Jazz Showcase

806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Address:	806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Phone:	+1 312-360-0234
Site:	jazzshowcase.com
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

A Private User

Oldest, best jazz club in the world. Were it not for its need to regularly locate, the Showcase would supplant NYCs Village Vanguard as the oldest. Although it never could afford a mega/super jazz star like Miles Davis, it could once serve up 4 of the baddest tenor players on the same stage--Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Dexter and Moody, for example. These days its one of the few remaining intimate spaces where you might be able to catch the incomparable Roberta Gambarini. Yes, the owner Joe Segal can be a curmudgeonly, grumbling and unapproachable throwback to the jazz hipsters of the 40s, but hes earned the right to be whatever he pleases. One of Chicagos most enduring, noteworthy characters but, not for a moment, putting himself ahead of the music. This is no pitcher-of-beer, peanuts-on-the-floor "Chicago blues juke joint." And contrary to some previous commentary by patrons who would do well to become "hipper" to Americas African-American indigenous art form and its greatest exponents, the prices are downright "cheap" for the internationally-acclaimed artists you will hear nowhere else under such optimal conditions. This is one of the last few remaining clubs of its kind. It deserves government support and generous donations from anyone who believes that Bird, Diz, Trane and their like (in fact, the Italian Gambarini learned it all from recordings by these masters) should receive one penny for every million spent on another Iraq.

Bart Castle

I went in on a busy Saturday night and still got a seat at the bar - loved the experience. They will let you bring your own food in, so you can offset the big-city bar tab by bringing dinner along. So-so on the beer selection (bottles only, some imports and of course domestics, no craft beers though). Hard to find a bad seat in the house, some lounge sofas and tables, high top tables and bar seating as well. As a musician and avid music fan this the perfect sized venue, intimate and proper lighting (not too dark at all) with enough seats to create a crowd that i think Jazz music should be experienced in.

Joshua Christenson

I would have loved to given this place a better rating if I had gotten through the doors and actually enjoyed a show. However, that was not the case. Please beware that if you do not buy your tickets on line before the show you must BRING CASH. They gladly take cards inside for drinks but for some reason do not do this at the door for show tickets. They were not even helpful in directing me towards the nearest ATM, so I decided to spend my money elsewhere. Consider this a bogus review because I didnt actually get inside, but I had to share my two measley non-cash cents worth.

A Private User

Great jazz club... one of the best youll find in the world. Great artists, great music, friendly staff, and the prices are great considering the high quality of jazz youll see. The moment you walk in you can tell that this the place to be foe jazz- the rooms are covered with posters of jazz legends and old jazz records. Ive traveled many places around the U.S to hear world-class jazz, such as the village vanguard, and I must say that this has been the best. All in all,a great experience and a must-see for any jazz fan.

Eric Olson

So this, is the swankiest jazz club in the city. Dress up a little, you look good wearing a jacket. The acoustics are great, its not cramped, you can get your own table. A stop for some of the best touring jazz musicians in the country as they pass through town. Tickets for shows are well price, but be forewarned drinks are not (on the plus side however they are strong and well made). Go, take a date. But get food before you go, the neighborhood is low on options that match up to the quality of this joint.

Tarun Chawla

Love the decor here. This is the kind of place where you should not be talking while the band is performing. Some of the seating is odd, for example, the hostess tried to seat my wife and I one in front of the other instead of next to each other. Service can be problematic on busy show nights, a simple whiskey and coke took about 30 minutes from ordering to arriving. Still, if you are looking to listen to some serious jazz talent, this place is worth checking out.

Janice Temple

Joe Segal and the Jazz Showcase are Chicago Jazz Institutions. Joe Segal is famous for bringing Jazz artists to Chicago. The Jazz genre played at Joe Segals Jazz Showcase is called Jazz Standard which means no electric instruments. This is Jazz in its original art form. There are Sunday Matinees at 4 pm for families. Ira Sullivan and Friends performed here the night of the 2013 Jazz Club Tour Trolley sponsored by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.

Zackary Prince

The venue itself looks nice. So thats good. The drinks when you can get them are mediocre at best. Before the music starts an old guy gets up at babbles. Before the last note is finished an old guy gets up and babbles. They do get a lot of classic jazz guys in but more often than not it looks like a senior citizen center. For young and hip you need the Green Mill where the drinks are quick and strong and the cover is reasonable.

Rae Shuman

I went here for a DePaul show and although the atmosphere and acoustics and bar is excellent, the service is a little lacking. The house manager was not very welcoming and because there was only one bar tender it was difficult to get a drink. In fact, another patron and I had to find a pitcher of water to pour ourselves. So, if you are just coming for the music, its a really cool *real Chicago jazz* venue.

Kevin Maher

Heard some great Jazz here, so good in fact everyone wanted to see it that night too so it was really crowded and hard to get a drink. Otherwise Id give five stars. Come early enough you wont have to worry about that from your table. Also if you dont come there on time its like an old theatre style where you cant walk in during the music set. Once people start clapping theyll let you back in.

peabodytiger

Legendary jazz venue in Chicago. Big thanks to Joe Segal for keeping the jazz flame alive for decades. Great music. One of the few places in town that brings in top artists. They do lean a bit conservative with the music, but they have a passion for it and it shows. Support the Showcase and go when you can. Kids shows on Sundays are a great way to expose children to the music too.

A Private User

Hiromi Uehara was there last night and beyong amazing. There is not a bad seat in the house. The staff was friendly, the owner welcomed me, and I sipped volka and tonic while the finest pianist in the world today played 10 feet in front of me. Ill never forget it. Thanks for such a great night Jazz Showcase. Ill be back. To all you folks, please - sit behind me.

Gregory Grigas

The Jazz Showcase is fabulous. Its a real jazz club where youreup close to the finest jazz in Chicago. The location is just where you expect; an old building on a dead end street. Parking is steps from the door at a reasonable rate. Joe greets you at the door & youre then taken in to an always fine show. If you like jazz dont miss this venue.