Black Oak Nights – New York

In a city noted for Broadway musicals, concerts in the park and at MSG and film festivals, the jazz scene often gets pushed into the New York City background. Yet there are plenty of venues for a connoisseur of jazz to get to hear the music that they love.

Young black professionals across the city are really starting to warm up to the jazz scene. I started going to more jazz performances in college, and there were a lot more Caucasians there then any other race, and they were much older than me on average.

However, the tables are beginning to turn. I am starting to see more and more African-Americans out at the jazz clubs, and the audience is even beginning to include young black professionals.

So let’s start heading out to these jazz spots, New York! This is music created by our ancestors and it can serve as an historical experience for many of us. Besides, where else can you meet a young, black single that is more culturally and aesthetically sound then someone you find at a jazz club.

Iridium
This is one of the most prominent and yet unknown places in New York. It’s located right there on Broadway, underneath the Ellen’s Stardust Diner and the Winter Garden, and yet it goes virtually unnoticed. I worked across the street for 6 months before I ever went inside. But when I finally did go inside of Iridium, I was welcomed to some of the best jazz stylings in New York City. They have plenty of Jazz favorites come through, including David “Fathead” Newman who was there when I went some time ago. With a cover and food & drink minimum, Iridium is a little pricey, but if you stay for a couple of sets you will certainly get your money’s worth.

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
Broadway at 60^th Street, New York, NY 10019

Now this is a classy joint. With the class, comes the price, but with live jazz performances that have included some of the most articulate and innovative jazz musicians of this era, a night at Dizzy’s is almost priceless (ok, well not exactly, but you know what I mean!). The cover charge can be as high as $30, but Black Oak Nights: New York City will try to have a night of jazz or two there later on to bring down the price for all you young professionals. There is also a $10 food and drink minimum, so it is no cheap night. However, you get great music and a wonderful view of the Columbus Circle and Central Park with your overpriced food. You can check out performers, such as Karrin Allyson, Nancy King, Nicholas Payton Quintet, Igor Butman and Cyrus Chestnut during the last months of 2007.

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
237 W. 42^nd Street, New York, NY 10036

Despite it’s popular name and location in Times Square, it is not the overly crowded jazz spot that you think it would be. It’s biggest nights are when they have special acts and performances come in on tour, but for the most part, you can come into B.B. King Blues and 4 or 5 nights a week and find your average jazz crowd taking back some soulful tunes to unwind after a long work day or week. The food is a good as the music, and that’s saying a lot when they have the type of performers that they have. There is also a bar, a prix-fixe and is a magnificent place for both groups and singles.

1. New York City Jazz Venues
2. Saturday November 17, 2007 – Lea Lounge, New York City
3. Saturday November 10, 2007 – Lea Lounge, New York City
4. Saturday November 3, 2007 – Lea Lounge, New York City
5. Sporting Events; A Must In New York City!
6. Late Night Dining Done Right in New York City
7. Best Places for Young Black Singles in New York City
8. Welcome to Black Oak Nights, New York City!