DTLA is world-renowned for the bars, nightlife, and most of all, its music scene. From major concert halls to smoky subterranean clubs, there’s a perfect spot to catch captivating live jazz performances every night of the week. Here are 10 Great Places to experience live Jazz in downtown Los Angeles.
Welcome to the Club at the LAAC
Sunday nights are just one of the evenings dedicated to live jazz performances at downtown’s iconic Los Angeles Athletic Club. From Tuesday through Sunday, the stage transforms the quiet, whiskey-infused study known as the Invention Bar into a cabaret featuring rotating live bands. This “intimate, elegant supper club,” located on the third floor of the members-only establishment, offers listeners bar bites and music over light conversation, all while they sip craft cocktails. Dinner inside the Invention Bar starts from 5:00p.m to 8:30p.m, with live jazz music playing from 6:00p.m to 8:30p.m most nights. The LA Athletic Club is located inside the LAAC at 431 W 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.jazzsalon.org
Underground Jazz (literally) at the Continental Club
Hosting one of Downtown’s longest-running jazz nights, the Continental Club is a chance to step into the classic underground world of jazz. The sophisticated site, located far below street level in the Old Bank District, resonates with live jazz on Wednesday evenings. Doors open at 7 p.m. for “The Underground Jazz Sessions” on Wednesday nights, as well as complimentary cupcakes by its jazz night creator, Big Man Bakes. The Continental Club is located at 116 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. www.circa93.com
Musical Voyage at the Delphi Hotel
The Delphi Downtown LA is a gorgeous 4-star hotel in the Financial District that features jazz fusion on Thursday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 12 p.m. Described as “a musical voyage,” and the event has free entry with an RSVP in the standing area of the lounge. If listeners get hungry, table service can be had for $35 per person. The Delphi Downtown LA is located at 550 Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90071. www.thedelphihotel.com
Riding on the Metro at Union Station
Want to hear jazz but are not in the mood to visit a bar or restaurant? Metro Art and Kjazz present Jazz Tracks, a free concert being held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Union Station Historic Ticket Concourse, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event is hosted by lauded Kjazz DJ Rhonda Hamilton and features performances from Darynn Dean, Isaiah Collier, and Kassa Overall. In addition to providing a really cool free event, Metro Art is also giving the first 40 visitors who present their TAP cards a free Metro Art book, Los Angeles Through the Eyes of Artists. Seating is first come, first served. Union Station is located at 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. www.art.metro.net
Kenny G. at Club Novo
The Novo in LA Live boasts a ton of eateries, many of which feature live music, as well as the Grammy Museum and the Crypto Arena. The entertainment complex itself presents a family-oriented location to walk around, grab dinner, and fall in love with some overhead music. Kenny G has an upcoming performance at The Novo on Sunday, April 21, 2024, and new additions to the event calendar are constantly being added. The Novo is located at 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015. www.thenovodtla.com
A Level Up with Mr. Wanderlust
Describing itself as a “lively piano bar, jazz lounge, and late-night destination with a theatrical spin,” Mr. Wanderlust is perfect for fans of piano bars, jazz halls, and the movie Moulin Rouge. The food and drink menu features updated, upscale, and whimsical interpretations of classic bar fare. The space features surprise musical performances and burlesque, making it suitable for ages 21 and over. Open Wednesday through Sunday between the hours of 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. Mr. Wanderlust is located in Level 8 at 1254 S Figueroa St., 8th Floor, LA, CA 90015. www.mrwanderlustdtla.com
Keeping Up with the Beat at the Rhythm Bar
The Rhythm Room L.A. is a subterranean bar located in the basement of the Hotel Hayward in the Historic Core that features live jazz on a regular basis. The name of the establishment is a nod to “a turn of the century jazz speakeasy,” and music is one of the defining tenants of the bar, which, by its own admission, specializes in “live music, stiff drinks, and the occasional ballroom dancing.” The nighttime hot spot also features an affordable food menu and bar games to play while enjoying live jazz. The Rhythm Room L.A. is located at 206 W 6th St., BSMT, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.rhythmroomla.com
Perfect Acoustics at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall is a stunning and world-famous architectural marvel and also happens to regularly feature world-class musicians, some of whom play jazz. Herbie Hancock, a jazz innovator and legend, has an upcoming show on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. Designed by famed architect Frank Ghery, the venue is accessible by Metro Bunker Hill Station but also offers plenty of parking. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. www.laphil.com
Hitting hard in the Financial District
Zaya is a must-hit for jazz music lovers who love to dance. Since its grand opening in February, Zaya has become synonymous with live music and an even livelier dance floor, easily heard and seen by passersby late into the night. Occupying the space below Uncle Cedd Mo’s Seven Grand in the former VDTLA, Mas Malo location, Zaya’s historic architecture now includes a full bar with cocktails named for and inspired by classic tunes, like “Return of the Mack.” Themed nights, including Love Supreme Wednesdays, feature live music by Matthew Grant and friends.” Zaya is open Monday 8 PM–1 AM, Wednesday–Friday 5 PM–2 AM, and Saturday 9 PM–2 AM. It is located at 515 W 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.zaya.la
Jazz Soufflé at Le Petit Paris
Le Petit Paris is an “elegant bi-level French brasserie” located in downtown LA’s Historic Core that morphs into an ”upscale lounge atmosphere” at night and features live jazz on Wednesday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Patrons can enjoy dulcet tones paired with a special menu for jazz night for $39 per person. Le Petit Paris is located at 418 S Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. www.lepetitparisla.com
