Seattle’s jazz scene brims with intimate lounges and legendary clubs alike. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz lover or someone new to the genre, see why Emerald City is the perfect stage for taking in the sultry sounds of jazz and enjoy great music in every corner.
Join us as we explore some of the best jazz clubs in Seattle past and present. While you’re at it, check out some of our other suggestions for things to do in Seattle.
The Historical Roots of Jazz in Seattle
Before we explore Seattle’s jazz scene, first, let’s take a trip down memory lane and learn more about its history with jazz and the multicultural community that helped shape the genre into what it has become today.
Seattle’s legendary Jackson Street is widely considered the birthplace of jazz in the city. Although Seattle was segregated at the time, Jackon Street played a pivotal role in bringing together the city’s different communities. From the Roaring Twenties to the 1960s, it was a hotspot of the city’s music scene, bringing together communities of all walks of life together to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Over time, Jackson Street’s jazz venues in Seattle paved the way for many popular jazz artists, including performers like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles and many others.
What Makes Seattle a Top Destination for Jazz Lovers
Seattle boasts a proud reputation as a jazz hub in the Pacific Northwest and is celebrated for its thriving live music scene. But what makes it such a prime destination for lovers of jazz and other genres of music? For starters, Seattle is a city that puts locals first. Other showbiz markets like Los Angeles, New York or Nashville are rife with competition. But in Seattle, the community is made up of musicians who support one another.
Beyond that, there are several key music institutions, ostensibly breeding grounds for up-and-coming musical talent. Cornish College of the Arts and the Art Institute of Seattle are some of the most sought-after academic institutions in the state of Washington. Musicians in these schools tend to look out for paying gigs, a dime a dozen in a city with such a vibrant nightlife like Seattle.
Top Seattle Jazz Clubs, Past and Present
Check out these popular Seattle jazz clubs, and also take a stroll down memory lane to learn about one of its legacy venues here.
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley has been a fixture of Seattle’s jazz scene for almost 45 years. Over the years, household names like Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Burt Bacharach, Eartha Kitt, Dave Brubeck, Earl Klugh and Harry Connick Jr. have performed here. Oh, if this stage could talk...
This local institution first opened its doors in Seattle’s University District back in 1980. After growing its clientele and establishing itself as a premiere jazz destination in the city, six years later it was relocated to a more accessible spot, its current home in Belltown on 6th and Lenora.
This new location meant the club could accommodate larger audiences. Not only will this establishment's live music boost your mood, but you can also enjoy a delicious menu with tasty meal and drinks here as well. Best of all, its reputation precedes itself: In 2016, DownBeat magazine named it one of the world’s 100 best jazz venues and has consistently been a nominee on Seattle Weekly’s “Best Jazz Club.”
Seattle Jazz Fellowship
The Seattle Jazz Fellowship is an inclusive space founded with the aim of promoting jazz in the city, lowering the barriers of entry for budding jazz players, and revitalizing the jazz scene in Seattle. Founded by award-winning trumpeter Thomas Marriott in 2021, the idea for the Seattle Jazz Fellowship came about during the height of the pandemic. Marriott wanted to create a space for local jazz to flourish.
Located at 109 S. Main Street in Pioneer Square in a historic building, the venue doesn’t sell tickets in advance and instead encourages patrons to just show up and check out what’s happening. Acts typically take the stage at 7:30 p.m. nightly and is an all-ages venue. Yes, drinks are served here too!
The Penthouse (Historic Venue)
Launched in January 1962, The Penthouse jazz club was founded by Charlie Puzzo. It quickly became one of the city’s most in-demand venues for performers and audiences alike. Some of jazz’s greatest names have all played here, including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie helped put The Penthouse on the map.
In 1965, the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane performed at The Penthouse. He was joined by a group of some of the best musicians at the time. This session was recorded and issued by Impulse! Records as the historic album Live in Seattle, an iconic Coltrane album still beloved by fans of the genre today.
