The 5 Best Spots for Live Jazz in KC

Everyone knows that Kansas City was the birthplace of jazz – lucky for us, our live music scene is still alive and well. You just have to know where to find it.

1. Green Lady Lounge

The paramount jazz lounge of KC, Green Lady Lounge, transports you right back in time. Pull back the thick red velvet curtain on your way in, and you'll step right into the two-story bar filled with loud jazz music and well-dressed martini drinkers. You can find live jazz here every single night of the week until 3 am– a true testament to this establishment. 


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2. Ca Va

If you want to take in jazz in a more low-key environment, head over to Ca Va on Thursdays for live music in a cozier setting. Get there early if you want to snag a table in the little spot, and be sure to peruse the champagne menu for something to sip on during the show. 

 


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3. The Majestic

Kansas City is famous for doing two things particularly well: jazz and steak. The two are married at the iconic Majestic Restaurant, where you can get a front row seat to some of the best jazz musicians in town, a perfectly cooked ribeye and a glass of Chianti all at once. 

 


4. The Phoenix

The Phoenix is another icon in KC's jazz scene. Formerly a speakeasy, the exposed brick interior is home to soul, folk and R&B as well. Check out their music calendar, or swing by for one of the most unique offerings in the city– brunch and jazz, every Saturday morning. Doesn't get any better than that.


5. The Blue Room

Naturally, you can expect to find the best jazz in the Jazz Museum's very own venue. Swing by for swinging jazz on Mondays and Thursday through Saturday– you can expect everything from open jam sessions to touring national artists.  

 

Check out the locations of these venues below!