Vancouver has a diverse jazz history.
The historic Patricia Hotel was a temporary home to ragtime and jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton in the early 1920s during a performance stint in Vancouver. The term “haiku jazz” originated here in reference to the innovative stylings of local world musician, Harry Aoki. In the 1950s, the Cellar (widely regarded as the city’s foremost jazz spot) attracted greats like Ornette Coleman and Art Pepper.
Though the Cellar Jazz Club (the modern, much-loved reincarnation of the legendary jazz venue) closed its doors in 2014, there are still plenty of locales that dedicate their evenings to jazz, not to mention annual events like the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Music Series at the Winterruption Festival.
So where can you enjoy some live jazz in Vancouver? Take a look below for some of our favourite spots.
Pat’s Pub
The Patricia Hotel’s Pat’s Pub is a regular haunt for lovers of live music. Weekly concerts keep the tradition of the venue’s jazzy past in tact with Monday’s Sessions at the Patricia: Monday Jazz Jam and Saturday’s Jazz @ the Pat bringing in some of the city’s finest musicians. Upcoming performers include the André Lachance Quatuor on April 23.
View the events calendar here.
Address: 403 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-255-4301
Frankie’s Jazz Club
Operating out of Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, Frankie’s Jazz Club works with the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society to bring in local and international musicians. Coastal Jazz’s very own tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds leads a quartet every Wednesday with a special guest and there are live music performances Thursday through Sunday evenings of each week which patrons can enjoy with an accompaniment of menu items like freshly house-made pasta and local craft beers.
See more upcoming events here.
Address: 765 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-6368
Tangent Cafe
Sunday and Thursday evenings are reserved for jazz at this cozy Commercial Drive cafe. This month, be sure to check out the Matt Choboter Trio and an exiting, improvised set from Brad Turner’s new jazz band, Anger Management.
View April’s lineup of performers here.
Address: 2095 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Phone: 604-558-4641
Guilt & Company
An intimate little spot in Gastown, Guilt & Company is known for its eclectic offerings of live music. The Jen Hodge All Stars, who perform in the style of hot old time jazz, are a mainstay of the venue’s Sweet & Hot Wednesdays.
See the calendar here.
Address: 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-288-1704
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