Austin is known throughout the lands as the live music capital of the world for good reason. There are so many amazing music venues in and around the city, indoors and out, playing every style imaginable.
Additionally, there are a mind-boggling number of talented musicians lurking wherever you turn. I’m sure that if you picked a random street downtown and asked 100 people if they were musicians, 105 of them would say yes! Ha!
Now with all that native musicianship, you’d think that jazz would be a core part of the scene. If so, then you are like me, and like me, you’d be WRONG!
That’s really a shame. There are some local organizations looking to correct that problem. Until then, I want to recognize the few locations that have dedicated most of their sonic output to America’s first form of popular music.
Elephant Room
315 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
Since 1991, the Elephant Room has played host to countless local musicians and artists known around the world. They have consistently been voted as one of America’s top Jazz clubs and it’s easy to understand why. The downtown location makes for easy access but the warmth and energy of the building will keep you enthralled.
Having existed for three decades is no easy feat for any business, especially a club. They have stood the test of time because of their steadfast focus on creating amazing memories for their customers and treating the musicians like superstars.
Part of providing that memorable experience has to do with serving a bevy of beverages that will satisfy even the most discerning beer or wine snob. For the mixologist, out there, they have you covered as well.
Parker Jazz Club
117 W 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
The Parker Jazz Club is a family establishment through and through. Kris Kimura started with the desire for creating a true and authentic listening experience for jazz lovers.
You can see that familial love expressed with the coziness of the seating and intimacy of the stage. You are meant to be a part of the band and the bands wonderfully intertwines that energy with the show.
Being new to the scene, opening their doors in 2018, Parker Jazz Club has a way to go truly win over the hearts of Austin jazz fans but I think they are off to a great start!
Fun Fact: Kris and his wife have a young son named, Parker thus the namesake of the club!
Monks Jazz Club
Monks is unique in that it isn’t tied to any one particular location so it’s not a club in the traditional sense. Don’t let that fool you, though. They partner with a number of businesses throughout the area to bring jazz close to you.
These may be cafes, art galleries, breweries, and even bike shops. By doing so, they successfully demystify the atmosphere that most people associate with jazz clubs. There’s one word that comes to mind when seeing their method, “approachable.”
If you want to learn more about where they have set up a venue and who will be performing, head to their website. All events are conveniently posted and you can sign up for email notifications.
One World Theatre
7701 Bee Caves Rd,
Austin, TX 78746
Technically, One World Theater isn’t a jazz club either. It is a venue that supports a wide variety of music genres with a healthy dose of jazz thrown in. If you don’t want to deal with the downtown crowds the be sure to head west down highway 2244 toward Bee Cave.
The drive is beautiful as you meander through the hill country. That’s almost worth it by itself, especially if you are coming from the northeast. One world sits like a jewel atop a hill, glinting in the sunlight. It dares you to look away.
One of the many things that set One World apart is that you can get dinner with some of the shows. They have a full bar, as well, stocked full of your favorite libations. It’s a one stop shop for a great date night!
One World regularly attracts national Jazz acts such as Boney James, Stanley Jordan, and Arturo Sandoval.
Did I Miss One?
This is one of those times that I really hope I missed a few good spots because of how scarce jazz in Austin is, relatively speaking. So let me know below. What’s your favorite?