Harlem Jazz and Blues Spots

[Gordon Polatnick]

 

I'm always on the look out for great hidden jazz haunts in New York City, particularly Harlem.  I've been keeping tabs on this scene and taking small and large groups of visitors on immersion tours there since 1997.  At that time, I started maintaining a new website at www.bigapplejazz.com, where I attempt to list all the clubs, restaurants and theaters in the greater New York City area where jazz (and blues) is regularly found.

 

Since my bias in life has always been toward the underdog, I favor the off-the-beaten-path scene and try to champion those clubs and players that are lesser known and often more deserving of greater recognition.

 

Here is a decent list of clubs and places where I go in Harlem to check out jazz and blues.  If you know of any other spots, I'm all ears, and will be happy to add them to my NYC Jazz Bible on www.bigapplejazz.com.

 

This will be in no particular oder:

Bill's Place

Shrine

Post

PJ's

449 LA

Schomberg

Lenox Lounge

Apollo

Showmans

St. Nick's

Perks

Minton's (when open)

Dinosaur

Parlor Entertainment

Fonda Boricua

Creole

NAMA

Red Rooster (soon they say)

Jacobs

National Jazz Museum in Harlem

Londel's

Cotton Club

Harlem Stage

 

Let us all know if I missed some.

 

Peace,

 

Gordon Polatnick,

CEO Big Apple Jazz Tours

[David Lawrence]

If you had time for just 3 clubs which ones would that be?