By Colette L. Meehan
It's easy to find good jazz in Middesex County.
Middlesex County, N.J., part of the
New York Metropolitan area, offers numerous entertainment and cultural options for residents and visitors alike. Concerts, galleries, theater and comedy clubs dominate the region. Jazz connoisseurs, particularly, benefit from colorful music venues that showcase local talent. Named for Middlesex County, England, Middlesex County, N.J., deserves its reputation for fine dining; restaurants serve cuisine with international flavor and style. Several restaurants integrate jazz into the overall flavor of the restaurant's appeal. The popularity of jazz restaurants continues to soar.
Jazz Background
The origin of jazz, though difficult to determine exactly, reaches back to the beginning of the 20th century. A convergence of European and African traditions surfaced, initially, in the Southern region of the United States. The first jazz recordings appear in 1917. Unfortunately, preservation of the original sound suffers as the result limited technology at the time. The jazz art form continues today through a multitude of sub-genres including Latin fusion, New Orleans Dixieland and Nujazz of the 1990s, among others.
The jazz tradition shows no signs of fading out; the music adapts and evolves according to the culture and environment of any given locale.
New York Scene
GARAGE Restaurant and Café, located in Greenwich Village, boasts jazz music and outdoor and multi-level dining, American cuisine, and a double-story fireplace. The multi-level dining structure ensures that all customers receive good seats for any given show. Live jazz shows entertain every night and brunches on Saturday and Sunday. GARAGE does not charge entrants a cover fee.
Smalls Jazz Club, created in 1993, draws large crowds and a multi-generational variety of musical talent. Offering full bar service and all-night music, Smalls attracts a diverse crowd; this establishment welcomes underage guests, provided adults accompany them. Smalls charges a cover fee for an entire evening; customers may leave and return throughout the night. A half-price cover charge applies after hours.
Jazz Standard delivers high-quality jazz sound to new jazz lovers and veterans alike. Serving barbecue food, cocktails, wine and beer, this restaurant aims to please customers of all ages. The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra plays on Sundays; the required entrance donation benefits the Jazz Standard Discovery Program which strives to strengthen the connection between New York City children and jazz. Standard music shows run throughout the month; customers order tickets online.
New Jersey Venues
Shanghai Jazz Restaurant and Bar combines American Jazz and Asian cuisine. Recognized as one the "Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the World," this Madison, N.J. establishment subscribes to a philosophy of hospitality, extraordinary wine, a full bar and most importantly, good value for the customer. Jazz musicians play six nights per week. Shanghai Jazz limits cover charges to special events.
The Old Bay in New Brunswick, N.J. recreates the atmosphere of a 19th-century New Orleans bistro. Live jazz and blues music filter through the restaurant while patrons consume award-winning beer and Creole inspired dishes. The Old Bay remains a popular destination in the region. The establishment recommends reservations.
Delta's Restaurant blends Southern hospitality, exceptional food and smooth jazz to create a memorable experience. The vibrant bar scene and intimate atmosphere make Delta's a favorite late-night haunt. Situated in New Brunswick, N.J., this restaurant highlights live jazz talent every Saturday evening.
About the Author:
Colette Meehan is a freelance writer based out of Ardmore, Pa. Since graduating from Mount Saint Mary's University with a B.A., Meehan went on to earn an M.A. from Villanova University and an M.B.A. from La Salle University. She began her career in publishing, eventually moving on to finance and health care.
Photo Credits:
Jazz Night 2 image by UFOFABRIK from
Fotolia.com
