Where to See Live Jazz in Los Angeles Any Night of the Week
Los Angeles was a mecca for jazz back in the 1950s, and if you do a little digging (or just read this post), you’ll discover where to find a great spot for live jazz in Los Angeles almost any night of the week. And this isn’t just for adults either – some places are perfect if you want to bring the kiddos along or enjoy music before the night owls come out.
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Sunday Night Jazz at Checker Hall
This former masonic hall in Highland Park is home to a performance space and dining room with gorgeous light streaming through the Juliet-style balconies. It’s also one of the only spots on this list where you can enjoy live Jazz in Los Angeles with the family as early as 6 p.m. on Sunday nights. Since it’s a restaurant, there is no cover or drink minimum, and you get to enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired dishes from Culinary Director Gabe Kennedy. The restaurant is designed to feel like a relaxed neighborhood hangout, but when the restaurant is in Highland Park, you can’t help but feel just a little bit cooler, too.
Menu must-haves include The Dirty Little Secret Martini, which has a sidecar that will keep you in the fast lane for a bit longer, and just about anything in the Dips & Snacks section of the menu – especially the Whipped Feta with burnt honey butter and served with fluffy hot za’atar pita.
The Chicken Schnitzel from the Larger Plates side is large enough for two, and it’s complimented nicely by the Charred Asparagus with lemon rosemary emulsion.
The Blue Notes: Live Jazz takes place on Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 to 11 p.m. Checker Hall is family-friendly. Make your reservations here.
Monday Night Jazz at The Lighthouse Cafe
It’s not easy to find jazz music on a Monday night, but famed The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach has something going on every night of the week. You might recognize this spot from the 2015 film La La Land in which actors Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone shared the sweet love that comes from the magical combination of youth and big dreams. The Lighthouse Cafe is 21+, except during their Jazz Brunch, usually at 10 a.m. on Saturdays or Sundays.
The Blue Notes: Check the schedule before you go, as hours change based on the performance.
Tuesday Night Jazz at Bar Lis
Bar Lis in Hollywood is your rooftop spot for French Jazz with Jazz Eclectic LA hosted by Giles Amsallem. The restaurant is inspired by the French Riviera and features cocktails like the Jane Birkin and everything from a Charcuterie to Steak Frites and Smoked Trout. While they do serve food, Bar Lis is 21-and-over.
The Blue Notes: You can make reservations for as early as 6 p.m., but the music will not start until at least 8 p.m.
Wednesday Night Jazz at The Baked Potato
The Baked Potato has been cooking in Studio City since the 1970s, and their Events Calendar makes it very easy to book a show almost any night of the week, with showtimes at 8 and 10 p.m. It also boasts of being a family-friendly establishment. If you’re wondering what to order off the food menu, the venue name says it all :).
The Blue Notes: The Baked Potato is open almost nightly beginning at 6 p.m. with sets at 8 and 10 p.m. Prices range depending on the performer and you have the option to enjoy indoor or patio seating.
Thursday Night Jazz at Catalina Jazz Club
Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood offers live jazz music in multiple genres, from Latin Jazz to a Black Sabbath Jazz cover band! The club is for all ages and serves dinner and drinks that trend toward Italian. The supper club is named after Catalina Popescu, who founded it with her husband in 1986 and still remains an iconic place for live jazz in Los Angeles.
The Blue Notes: In addition to the ticket price, you must also buy an entree or two drinks, which range from the low $20s to the mid $40s. Catalina Jazz Club is open from Wednesday to Sunday with varying show times, and you can come in about an hour before for food.
Friday Night Jazz at LACMA
Seasonally, on Friday nights from May to October, you can enjoy FREE live jazz at LACMA and dance the night away on the plaza. Reservations aren’t necessary, but I encourage you to use their Events Calendar to confirm the artist and start time – traditionally at 6 p.m.
The Blue Notes: Feel free to BYOB or bring a picnic to enjoy outside while you sway to the music. Ray & Stark Bar is also open if you forget to plan ahead. The venue is family-friendly.
Saturday Night Jazz at The Velvet Martini Lounge
The Velvet Martini Lounge, located above Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City, is your spot if you love crooners and old Hollywood vibes. They open for service as early as 5 p.m. (which is great if you have little ones at home), but the live music doesn’t get going until 6:30 p.m. The ambiance is so lovely though, that you might not mind if it’s just you and your lover listening to Frank Sinatra recordings on a plush couch with a duo of Manhattan Cocktails.
The Blue Notes: Reservations are available for live jazz from Thursday to Sunday night at The Velvet Martini Lounge and while they do serve food, I wouldn’t come hungry. The cocktails are the stars of the show.
Los Angeles has live jazz music playing nightly, but a few venues are open almost every night of the week. The most iconic ones are The Lighthouse Cafe, The Baked Potato, and Catalina Jazz Club. Others, like The Velvet Martini Lounge, are open on select nights.