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Egan’s Ballard Jam House
Though Egan’s Ballard Jam House is small in size, it’s a big hit among local jazz lovers. Club owner Suzanne Weghorst founded the venue after noticing the city’s lack of appropriate venues for up-and-coming jazz musicians to hone their skills.
The name Egan comes from Weghorst’s grandfather who was a composer and performer who toured Europe and then carved out a name for himself in New York City’s live music scene decades ago.
These days, Egan is proudly dedicated to shining the spotlight on Seattle’s local talent. Not only that, but they serve a mean dinner too. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wishes to champion local music.
North City Bistro & Wine Shop
North City Bistro & Wine Shop is the jazz music venue to visit if you’ve got a hankering for dinner and a show. In addition to selling great bottles of wine and serving small, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, North City Bistro & Wine Shop is a fantastic venue for jazz lovers. Live music plays nightly every Wednesday to Saturday.
While some shows don’t require tickets, others do, especially anything happening on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night when the venue is most popular.
Other Popular Venues for Jazz Nights
In addition to these popular spots, Seattle is home to plenty of other soulful spots. The Royal Room is a cozy lounge tailor-made for jazz enthusiasts. Enjoy its intimate vibes, laid-back setting and even dance moves when the rhythm takes over.
Then, over at the Sea Monster Lounge on N 45th Street, live music performance is on full display. Though not exclusively a jazz venue, check the calendar to see what jazzy acts are performing while you’re in town.
If you’re looking for something unique, The Pink Door is more than just an Italian restaurant. It’s home to some of Seattle’s best entertainment. Whether you’re into catching trapeze artists wining above the dining area (we sure are) or down to check out a local jazz ensemble, The Pink Door has something for every taste to accompany your dinner, standing out among unique restaurants in Seattle.
Key Figures and Musicians in Seattle’s Jazz Legacy
Not only is Seattle a great place to catch some contemporary jazz, but some consider it to be the city that launched the careers of two legends, Quincy Jones and Ray Charles.
Quincy Jones and Ray Charles
When pianist and vocalist Ray Charles was young, he left his hometown of Tampa, Florida, and opted to move to Seattle. He reportedly chose the city because it was as far away as one could get from Florida. Though he only stayed there for two years, even he is credited as the place where his career first took off. In fact, it was in Seattle where Charles released his first record.
Similarly, Quincy Jones laid his musical roots down in Seattle. Jones and his family first moved to Bremerton, Washington, post-World War II. Shortly after, they settled in Seattle.
As a teenager, Jones was passionate about music and Seattle’s thriving jazz community was the perfect venue to allow this young musician to flourish and, eventually hone his skills, later becoming the world-renowned producer and composer he was known for until his recent death in November 2024.
Their early experiences in Seattle didn’t just influence their artistry—they helped define the legacy of Black performers in American popular culture, solidifying the city’s role as a cornerstone of the national arts scene.
Local Jazz Artists and Performers
While Seattle’s history of jazz is renowned, today, the city continues to be a hotbed for up-and-coming local artists. See what makes Seattle’s jazz scene one of the best in the country.
Events, Festivals, and Jam Sessions to Experience
Regular Jazz Events and Jam Sessions
Jazz is a collaborative and spirited genre, and jam sessions are a part of the experience. Venues like Seattle Jazz Fellowship and Egan’s Ballard Jam House host regular sessions, inviting fans of jazz to take part in the musical conversation and improvisation that happens with jazz. Not only are these events a whole lot of fun to attend, but they offer a stage for local talent to flex their skills and feel confident playing in an ensemble setting.
Annual Seattle Jazz Festivals
While Seattle is perhaps best known for its grunge scene of the late 80s and 90s, its jazz scene is equally celebrated. Being such a musical town means it’s home to several types of festivals, including some that celebrate the genre known as jazz.
One highlight you won’t want to miss is the Earshot Jazz Festival, an annual event hosted by the non-profit organization Earshot Jazz (more on them below).
