Jazz Appreciation Month is descending upon Houston, and to celebrate, the city is gearing up to host a series of concerts at Discovery Green. In partnership with Da Camera, Discovery Green will be hosting the Da Camera JAM. Featuring jazz bands from around Houston, this concert series will include brass party bands, pianists, and jazz vocalists. For 2018, the concerts will be held on April 5, 20, and 26. This gives locals plenty of chances to attend and take in the diverse sounds of jazz. But if you can’t make the concerts, you can still find live jazz music at any of these spots around Houston. 

Cafe 4212 - Museum District

Photo courtesy of Cafe 4212

Located in Houston’s Museum District, Cafe 4212 is easily found just across the street from Peggy Park. Guests can expect to find live jazz performances here regularly, though events can change from one month to another. Cafe 4212 has been a fixture of Houston for years and continues to deliver live music to the city on a regular basis. Guests can also treat themselves to a few drinks and dine at the cafe on a plate of catfish or some simple pecan pie. 

Cezanne - Montrose

Photo courtesy of Cezanne

Tucked into a corner of Montrose, Cezanne is a well-known Houston venue that as recently as 2016 was voted as the city’s best jazz club in a Houston Press readers poll. It’s an intimate venue that makes it easy to listen to the music. With its rich wood paneling and many paintings, the mood at Cezanne is always comfortable. Guests can enjoy a drink and some live music at Cezanne every weekend.

Martini Blu Jazz Cafe - Galleria

Photo courtesy of Martini Blu Jazz Cafe

Anyone traveling in the Galleria area of Houston who wants to enjoy some jazz will want to drop in on the Martini Blu Jazz Cafe. Along with the music guests can enjoy something off the menu, like the chicken wings or the flat iron steak. From straightforward performances on the sax to jazz brunches and numerous performance series, Martini Blu is always busy bringing live jazz to the city. 

The Flat - Hyde Park

Photo courtesy of The Flat

The Flat isn’t a dedicated jazz spot. Instead, it hosts an eclectic blend of reggae, hip hop, soul music, and other musical styles. However, it regularly hosts jazz jam sessions. The cozy Hyde Park location feels like a comfortable living room. Guests can enjoy drinks inside or outdoors on the patio. The Flat serves up a diverse drink menu that includes cocktails and a wide selection of beers. Wine is also on the menu and coffee too. Of course, The Flat also helps satisfy any hunger pains you might be having with a selection of pizza slices topped with pepperoni and jalapeno, goat cheese, mushrooms and bell peppers, and other combinations.

The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge - Midtown

Photo courtesy of The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge

Another long existing member of the Houston community, the Alley Kat Bar & Lounge is situated on the southern edge of Midtown. It’s an interesting venue with two sections separated by a small alley. Visitors can commune in the alley or an open-air patio. While DJs play music on the ground floor, visitors can head up the stairs to the live music area. There, they can take in the weekend jazz sessions. There’s also a third bar upstairs, so you’ll be able to enjoy drinks and music without having to return downstairs for a refill.

Prohibition Theatre - Downtown Houston

Photo courtesy of Prohibition Theatre

Featuring a style and aesthetic that harkens back to the roaring 20s, Prohibition Theatre in Downtown Houston regularly welcomes live performances through its doors. Live singers, burlesque performers, and jazz quartets come together to put on a variety of shows. Visitors can remain at the front bar area or head to the adjoining performance hall and take a stage side seat for one of Prohibition’s many performances. If you’re looking to take a step back in time, then Prohibition may be the right venue for you.