By Susie Bolt
As Louis Armstrong once said, “If you have to ask what Jazz is, you’ll never know.”
But if you have to ask where the top 5 must-see jazz venues of Australia are, you’re in luck! Rescu. has scoured the country high and low to find them for you. Enjoy. Za za za zaaa.
Melbourne
The Club: Bennetts Lane Jazz Club
Inside: Tucked down a non-descript alley, this little club is the epitome of cool. Soft lighting, little round wooden tables with red candles, bottles of spirits twinkling behind the bar and walls adorned with signed pictures of jazz musicians. When the music’s playing, a front row table can feel like you’re part of the band. Owing to its popularity, there is now an adjoining club called “jazz lab”, which offers a more diverse style of jazz.
Best for: Hailed by many as the best jazz club in Australia, this venue has won various awards. Open 7 nights a week, shutting at 1am weeknights and 3am on weekends, this club has seen the likes of top international acts as well as local upcoming talent. Renee Geyer, the Elana Stone Band and Yvette Johansson are all regulars and Prince even played a one-off casual gig here a few years ago!
Order: The staff here are very friendly, from the people on the door to the waitresses and bar staff. Order one of their delicious cocktails or something from the extensive beer and wine menu. The food is also fantastic. Definitely worth booking ahead and making an evening of it.
Who goes there? A mixed crowd of city professionals, travellers, locals and students can all be found at this club. An eclectic mix and great atmosphere.
Finding it: 25 Bennetts Lane, Off Little Lonsdale Street, Between Russell and Exhibition Streets, Melbourne. Tel: +613 9663 2856.
Web: www.bennettslane.com/
The Club: Manchester Lane Jazz Club
Inside: Housed in one of the most beautiful old buildings off Flinders Lane, this is a top class joint. Classic retro supper club layout. Very chic, cool and stylish, with the stage positioned for maximum appeal, complete with red curtained backdrop. Dim lighting and fantastic acoustics both act to enhance the dinner jazz experience.
Best for: Classic jazz, blues, acoustic, swing, soul and more. The club can host anything from a solo pianist to a 6-piece ensemble. But whatever you hear, you can guarantee the musicians will be world class.
Order: Something from the extensive cocktail list and some fine Australian cuisine from the gourmet dinner menu. The prices are also surprisingly good.
Who goes there? Mixed ages who share a serious love of jazz.
Finding it: 36 Manchester Lane, Melbourne. Tel: +613 9663 0630.
Sydney
The Club: Side on Café
Inside: Part of a larger arts complex with a gallery upstairs, this basement cafe is cosy and intimate. Low level lighting and a baby grand in the corner let you know this is all about the jazz.
Best for: Diverse live jazz. Run by the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) this is a non-profit organisation. It endeavours to support local talent and offers an impressive who’s who line-up of local and international jazz musicians.
Order: The menu serves a fusion of Australian, European, American and Asian dishes. A two-course meal will set you back $27.
Who goes there? An eclectic blend of artists, musicians and jazz lovers of all ages.
Finding it: About 5k from the centre of town, this little gem is worth the bus ride. 83, Parramatta Rd, Sydney. Near the Annandale Hotel and 5k from the city centre. Tel: +612 9516 3077. Bookings not essential.
Brisbane
The Club: Brisbane Jazz Club
Inside: Set on the river front beneath the Story Bridge, this atmospheric purpose-built club is fashionably dingy with low lighting and a novelty sloping dance floor (it was once a boat ramp).
Best for: There is a range of jazz played on different nights with big band Sunday and more mainstream jazz on the Saturday night. Thursday hosts a casual jazz appreciation session. Impressive local and international acts.
Order: Food is basic, but good enough, with a range of light snacks and some stock main meals like lasagne and schnitzels. There’s a great selection of Aussie wines and top notch spirits.
Who goes there? There is a mixed and unpretentious crowd at this club where everyone is made to feel welcome.
Finding it: 1 Annie St, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. Tel: +612 73391 2006.
Web: www.brisbanejazzclub.com.au. Book ahead.
Perth
The Club: The Jazz Cellar
Inside: The entrance of the club is reached via an old red phone box on the street. Push the back wall and a staircase is revealed, which takes you downstairs into the speakeasy themed club. Very fun. The interiors are decorated with old enamel advertising signs, tables made from cast iron sewing machine bases and old Victorian chairs.
Best for: The unique venue and friendly atmosphere make this a great place for Friday night drinks. The club is run by Corner House Jazz Band, who are one of the finest in the area. They play every Friday along with any other visiting musicians. There is no food or drink, but it is BYO everything so you can bring whatever provisions you require.
Order: Visit the Bottle Shop and one of the various takeout joints on your way.
Who goes there? A local mixed crowd. Very friendly and welcoming of newcomers.
Finding it: Enter via red phone box. Corner of Buxton Street and Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorne, Perth. Tel: +61 8 9447 8111
For more information on upcoming performances and other great venues, check out these websites:
Your bars: www.yourbars.com.au
Jazz Clubs Worldwide: www.jazz-clubs-worldwide.com/docs/oz.htm
Frommers Reviews: https://frommers.com