Cape Town jazz is a celebrated form of poetic expression and social commentary. Beyond music, it is the story of slavery and the struggles against apartheid. Throughout the years, a thriving jazz culture has been growing in the Mother City, which boasts an ever-increasing list of venues at which to listen to it.
These are a few of our favourites among the countless hotspots popping up:
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
A live music and cocktail lounge paying homage to the soulful sounds of jazz and the blues. A collaborative venture between well-known jazz artist Buddy Wells and Grub & Vine’s Chef Patron Matt Manning. If you’re lucky, you may even come across enthusiastic musicians making use of the lounge’s state-of-the-art recording studio.
With live jazz performances every Wednesday to Saturday from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, it’s the perfect spot to discover new upcoming artists on the jazz scene.
- Location: 103 Bree Street, CBD
- Website: grubandvine.co.za
Urban Soul Café and Jazz Bar
The cosy, mellow atmosphere from this vibrant and quirky café offers a perfect night away from city life. Not to mention great food and awesome music as well.
They say you come as a stranger and leave as a friend.
With live jazz playing four nights a week, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
- Location: 2 York Road, Muizenberg
- Website: Urban Soul Cafe & Jazz Baar – Facebook
Asoka
If it’s a memorable evening you’re after, Asoka offers some of the best cocktails in the world, and on Tuesdays every week, live jazz and house music fill the restaurant with soul-warming upbeat melodies and a dynamic vibe.
For over a decade, Asoka has been Kloof Street’s little gem, a sensual experience where the music is intoxicating and the energy is palpable. Head to the petit palace on a Tuesday night to soak up live jazz from 8pm, with deeper house music beginning at 10pm.
- Location: 68 Kloof Street, Gardens
- Website: asoka.za.com
The Art of Duplicity
Hidden in the ever-so-slightly less salubrious end of town, this place is our newest addition to the list of budding jazz hotspots. With an emphasis on hidden (the place’s address requires you to first figure out a series of hints to get to the location), it is the place to go to connect with jazz fans while enjoying the mysterious underground speakeasy feel.
On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, a live jazz band plays at 9:30pm sharp. So step back in time, order up an experimental cocktail and enjoy the whole experience.
- Location: 3 min walk from District Six Museum, Coffee Lane, CBD
- Website: @the_art_of_duplicity – Instagram
Pigalle
Well-known as the perfect venue for a stylish evening out, Pigalle’s jazz band plays Monday to Saturday, 7pm until late, setting the tone for a night of elegant exuberance.
Pigalle is one of Cape Town’s longest-running restaurants, and its sense of history makes it an ideal spot to savour a little old-school swing and jazz.
- Location: 7A Somerset Rd, Green Point
- Website: pigallerestaurants.co.za
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Fable brings the magic to moonshine with intricate cocktail creations
Picture: Unsplash
