8 Places in Atlanta to Listen to Live Jazz Music

Café 290 was first nationally recognized as one of only three jazz venues in the country selected to unveil U.S. Postal Services Jazz Legends postage stamps. The venue is a celebrity spot and has previously hosted musicians Tony Royster, Paul Taylor and Ken Ford. Upcoming shows include Joe Gransden and his 16 Piece Big Band (first and third Monday of each month) and Reggie Hines (every Saturday) with an open mic every Sunday night. Try to arrive early and ask owner John Scatena to share stories as legendary as the place itself.

7 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. $10 to $15. 290 Hilderbrand Dr., Atlanta. 404-256-3942, cafe290atlanta.com.

St. James Live Jazz Club

Located just five miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, St. James Live offers a warm and relaxing atmosphere while providing an intimate concert experience. The home of Smooth Jazz Sundays has previously hosted artists Bob James (Fourplay), Nathan East (Fourplay) and Euge Groove. Upcoming shows on the site include Lindsey Webster, Chris Standring and Brian Simpson.

6 p.m.-midnight. Thursday-Saturday. $15 – $100. 3220 Butner Road, Atlanta. 404-254-3561, stjamesliveatl.com.

Joe Gransden can regularly be seen performing at venues around the city. Contributed by Joe Gransden

The Velvet Note acoustic lounge

The four-time consecutive winner of Downbeat’s “Best Jazz Clubs” award is an intimate, upscale 40-seat venue with impeccable acoustics, a restaurant, and a full bar. Past performers include Robert Glasper, Larry Carlton and Gretchen Parlato. Upcoming performances feature Bobby Watson and Special EFX with an open-mic jam every Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight.

6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. $29 to $54 (Except for super premium shows. Reservations are strongly encouraged.) 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 855.5.VELVET, thevelvetnote.com.

Callanwolde Center for Fine Arts

Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn outdoor concert series kicks off August 23rd and features incredible artists including Joe Gransden, Francine Reed and Bob Baldwin. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic while enjoying the concerts.

Aug. 23, Sept. 6 and 20, Oct. 4 and 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $35 or more. 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. 404-872-5338, callanwolde.org.

Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn outdoor concert series kicks off August 23 and features artists including Joe Gransden, Francine Reed and Bob Baldwin. Contributed by Callanwolde Center for Fine Arts

by Venkman

The restaurant, bar and live music venue at Old Fourth Ward offers a weekly jazz jam every Tuesday hosted by living legend Joe Gransden and his house band every Tuesday evening. The Atlanta Latin Jazz Orchestra, which features some of the Southeast’s finest musicians and is led by Atlanta music scene veteran Rob Opitz, plays monthly and makes even the most difficult music easy. Jonathan Scales Fourchestra returns to the scene on August 3.

Check the website for prices, dates and times of performances. that of Venkman. 740, boul. Ralph McGill NE, Atlanta. 470-225-6162, venkmans.com.

Old Fourth Ward’s restaurant, bar and live music venue features one of the city’s most popular weekly jazz jams. Venkman contribution

Credit: Contribution

Old Fourth Ward’s restaurant, bar and live music venue features one of the city’s most popular weekly jazz jams. Venkman contribution

Credit: Contribution

Kat’s Coffee

This cozy music bar and restaurant in the heart of Midtown is known for its authentic atmosphere and excellent martinis. The venue has hosted several famous jazz musicians, including Jorel “JFly” Flynn, Trey Daniels, and “Sweet Lu” Olutosin. Upcoming shows include Eva Kennedy and Reci Reign with an open mic jam session every Thursday night.

Tuesday Saturday. 5-12:30 p.m. $10 (Many shows have no admission charge.) 970 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-347-2263, katscafeatlanta.com.

Red light coffee

The Red Light Café is one of Atlanta’s true hidden gems, known for producing shows with Charlie Hunter, Myrna Clayton’s International Jazz Series and Nick Rosen. It hosts a weekly Wednesday Jazz Jam with Professor Gordon Vernick of Georgia State University, and every fourth Friday, the Atlanta Jazz International Sounds series by Myrna Clayton.

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. (hours vary by show). $10-$25 (weekly jazz jam is $5), 553-1 Amsterdam Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-874-7828, redlightcafe.com.

Light bar

Located in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, Lumen is a stylish bar that offers a variety of live music throughout the week with electric guitar, jazz and classic hits from Cooper Tisdale on Mondays and Mathew Miller with jazz saxophone on Wednesdays.

2:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Free live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) Daily. 181 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. 404-659-0400, ritzcarlton.com/atlanta.

The Lumen lobby bar in downtown Ritz-Carlton. The hotel has updated the lounge and lobby with a new, more modern “W” look. Bar staff were invited to offer specialty drinks inspired by the new artwork.

Credit: Hyosub Shin / AJC