Live Jazz and Blues in Nashville
Nashville’s musicians will tell you we have a thriving jazz and blues scene. Here’s where to find your jam.
Dedicated to Jazz and Blues
I’d look here first for jazz and blues performances. Don’t see what you like in this first batch? Keep scrolling.
Nashville Jazz Workshop
Germantown. It’s sort of the epicenter of Nashville’s jazz community hosting its own events and spreading the world of other concert through its jazz calendar.
Rudy’s Jazz Room
The Gulch. Love this little basement room that embraces the many styles of jazz. In addition to featured artists, it hosts a jazz jam Sunday evenings at .
Skull’s Rainbow Room
Downtown. Tucked away in world-famous Printer’s Alley, this legendary venue cranks things up at 7:30pm.
Marquee
Downtown. Downstairs at the Woolworth Theatre, you’ll find a shimmering display of postmodern music. Like the supper clubs of days gone by, enjoy a live band, cocktails, and elevated dining. Open Thursday-Sunday evenings with live music Friday and Saturday, 7:30-10:30pm. Double-check the website because they’re experimenting with other entertainment.
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Downtown. A stone’s throw from Skull’s, this place hops with bluesy tunes all afternoon and into the wee hours.
Miss Zeke’s Juke Joint
Hermitage. Inside Papa Turney’s Old Fashion BBQ joint is another joint–both the barbecue and the blues are top-notch. A little tricky to find, it’s located right on Percy Priest Lake at Nashville Shores Marina No cover charge but tip the band. TIP: the brisket tends to sell out fast.
Kingdom Cafe
Mondays are all about jazz 5-10pm. Soul food and grill menu. Craft cocktails. Located on Jefferson Street, known as the Main Street of Nashville’s African American community.
Arrington Vineyards
Arrington. During warm months, this restful retreat hosts jazz ensembles on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Share a bottle while drinking in the views of the Tennessee countryside.
Big doin’s: Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival midsummer.
Venues that frequently feature Jazz and Blues
It’s not a sure thing so visit the websites of these venues to discover what’s playing.
City Winery
SoBro. Check the calendars for both the lounge and the main stage.
The Authentique
East Nashville. Slide into this 1900’s-inspired French bistro and cocktail bar for a little light jazz every Friday and Saturday 6:30-9:30pm.
Schermerhorn Symphony Hall
SoBro. The Nashville Symphony lends its stage to a variety of musical styles. You’re more likely to see well-known artists here due to the size of the venue. Here’s their 2024-25 Jazz Series schedule.
Twelve Thirty Club
Broadway. Two floors above the honky tonk at Fifth and Broadway complex is a dress-to-impress supper club showcasing soul, Motown, pop, and such.
Sinatra’s Bar & Lounge
Downtown. “Start spreading the news…” It’s a little bit of New York and Vegas at this upscale restaurant with speakeasy vibes. The tunes lean toward music that would’ve gotten a nod from Ol’ Blue Eyes.
Eastside Bowl
Madison. Live blues every Wednesday starting at 8pm in their Low Volume Lounge. Check the schedule because I’m see other relevant acts showing up frequently.
Analog
Midtown. Analog Soul is a pretty self-explanatory Sunday night celebration at the Hutton Hotel’s venue.
Cheekwood
Belle Meade. You’ll often find one of the many flavors of jazz either in the mansion or gardens.
Supper Club on Belcourt
Hillboro Village. New dinner spot bringing live jazz on Thursdays. Reservations recommended.
Black Rabbit
Downtown. Intimate venue hosting jazz, blues, and pop stylings.
Flamingo Cocktail Lounge
Wedgewood/Houston. Live jazz Fridays, 7:00-9:30pm.
Urban Cowboy’s Public House
East Nashville. Delivering mellow jazz Sundays, 9-11pm. Maybe other times too.
Villager Tavern
Hillsboro Village. Nightowls, check out their jazz jam Mondays, 11pm-2am.
Jazz on the Cumberland
East Nashville. Victor Chatman hosts this free, family-friendly, monthly Sunday afternoon series at Wasioto (formerly Cumberland) Park near the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Paid parking is available onsite.
Centennial Park Event Shelter
Midtown. I’m tucking the FREE summer Saturday big band dances in here because they feature a mix of swing and jazz music. It’s a weekly gig from June through August. Dance lessons at 6:30pm. The band cranks up at 7pm.
Weekly jazz sessions
- Monday – Old Glory
– Villager Tavern (11pm-1am) - Tuesday – Wilburn Street Tavern
- Wednesday – Flamingo
- Saturday – Late Great
Other venues to check for Jazz and Blues
No regular gigs but an occasional special engagement.
Vinyl Tap
East Nashville. One-off concerts but no regular standing gigs.
Springwater
I saw that the smokin’ Jay Patten Band played there recently so check out Springwater’s calendar.
Brown’s Diner
Each month is a mishmash of rock, Americana, blues, jazz, and country. If Jay Patten Band is playing, you’re in for a great night.
For all flavors of urban music, check out the LoveNoise concert calendar.
