You would think that LA is THE place to take your spouse or whatever-you-want-to-call-it-these-days, but the pickings are surprisingly slim. There are a ton of movie theatres, but gimme a break; they all show basically the same movies. Hanging out in some hipster watering hole is always too loud, and half the people there don’t want to be there. Concerts? WAY TOO EXPENSIVE! Besides, the big crowds are just a drag. As Yogi Berra once said, “No one goes there anymore; it’s too crowded.”
Hence, I submit to you that one of the perfect evenings out is to go to a jazz club. One thing I’ve noticed through the years is that white guys usually take another white guy to a club, while blacks, Asians and Hispanics go out as a date with the opposite sex. I have never figured this one out. Anyway, for you whiteys out there, as well as you uninitiated, here are my biggest reasons for frequenting jazz clubs:
Where else can you get a ticket just an hour before the show and choose (if you prefer) the very front row? Try doing THAT at the Ahmanson!
- THE BEST PLACE FOR PEOPLE WATCHING. I’ve seen guys in suits that were completely orange, with a hat! One guy had a camouflage suit, and as for women, my daughters have a field day checking out the various shoe and slacks combos. It’s also probably the last place guys still wear hats. You will definitely see people at The Blue Whale or the various Bakery gigs that you’ll
NEVER see anywhere else
- You can actually go up and talk to the musicians before and after the sets, and they appreciate it. My younger daughter has become friends with Luciana Souza
and Jane Monheit through the years, just by being at so many shows. As my dad once told them, “Try going up to Alicia Keys after a show and see what happens.”
Atmosphere! Nothing is as hip as a jazz club. Everyone is there for the music, so you’re surrounded by people who love the music scene.
- Jazz is one of the few types of music where the recording is merely a hint of the concert. As Sonny Rollins once said, “My albums are invitations to my shows.” All of my friends that I’ve taken to a club that previously weren’t jazz fans enjoyed themselves because the energy of the shows is palpable. Even my country/western bud has become a fan of Guitar Night with John Pisano. Yee Haw!
Most jazz clubs are around places where there are great restaurants. The Blue Whale is in a restaurant mall in Little Tokyo, and we’ve hit almost every one of the delicious dives. Near the old Bakery were a plethora of eateries along Venice, ranging from delicious Thai to Johnny’s Pastrami to Howard’s Bacon and Avocado Burger. Palms Thai, Pocquito Mas and Zankou are great little places. YUM
- After awhile, you’ll start noticing the same people at these places, and you feel that they’re all part of a secret society. That’s why they call it a “club.” One of the rookies we took out last week said, “I felt like I was entering a special world that no one else knows about.” We’re all in on the same joy!
When I was going to rock concerts, I always felt drained while driving home. I couldn’t believe how energized I felt after my first jazz night out; I wanted to go do something else! You’ll feel invigorated after the gig, and may even have trouble falling asleep because you’re so jacked up by the excitement.
- You’ll definitely talk about the music afterwards, much more than a movie or show. Even my wife, who’s not the biggest jazz fan, will discuss something about the artists.
Every female loves a vocalist, and there’s a TON of male and female singers out there. It’s better than a chick flick!
- Some places are still free, like Vibrato. Just order a couple drinks, sit near the fire place and soak in the atmosphere and sounds.
So, what are you waiting for? Get a date or some buddies and hang out!