It’s been over 100 years since the first jazz song was recorded, and anyone who has ever heard the music of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald can agree that it has an undeniably strong ability to transport you to a beautiful, past era. Jazz clubs in New Jersey, specifically in Hoboken and Jersey City, are like diamonds in the rough these days, but it is possible to find a place to hear some delectable sounds. There’s really nothing like enjoying a live performance of this magical music in person, and Hudson County is the perfect place for it — even if it is tough to find venues at times. Read on for a guide to jazz clubs + performance venues featuring jazz music in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Disclaimer: Please contact the venues directly for information about COVID-19 regulations and live music happenings — all are subject to closures and changes.
Barbes {1300 Park Avenue, Hoboken}
Barbes has a live jazz duo every weekend, Thursday – Saturday, from 6:30PM-10:30PM.
Dino and Harry’s Steakhouse {163 14th Street, Hoboken}
The steakhouse features light jazz on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and on Fridays and Saturdays, they enhance the romantic experience of date night with elegant piano music.
Fox and Crow {594 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City}
Live in the parlor, check out their live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, times vary by date and artist. Jazz ensemble, The 4th Street Nite Owls and Dirty City, performed at Fox + Crow in early 2020 and brought with them their extensive repertoire from the 1930’s hot jazz age.
The Archer {176 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}
The bar features live music every week on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesdays from 7:30PM-10:30PM is bluegrass with The Go Bailers, a bluegrass trio featuring special guests on a weekly basis. Then on Thursday from 8:00PM-11:00PM is jazz and blues standards with or curated by The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn.
The Brightside Tavern {141 Bright Street, Jersey City}
Every Monday night from 6:00-9:00PM, The Brightside Tavern hosts a free, live jazz night to the delight of their customers who have left rave reviews of the experience on social media. The Tavern’s American fare is a must-try as well.
The Cottage {136 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City}
Head over to The Cottage for some jazz every weekend from 10:30AM-2:30PM. The Cottage is located at 136 Monticello Avenue in Jersey City.
Read More: In-Person + Virtual Activity Classes in Hoboken + Jersey City
The Liberty House Restaurant {76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}
Catch live music Thursdays from 7:00PM-10:00PM, Fridays from 7:30PM-11:00PM, Saturdays from 7:30PM-11:00PM, and jazz Sunday brunches from 11:30AM-3:00PM.
Madame Claude Bis {390 4th Street, Jersey City}
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM, Madame Claude Bis’ owner along with his gypsy jazz band Manouche Bag offers delightful performances.
See More: Your Guide to the Dance Studios of Hudson County
Moore’s Lounge {189 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City}
Every Friday at Moore’s Lounge, aspiring future jazz professionals can join a jam session. On Sunday’s, there is the weekly “Meet the Artist” series where world-renowned artists meet with young, emerging talents, in a “Jazz Clinic” type of setting, performing for a local audience wishful to learn and exchange knowledge about the context in which jazz music has emerged and is played today. Moore’s Lounge, which first opened in 1968, is currently accepting donations to stay in business due to the pandemic. Donate here.
Porta {135 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}
Porta hosts cover bands on the main floor every Saturday night from 11:30PM-2:30AM. There is a live jazz band every Saturday + Sunday from 12:00PM-3:00PM during brunch on the main floor.
Riverview Jazz {Jersey City-Based Organization}
Riverview Jazz’s mission is to build a self-sustaining audience for the arts by presenting various forms of jazz to the community in a combination of traditional and non-traditional spaces. Their website offers multiple events for virtual Jazz performances happening while we are all still staying indoors as well as live Hudson County events. The organization produces over 100 concerts per year in the area.
White Eagle Hall {337 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}
Jersey City’s concert and performing arts venue in a restored and renovated historic theater. White Eagle Hall is often standing room only — unless it’s doing one of its dinner concerts inconjunction with Madame Claude Bis {a must-go!}.
