom Street
In Philadelphia’s Mt. Airy neighborhood, Relish restaurant fuses traditional and modern southern cuisine with incredible live jazz performances Thursday through Saturday nights. Plus, the cozy seating area resembles a 1950s-style jazz lounge.
Where: Relish, 7152 Ogontz Avenue
Featuring live jazz every night of the week and during brunch on Saturdays (plus bluegrass music during Sunday brunch), Northern Liberties’ Heritage has become a go-to spot for music in Philadelphia. Best of all, the entertainment comes alongside a menu full of innovative and seasonal eats.
Where: Heritage, 914 N. 2nd Street
Thursday through Sunday, this Chestnut Hill spot, now under the ownership of local restaurateurs Robert and Vanessa Mullen with longtime chef Al Paris, hosts local musicians playing jazz standards and songs from the Great American Songbook. Also on offer: a full menu of classic French food and drinks.
Where: Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe, 8229 Germantown Avenue
Serving Philadelphians for more than 35 years, this Old City bar brings in a live jazz trio to entertain guests Sunday through Thursday.
Where: Sassafras Bar, 48 S. 2nd Street
Live music plays into the wee hours of the morning every Friday and Saturday night at Bob and Barbara’s Lounge. Led with a Hammond B-3 organ, The Crowd Pleasers — a staple band of the bar for more than 20 years — play jazz-inspired tunes until 2 a.m.
Where: Bob and Barbara's Lounge, 1509 South Street
Enjoy live jazz with dinner and a gin cocktail every Wednesday and Friday evening at M Restaurant. Summer brings jazz nights under the stars in the huge outdoor garden and winter invites musicians into the restaurant’s cozy French bar.
Where: M Restaurant, 231 S. 8th Street
LaRose Jazz Club in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood is considered one of the most authentic of the city’s clubs, thanks to its traditional jazz and blues offerings in a cabaret setting. The spot hosts jazz nights on Monday, Thursday and Friday, and the Jack Saint Clair Orchestra of Philadelphia — a 17-piece musical organization — performs here monthly.
Where: LaRose Jazz Club, 5531 Germantown Avenue
While Jerry’s Bar only has live music one day per week, its Sunday jazz brunch has become a signature, well-talked-about token of the restaurant. Relax with a “Bloody Jerry” or mimosa, vanilla brioche French toast, eggs and house-smoked meats — all while waking up with some merry live tunes.
Where: Jerry's Bar, 129 W. Laurel Street
Fabrika’s monthly jazz performances feature local artists and nationally recognized musicians on select Wednesday nights. The Fishtown venue’s circular stage is centrally located inside the sleek industrial space, giving diners on both levels a perfect vantage point for each performance. The venue is home to two full-service bars and a dinner menu offering housemade pasta and hearty entrees.
Where: Fabrika, 1108 Frankford Avenue
Every Wednesday night, the charismatic All-Star Jazz Trio — featuring a pianist, drummer and bassist, often in tandem with songstress Peggy King — present a free jazz show at Center City’s Square on Square. Guests to the Pan-Asian spot are invited to bring their own wine or take advantage of the full bar while kicking back to enjoy the music.
Where: Square on Square, 274 S. 20th Street
This performance space and educational center promotes jazz — past, present and future — with workshops, classes and six annual concerts.
Where: Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, 738 S. Broad Street
Weekly Friday Night Jazz events at Chestnut Hill’s Woodmere Art Museum often feature toe-tapping tributes to icons including Miles Davis, Carole King, Nina Simone and more. Tickets for the events are sold online and include drinks and light refreshments for guests.
Where: Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue
On Saturdays, Bella Vista’s old-school, Italian-inspired restaurant the Saloon offers live musical performances, which are often jazz. Relax in the dimly lit, antique-filled setting with a meal and live grooves.
Where: Saloon, 750 S. 7th Street
The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts an intimate cabaret on Friday evenings beginning at 5 p.m. Performances can encompass jazz as well as international music, singer-songwriter tunes and more, all filling the grand main stairway with music while visitors enjoy snacks and cocktails and take in the amazing artworks in select open galleries.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Music lovers can head to the Barnes Foundation on the first Friday of each month for performances by a variety of musicians representing multiple genres. Performers include the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra 2001, the Black Pearl Orchestra and more. Cocktails and light bites are served at each event and guests can enjoy access to the museum’s collections and special exhibitions.
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
With two gorgeous music halls, a stunning restaurant/bar (Volvér) by chef Jose Garces and a steady lineup of internationally acclaimed jazz talents, the Kimmel Center is one of the city’s finest destinations for live jazz. Keep an eye on their year-long concert schedule for a series of shows that appeal to music lovers of all ages as well as the venue’s free Sittin’ In series.
Where: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Arenas, open-air amphitheaters and more make up Philly's awesome music scene...