The Coolest Jazz Clubs You Need To Know About in LA
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant jazz scene that's new to the city, with venues that cater to every type of jazz enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just exploring, these top jazz nights in LA for 2024 showcase the city's finest live music experiences.
Having lived in New York City—often seen as the jazz capital of the world—I moved to LA a few years ago and have been searching for a scene that could rival places like Birdland and Blue Note. It wasn't easy, like hunting for great coffee in a juice-bar town. But after countless nights of exploration, I found that jazz here isn't just alive—it's thriving. There’s a lot new happening in LA, and our list combines both traditional and new jazz nights that highlight this exciting scene.
As Woody Allen once quipped, "Is sex dirty? Only when it's done right." The same goes for jazz: it's raw and unpredictable, but when it hits the right note, it's smooth and irresistible, leaving you wanting more. That's the magic these LA jazz nights capture—an intoxicating blend of spontaneity and soul.
Before we dive in, what's your ideal jazz night? A cozy, candle-lit spot for a date, or a lively rooftop to sip cocktails and dance? Whether you love classic jazz or prefer something more experimental, we've got you covered.
Here are the top jazz nights in LA for 2024, in my preferred order.
1- Jazz Eclectic LA
@jazzeclecticla
www.jazzeclecticla.com
Topping our list is Jazz Eclectic LA, a sophisticated Tuesday night event held at the stunning rooftop courtyard of BarLis atop the Thompson Hotel Hollywood. Curated by GillesSignature, this event blends top-tier live jazz performances with surprise guests like CJ Emmons "principal singer of Dancing with the Stars", Stevie Wonders, Dan Reynolds "from Imagine Dragons" & the incredible Trumpet player Maurice Brown “ Grammy Award Winning Trumpeter & Producer”, creating an energetic yet intimate atmosphere.Originally launched in 2013 in Beverly Hills, Jazz Eclectic LA found its permanent home at BarLis over the past three years, solidifying its status as one of LA's most exciting and dynamic jazz nights.
With live sessions running from 8 PM to 1 AM, the event is known for its cozy decor and vibrant crowd. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended. RSVP for free entry, or reserve a table with a small minimum spend on food & drinks to guarantee your spot at this unforgettable jazz night.2- Catalina Jazz Club
6725 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
@catalinajazzclub
A legendary venue in the heart of Hollywood, Catalina Jazz Club is an iconic destination for jazz purists. Over the years, it has hosted internationally renowned artists such as Diana Krall, Arturo Sandoval, Chris Botti, and , alongside emerging talent. Catalina offers an intimate dinner setting where you can savor the best live jazz LA has to offer. This venue is timeless and perfect for an evening of music and fine dining.
3- Creative Jazz Fusion at the Delphi Hotel
Delphi Hotel, 550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
@creativejazzfusion
Held every Thursday at the Delphi Hotel, Creative Jazz Fusion fuses the best of contemporary jazz in an intimate setup in DTLA. Grammy-winning musicians like Dave Yaden & his band, with Lyndon Rochelle on drums "drummer from the movie La La Land" have a regular bi-monthly residency, making regular appearances, solidifying this as one of the top spots to experience jazz in Downtown LA. From 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM, immerse yourself in an evening of experimental fusion and electrifying performances.
Make sure to RSVP for free for this unmissable event. For table reservations, there’s a very affordable minimum spend on food and drinks to guarantee your spot.
4- Vibrato Grill Jazz
2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90077
@vibratogrilljazz
Founded by jazz legend Herb Alpert, Vibrato Grill Jazz is the epitome of upscale jazz dining. Located in Bel-Air, this venue offers the perfect fusion of gourmet cuisine and world-class live jazz in a luxurious setting. It’s ideal for a special night out and sets the bar for elegance in LA's jazz scene.
Regular performers include Frankie Jordan -The Dear Amy Band, along with other renowned artists like Mon David and Tierney Sutton. The venue leans toward more traditional jazz vibes, with a captivating stage performance.
It’s a ticketed event and tends to be on the pricier side, but the experience is well worth it. If you're looking for a refined, classic jazz experience, this is the place to be.
5- The Baked Potato
3787 Cahuenga Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
@thebakedpotatojazzclub
A no-frills jazz haven since 1970, The Baked Potato is renowned for its nightly performances by both famous and up-and-coming musicians. With a menu of loaded baked potatoes and a relaxed vibe, this venue is a favourite among musicians and jazz lovers alike.
6- The Dresden
1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
@the.dresden
The Dresden, with its vintage Hollywood vibe, has been a staple of LA nightlife for decades. Known for its classic feel and live jazz nights, this retro spot is famous for its appearance in the cult classic film Swingers. For a jazzy night full of nostalgia, this is the place to be.
7- Pips On La Brea
1356 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019
@pipsonlabrea
Pips On La Brea offers live jazz performances in a warm, laid-back setting. Whether you're there for their popular Sunday Jazz Brunch or an evening show, Pips is the perfect place to enjoy good music, food, and atmosphere in Mid-City LA. Catering to an older crowd, it’s an ideal spot for a family night out or celebrating your parents' birthday. With its more traditional, calm vibe, Pips offers a relaxing experience for those seeking a classic jazz atmosphere, perfect for a cozy evening with loved ones.
8- Jazz at LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
@lacmas
For five months of the year during the summer, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts free outdoor jazz performances every Friday evening from 6 PM to 8 PM. Jazz at LACMA features some of the finest talent in Southern California, including artists like Kenny Burrell, Barbara Morrison, and John Beasley. It’s the perfect way to enjoy live jazz in an artistic, cultural environment, surrounded by the museum’s vibrant atmosphere.
Jazz Eclectic LA is my favorite Jazz night in town! Can’t recommend it enough to my friends and anyone visiting town!
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