Plugged at the live nickel

September 1, 2005 4:45 AM

What can I expect if I go to the Blue Note Jazz Club (NYC)?

I'll be in NYC for the next four days and I want to take the girlfriend to a jazz show. Ron Carter is playing at the Blue Note so it sounds apropos. I'm just curious what to expect. We'll make reservations for a table ($30 a head seems an ok cover for who we're seeing) but is this a table for just drinks, is there a drink minimum, or are we going to be expected to order food (which is fine by me). If so, what's the menu like (price, style)?

I'm also curious if there are certain nights that are better than others, if I'm better off catching the early or late show, if there is a dress code, and if anyone out there has any alternative suggestions.

posted by furtive to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

Oh, we're young and also enjoy more contemporary stuff. Last time I was in NYC I went to K'av'eh'az and quite enjoyed it. If anything in the lineup over the weekend there peaks someone's interest I'd be curious to know what. Or if anyone knows any clubs that might be good for dancing or just being trendy in the same area as K'av'eh'az (26th and Broadway), we're all ears.
posted by furtive at 4:55 AM on September 1, 2005

When I was there last, I think there was a $10 cover and 1 drink minimum. Drinks were $8-20 each. There was a limited food menu - snacks, sandwiches, dinner, all fairly high priced.

When you go in, they seat you wherever they want. I ended up near the side of the stage, on the ground level (there's another level slightly elevated, off to the side). I would have rather sat more center. But we could see and hear just fine.

We got there about 40 minutes before the 1st performance, and had no problem getting a decent seat. If you were to arrive 10 minutes before the show, you would be stuck closer to the back. If you want great seats, it seems best to arrive even earlier and eat dinner first.

They have a nice gift shop upstairs - very cool t-shirts.

Have fun - it's a great place.
posted by kdern at 6:06 AM on September 1, 2005

My wife and I went a few years ago, and our experience was only a little different than kdern's, but not wildly so.

We got there very early (my wife is one of *those* people), so we had our choice of seating and sat on that elevated level, which is just a bit stage left of the performers. It's a small enough room that hearing the acts is no problem, and most of the tables have a decent angle to see the stage.

We ordered the food, which was pricey and was good but not great.

No dress code. I wore a jacket, but only because I felt like it.

Definitely worth doing, and someplace I'd go again on another visit to NY.
posted by briank at 7:26 AM on September 1, 2005

Blue Note's very popular which is not necessarily good; it's a bit of a tourist trap, so I'll cover some alternatives. The Village Vanguard has the old magic, but there are good new places too: there's a nice vibe uptown at Smoke. The Cutting Room is pretty good, on 24th Street near Broadway. Sweet Rhythm, in the old Sweet Basil space, is booking jazz acts and world music. And, not only is Small's open again in its original location on 10th Street in the West Village, but its owner also books jazz groups at Fat Cat Billiards around the corner on Christopher - and I think if you pay the cover at either you can check out the other for free. Small's is where players go after their sets at other clubs to jam long past 4 AM on weekend nights.
posted by nicwolff at 7:31 AM on September 1, 2005

I've been a musician (Jazz and otherwise) in NYC for about 9 years now. I don't know many locals who go to Blue Note (but maybe that's 'cuz we're snobs ;-). In addition to nicwolff's recommendations, check out Detour, the 55 Bar, and the Jazz Standard. In fact, Danilo Perez is playing at the Standard this weekend, it'll be a fantastic gig. The club is located underneath a bbq restaurant, so the food is good.
posted by fingers_of_fire at 8:19 AM on September 1, 2005

And don't forget Dizzy's - part of the new Lincoln Center Jazz. This weekend is Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson, who I like a lot.
posted by cptnrandy at 8:22 AM on September 1, 2005

Not really answering the question, but years ago I went to the Blue Note to hear Milt Jackson. About halfway through the set, Dizzy Gillespie wandered by and sat in for a while. It was a memorable evening.
posted by Daddio at 9:54 AM on September 1, 2005

I don't know many locals who go to Blue Note

Me too; I tend to think of it as a tourist trap, and go only if I know a musician who puts me on the guest list (hi Roberta!). But like the man said, that may be snobbery. If you haven't been to the Vanguard, for god's sake go -- it's the cathedral of NYC jazz, not to be missed.

All that having been said, it would be tough to pass up Ron Carter...
posted by languagehat at 5:36 PM on September 1, 2005