Jokes aside, Manchester has plenty bars with live jazz where you can kick back and relax or even get up and have a dance.
Matt and Phred’s
The ultimate venue in the city for any and all jazz lovers, Matt & Phred’s has been the epicentre of the city’s jazz scene for many years now and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change any time soon. It’s a laid back place with live jazz on almost every day of the week alongside one of the best Happy Hour deals in town.
Matt & Phreds Jazz Club, 64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW
0161 831 7002
Pier Eight
Every month Pier Eight in The Lowry put on a brilliant afternoon that combines two of most people’s favourite things – Gin and Jazz. Each event features a different gin brand, who serve up loads of gin cocktails, talk about what they do and generally just get people tipsy. While all this is going on, Manchester-based Rob King will provide the live jazz.
Pier Eight, Inside The Lowry, Salford M50 3AZ
0161 876 2121
Night and Day
With 20 years’ worth of great live music behind it, you can always rely on Night and Day to bring you something new and exciting on that front. They play host to some seriously good jazz and folk bands here, making sure that you can have a night out with a difference.
Night and Day, 26 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN
0161 236 1822
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNQ8iKe_V8A
Brasserie Abode
Every Friday at Brasserie Abode is Live Music night and they have a rather impressive list of performers and live music acts week in, week-out. There’s a fair whack of blues and boogie woogie in there, as well as a bit of jazz, folk and plenty more. Pretty much anything that’s perfect for a nice relaxed Friday night with some cocktails and good company.
Brasserie Abode, 107a Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2DB
0161 200 5665
The Hillary Step
Live jazz is a regularity this legendary Chorlton boozer, where they have something on offer every Wednesday and Sunday. Alongside your jazz you can enjoy one of their excellent German or Czech lagers, or regularly rotating Cask Ales. If you just can’t wait to hear that double bass – get on down!
The Hillary Step, 199 Upper Chorlton Rd, Manchester M16 0BH
0161 881 1978
thehillarystep.co.uk
Band on the Wall
Perhaps not as well known for its jazz music as other genres, Band on the Wall have such a wealth of music on offer that jazz manages to slip through the cracks more often than not. Band on the Wall is certainly a venue that is designed for serious music aficionados, so if you’re a jazz expert – you’ll find something here.
Band on the Wall, 25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ
0161 834 1786
Velvet Hotel & Bar
Another venue that’s not as well known for their live jazz acts, don’t be fooled – Velvet knows how to meet all your jazz night expectations. Paired up with a brilliant bar, as well as the excellent new Mr White’s English Chophouse for food – you’ll be all set for a great night.
Velvet Hotel & Bar, 2 Canal St, Manchester M1 3HE
0161 236 9003
www.velvetmanchester.com
Royal Northern College of Music
As you’d expect from a massive building full of musicians, there are plenty of opportunities to catch some jazz at the RNCM. They have concerts, recitals and performances almost every day of the week, with many of them being cheap enough to ensure you don’t have to sell either an arm or a leg. Check their site for full listings.
RNCM, 124 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9RD
