Jazz Showcase

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Joined 10 years ago

Venerable downtown club where the rallying cry remains, "Bebop! The music of the future!". The Scene
While it may look new, this club has been drawing jazz legends to its stage for more than half a century. Founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, the Showcase has had more than a dozen addresses; the current and (hopefully) permanent site is comfortable and has good lighting, clean restrooms and fine acoustics. Sets usually begin within 25 minutes of scheduled times, which is positively prompt by jazz standards.

The Draw
The club's history comes alive in pictures of legendary jazz performers--from Charlie Parker to John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery to Yusef Lateef and Betty Carter, right on up to Pat Metheny and Joshua Redman--who have played the Showcase. Patrons are encouraged to bring their kids, especially to the weekly Sunday matinee ("Get them while they're young," Segal says); children 12-and-under are admitted free. Reservations are not taken, but there's never a drink minimum.