Music is a great part of the city’s profile and the countless plans for music lovers alone can attest to that. The jazz scene is particularly vibrant, boasting the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and a great number of jazz clubs, where cool cats can swing to groovy beats and fiery saxophone solos. In this article, we’ve rounded up our go-to spots in Melbourne that offer weekly shows and pack a punch so continue reading because they’re the bomb!
1. Paris Cat Jazz Club
We’re starting off the roundup with one of Melbourne’s best dedicated live jazz clubs. Since 2005, Paris Cat Jazz Club has entertained Melbournians with live music in an intimate, underground setting. It is located inside a three-story warehouse built in 1895 and besides its two show rooms (The Basement and Parisian Loft), guests can also get cocktails and tapas at its Gallery bar to accompany performances by both local and international acts.
đź“Ť 6 Goldie Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Bird’s Basement
Inspired by New York’s famous Birdland, Bird’s Basement is another go-to spot for jazz enthusiasts. It was founded by entrepreneur and artistic director Albare in 2016 with the help of American saxophonist Ravi Coltrane (also son of legendary John and Alice Coltrane). Bird’s Basement is not just one of the best jazz clubs in the city but here, you get a dinner and a show, as it frequently hosts renowned international artists and local talent.
đź“Ť11 Singers Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Uptown Jazz Café
Open Wednesday to Saturday, Uptown Jazz CafĂ© is a cosy upstairs bar in Fitzroy. It’s often considered the best jazz club in Melbourne because emphasis lies on the live performances, hosting local, national and international jazz musicians in the likes of Bernie McGann, George Garzone and Paul Grabowski. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t also get a mean martini to help you unwind after work.
đź“Ť1/177 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
4. Lido Jazz Room
Fridays and Saturdays are all about jazz at this hidden spot tucked under Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn. Inspired by the New York jazz bars of the ’80s, Lido Jazz Room seats only 40 people so the vibe is intimate. From swing to cool and contemporary jazz, guests find an extensive lineup every week for every taste.
đź“Ť675 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
5. The Jazzlab
Owned by Bennetts Lane founder Michael Tortoni, The Jazzlab is a vibrant Brunswick spot that hosts some of the best Australian and international musicians every week. According to Tortoni, “it’s not a jazz lounge, it’s a hard-core jazz club“. So if you’re into that, you must pay a visit now! During the week, jazz aficionados can expect crazy talented musicians who like to experiment with improvisation and on the weekend, music lovers can catch soulful vocalists that appeal to a broader audience.
đź“Ť27 Leslie St, Brunswick VIC 3056
6. Brunswick Ballroom
Another popular Brunswick spot, this music venue is also an arts space and a function room packed with a full bar. Although Brunswick Ballroom is not a dedicated jazz club, it hosts monthly performances of The Jazz Room, where top-tier musicians bring timeless tunes to life with carefully curated setlists and improvisations.
đź“Ť314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
7. The Rooks Return
Fun, casual and friendly, The Rooks Return offers live jazz on Wednesdays from 8:30pm to 11pm. And best of all, they don’t allow hen dues and pub crawls so you can actually enjoy the music and relax with a drink in hand.
đź“Ť201 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
8. The Toff
This iconic Art Deco-style music venue features free weekly jazz sessions called Now.Here.This. Every Tuesday night, top local jazz musicians and improvisational artists perform at The Toff in an intimate club atmosphere.
đź“Ť 2f/252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Wax Music Lounge
Born from the celebrated Wax Museum Records store, Wax Music Lounge hosts a wide range of artists and that includes jazz. It is mostly known for genre-bending jam sessions but it also regularly hosts improvised jazz bands on the weekends. Located in the Selina Hotel basement, the audio system is carefully crafted for both performers and patrons, elevating the live music experience to new heights.
đź“Ť250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Other live music venues and bars that offer jazz performances every now and then include Wesley Anne, High Note and Bar 303 in Northcote, Baxter’s, and IVY Piano Bar in Windsor.