The Jazz Gallery

by my account, this is the best place to see jazz in the city. cover is low (generally $ 10-​$ 20), the space is comfortable (it’s on the fifth floor of a loft — way more comfortable than the subterranean caverns further downtown), and the programming is the perfect mix of familiar and forward-​thinking.
none of the annoyances of typical jazz clubs come into play here. there’s generally plenty of room, and you don’t feel packed like a sardine. ceilings are high. there are no drink minimums — actually, no drinks for sale — but there is a table with wine (a $ 5 donation is requested). i bet you could discreetly BYO here and no one would care.
the place is a non-​profit that has been actively encouraging new jazz and young jazz musicians for two decades. it’s a no-​frills environment and unlike several downtown jazz clubs, it doesn’t rest on its laurels. the programming shows a great deal of thought, including many culture– and place-​oriented series, mentoring programs (where an old jazz hand teams up with an up-​and-​comer for a few sets) and premieres of new works.
what are you waiting for? go! it’s the same price as a movie for god’s sake. you could buy a ticket to whiplash — a bad movie about jazz — or see the real thing for the same price.

Great venue for musical performances. Came by for my friend’s bf’s jazz performance on Sat evening. What I really like about this place is that it will really only attract music lovers. It doesn’t even have a bar, so it deters drunk posers and wannabes. The venue is unsurprisingly unassuming and quite conveniently located to the 28^th N/​Q/​R stop.

This place has been in the forefront of the New York jazz scene for ten years. Its music offerings are always terrific. Definitely recommended for anyone who likes great music.

We decided to do something different. I’m not a Jazz connoisseur but am open enough to have always enjoyed any type of live music a few of us took the plunge and headed off to the Jazz Gallery. Of course you are in NYC and you have to be conscious of the parking situation if you are driving but there was plenty of parking in the area as all the commercial spots open up at night.
We parked and walked around the corner to find the Jazz Gallery in an unmarked building but the guitarist playing in the lobby gave it away that we made it to the right place. We took the elevator up to the 5^th floor and we were greeted by a host who handled our entrance fees. There aren’t any assigned seats so where you sit is strictly based on how early you get to the venue to pick out your own seats.
This place was a no frills type of place. I mean they are a non-​profit company so there’s no tables, food or drinks. I did get the vibe that you are able to bring in your own beverages for consumption so next time i would do so.
The performance itself was great. The quartet performed for about an hour which was long enough to make you feel like their was value but not so long where it dragged on.
I would definitely recommend this for those looking for a different low key experience without all of the glitz and glam. Just grab your significant other and enjoy some good musicianship.

We saw a very good show this past Friday. The venue is strange – my understanding is they moved from a downtown location. It’s on the 5^th floor of a nondescript Flatiron block and you’d never know it’s there if you didn’t follow the venue online. This is not a music club – more of a small office space that looks better suited to book club meetings. No booze but they did have a few bottles of water. Not really sure what to think of these digs – they feel very temporary.