For almost three jam-packed weeks, Earshot Jazz Festival takes over the city, filling locals’ and tourists’ hearts and ears with smooth, enticing jazz. In addition to concerts, Earshot Jazz Festival hosts world premieres, workshops, and film screenings, some of which are free thanks to generous donations that help the festival continue to thrive.
The Evolution and Resilience of Seattle’s Jazz Scene
Challenges Faced by Jazz Venues
Though once a thriving epicenter of the genre, Seattle’s jazz scene has had to weather its share of challenges in recent years. Rising real estate costs and gentrification have forced many historic venues to close or leave the Central District—the neighborhood with deep roots in the city’s storied jazz history. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic put deeper strains on clubs already stretched thin.
Despite all this adversity, many in the community are doing their part to keep jazz a part of the city’s cultural make-up. New venues and jazz bars in Seattle are popping up regularly, hosting jazz nights and putting special emphasis on local talent. Community organizations are doing what they can, too, fighting for the city’s jazz legacy to carry on.
Resilience and jazz music seem to go hand in hand. Though not without its share of hurdles, don’t expect Seattle’s jazz scene to taper off anytime soon.
The Role of Community and Nonprofits
Recognizing the role and importance of jazz in the community, several non-profit organizations are working hard to make sure it stays a part of the city’s identity.
For instance, the Seattle Jazz Fellowship, founded by a legendary jazz musician, Thomas Marriot, with roots in the community, welcomes musicians and enthusiasts to come together to practice and play. This way, seasoned artists can share their knowledge and passion with the next generation. It's just one collective helping the city’s rich jazz traditions continue to live on.
Similarly, Earshot Jazz is another Seattle-based non-profit organization taking meaningful steps to honor and preserve jazz as a vital Black American art form. Founded in 1984, Earshot Jazz has played a vital role in giving local and emerging talented artists a spotlight. By holding shows and events, hosting an annual jazz festival, and publishing a magazine, Earshot Jazz has helped launch the careers of many jazz musicians.
Now that you know a little bit more about the history of Seattle’s jazz scene, it’s time to immerse yourself in the Emerald City’s soulful sounds of jazz.
If you’re seeking another type of entertainment, don’t forget to check out our shows in Seattle. Like a stirring jazz ensemble, our gravity-defying shows and artists will amaze you with talent of another kind.
FAQs About Seattle Jazz Clubs
Got questions about Seattle’s jazz clubs? We’ve got all your answers.
What are the best jazz clubs in Seattle?
Seattle's jazz scene features no shortage of standout jazz venues. Popular spots like The Royal Room, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley and others are renowned for their contributions to the city's local jazz culture. At these clubs, you'll encounter a line-up of local and international talent—any of these are must-visit destinations for jazz enthusiasts of all types.
Which Seattle jazz venues have free parking?
Finding a jazz venue in Seattle with free parking is possible, whether on site or along neighboring streets. Some notable mentions:
- At Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, parking is free at several nearby parking garages. Check out the website for more information.
- While Egan’s Ballard Jam House does not have on-site parking, there is free parking in a few places from the venue on Leary Avenue.
- Near the Seamonster Lounge, you’ll find free parking on Burke Avenue North.
Be sure to check out each venue's websites to find out more about where you can park your car worry-free.
Are there family-friendly jazz clubs in Seattle?
If you’re looking for family-friendly venues to check out live and local jazz music, Seattle has what you need. Though there aren’t as many family-friendly clubs as there are adults-only locales, some of the city’s most popular spots welcome jazz lovers of all ages. Check out The Vera Project, a community-driven nonprofit space that regularly hosts music nights.
How can I support Seattle’s jazz scene?
If you’re looking to keep the Seattle music scene as lively as ever, there are many ways to support Seattle’s bustling jazz scene. Head to any of the popular jazz venues in Seattle to support local performers and attend concerts to hear live music wherever possible. By showing up for the city’s local music scene, you can help keep its legacy alive.