If you’re a jazz music fan, a vacation in one of these renowned American cities will be a real foray into the best of America’s culture. Not only will you be able to experience some of the country’s most notable attractions, but you can also see some of the greatest live jazz acts on stage!
New York City
Whether you are a veteran jazz fan or a newbie, New York City is home to some of the best jazz clubs in the world. Many of these venues have world-renowned musicians playing almost every night and offer great drinks and cocktails.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Birdland is one of NYC’s most famous jazz clubs and regularly features jazz legends. It also offers top-notch drinks and food.
This historic tavern, which opened in 1949, is a must-visit for bebop and rhythm & blues fans. It is also known for hosting jazz greats as walk-on performers.
Chicago
If you’re a jazz music fan, then Chicago is the place to be. The city has a vibrant jazz scene and many nightclubs that feature a wide variety of musicians.
It also hosts the Chicago Jazz Festival, a week-long event that celebrates jazz and other forms of live music in Grant Park every summer. The festival features world-class talent and has been going strong for 30 years now.
This Prohibition-era dive bar has been around since the 1920s and is a must-visit for anyone interested in ’20s and ’30s hot jazz. The cover charge is reasonable and the talent is excellent.
Memphis
If you’re a jazz music fan, Memphis is the perfect place to visit. You can catch live jazz performances, visit the American Jazz Museum, and more.
Aside from the music, Memphis has a great culinary scene. You can eat all kinds of dishes in this city, including barbecue and fried chicken.
The famous fried chicken at Uncle Lou’s is a must-try. This fried chicken has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
Kansas City
Kansas City, a vibrant midwestern city, is known for its jazz music and barbecue. But the city is also home to fine art, parks and popular sports teams.
It’s a 127 square-mile metro area that appeals to all ages and interests, from history buffs to NASCAR fans and everyone in between. In addition to a thriving music and arts scene, there are also several impressive museums to explore.
If you love jazz, make sure to visit the American Jazz Museum. This museum is located in the historic ’18th and Vine Jazz District’ and is dedicated to celebrating jazz as an original American art form.
Washington D.C.
If you’re a jazz music fan, Washington DC is a great place to go. Not only is it home to one of the country’s best museums, but it’s also a hub for rising stars in jazz.
In fact, it’s a city that has it all: free Smithsonian museums, a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of places to get out and explore. You can hike through parks, paddle along the Potomac River and ride a double-decker tour bus to soak up history – however you choose to spend your time here, you’re sure to find something that catches your fancy.
As a jazz music fan, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another place that offers such a unique setting. Blues Alley has been a premier jazz club for almost 50 years, and it’s a fantastic place to experience the genre in a truly intimate space.