Jazz and Blues Clubs in Los Angeles

OneYearWarMusic – Los Angeles has a vibrant jazz and blues scene, with many excellent clubs and venues where you can enjoy live music while dining and drinking. Here is a guide to some of the top spots in LA to hear great jazz and blues.

History

The jazz scene in Los Angeles stretches back to the early 1900s when New Orleans musicians moved to LA and brought jazz with them. In the 1920s, Central Avenue became the heart of African American culture and jazz in LA, with clubs like the Apex, the Downbeat, and the Club Alabam hosting big bands and jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.

In the 1930s and 40s, LA jazz clubs thrived with the swing era. Venues like the Streets of Paris, the Last Word, and the Jungle Room featured stars like Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald. The Dunbar Hotel on Central Avenue also hosted jazz greats like Lester Young in its club at the time.

In the 1950s, the jazz scene in LA continued to grow. Local West Coast jazz artists like Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, and Chico Hamilton gained fame playing in LA clubs like The Lighthouse and Shelly’s Manne-Hole. The 1950s also saw the opening of historic venues like The Baked Potato in Studio City in 1959.

The 1960s brought new jazz styles like free jazz and modal jazz to LA clubs. The Lighthouse and Shelly’s Manne-Hole embraced these new sounds and The Baked Potato became known for hosting late-night jam sessions.

In the 1970s, Catalina Bar & Grill opened and soon became one of the top jazz clubs in America, attracting legends like Dizzy Gillespie. The Roxy Theatre also began hosting jazz acts in the 70s.

From the 1980s onward, LA’s jazz scene has continued to thrive and evolve. Long-running venues like Catalina, Baked Potato, and Vibrato Grill still operate, while new clubs like Blue Whale showcase contemporary jazz. The legacy of jazz and blues clubs in LA remains strong today.

Classic LA Jazz Clubs

Some of the most famous and long-standing jazz clubs in LA include:

• Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood – This famous club has been around since the 1920s. It hosts live jazz 7 nights a week in a dimly lit, intimate setting. They have food and cocktails available during shows.
• Baked Potato Jazz Club in Studio City – Known for its legendary “baked potato” menu, this club opened in 1970 and features top jazz artists in a small, casual venue.
• Vibrato Jazz Grill in Bel Air – This upscale restaurant and jazz club books big names and has a beautiful setting. Enjoy gourmet meals and cocktails during shows.

Historic Blues and Jazz Venues

Some historic venues that still offer great blues and jazz:

• The Mint in West LA – Housed in a 1930s bank building, The Mint has vintage charm and books stellar talent.
• Harvelle’s in Santa Monica – This intimate venue has been around since 1931. It still hosts late night blues jams.
• The Baked Potato in Studio City – Famous for jazz, this club also has regular blues artists and bands perform.

Jazz at LA’s Live Music Clubs

Many of LA’s best live music venues also host jazz performances:

• Blue Whale in Little Tokyo – This underground club is all about jazz, including experimental and progressive acts.
• The World Stage in Leimert Park – An intimate not-for-profit venue dedicated to jazz and blues in the heart of LA’s African-American cultural district.
• Mr Musichead Gallery in Hollywood – A funky art gallery that hosts jazz on Sundays.

Dinner with Jazz Performances

Some great restaurants to enjoy a meal with live jazz include:

• Church & State in Downtown LA – A French bistro with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Terroni DTLA – This upscale Italian spot on Spring Street has jazz performers in its bar/lounge area.
• Novel Cafe in West LA – A cozy local spot with jazz brunch on Sundays.

Cheap Drinks + Jazz Nights

For budget-friendly drinks deals and jazz, check out:

• The Escondite in Downtown LA – Their extensive craft cocktail menu gets discounted on jazz nights (Wednesdays).
• The York in Highland Park – An intimate, avant garde bar with live jazz on Tuesdays and no cover.
• The Redwood Bar & Grill in Downtown LA – Cheap beer, wine, and cocktails during their free live jazz on Sundays.

Outdoor Jazz Performances

A few spots to enjoy jazz al fresco:

• The Mixx in West LA – A lounge with weekend jazz brunch on their garden patio.
• The Standard rooftop in Downtown LA – Take in views of the city skyline while listening to live jazz poolside.
• Terrace at the Langham in Pasadena – Refined setting for jazz on the terrace on select nights.

Notable LA Jazz & Blues Clubs

From historic spots like Catalina Jazz Club to hip underground venues like Blue Whale, LA has some of the best jazz and blues clubs in the country. Experience live performances in intimate lounges and concert halls throughout the city.