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Blue Note Jazz forms partnership with La Phil for Blue Note Jazz Festival

New York jazz stylings make their way to L.A. next year! The Blue Note Jazz Club is one of the most iconic and renowned jazz clubs in the world. Located in New York City, the relatively intimate venue has become a landmark for jazz music and a must-visit destination for jazz enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Blue Note Jazz Club opened its doors in 1981 in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village, a neighborhood known for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural history. It was founded by Danny Bensusan, a New York native who sought to create a world-class venue dedicated to jazz music.

The Blue Note Jazz Club is more than just a venue; it’s a celebration of jazz culture, a space where some of the greatest musicians in history have graced the stage, and a testament to the timeless power of jazz music. If you’re a jazz lover or just appreciate the magic of live performance, a night at the Blue Note is an experience not to be missed.

From the press release:

The iconic Blue Note Jazz Club is expanding to Los Angeles, bringing the legendary reputation of its renowned New York flagship to the heart of LA’s dynamic music scene. Designed specifically for Los Angeles, the new venue will offer an intimate atmosphere paired with programming similar to its New York counterpart’s: world-class jazz performances from celebrated icons, rising stars and genre-defying collaborations that reflect the evolution of jazz. The new club is set to open its doors in March 2025.

Located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, the new venue boasts two performance spaces: a main showroom with a 200-person capacity as well as secondary “B Side” room with a 100-person capacity. There will be a full-service kitchen and beverage menu, open for brunches and dinner throughout the week.

“We are excited to bring the Blue Note experience to Los Angeles, offering the same intimate atmosphere and world-class performances that have defined our New York club.”

Tsion Bensusan, COO of Blue Note Entertainment Group.

In addition to the new venue, Blue Note and the LA Phil confirm a partnership for the newly named Blue Note Jazz Festival—formerly the storied Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival—beginning the upcoming Hollywood Bowl season. Presented by the LA Phil, the 2025 edition of the festival kicks off on June 14 at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. This partnership reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to supporting and showcasing jazz artists. The full lineup will be announced on February 18 alongside the complete Hollywood Bowl 2025 season announcement. Tickets will go on sale May 2025 at this link

“We are thrilled to join forces with Blue Note to launch the Blue Note Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. This partnership represents a shared dedication to celebrating jazz and its extraordinary artists while continuing the legacy of world-class music at the Bowl. Together, we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers in Los Angeles.”

LA Phil’s President & Chief Executive Officer Kim Noltemy.

“This collaboration represents a powerful union of two iconic institutions dedicated to celebrating jazz and its profound impact on music and culture.”

Steven Bensusan, President of Blue Note Entertainment Group.

Blue Note Los Angeles also continue the venue’s partnership with five-time GRAMMY-winning artist, composer, producer and frequent collaborator Robert Glasper to host and curate once-in-a-lifetime performances that showcase his mastery at the intersection of jazz, R&B and hip-hop. In 2018, Glasper and Blue Note launched the record breaking world-renowned annual residency, ROBTOBER, which has become a global destination and notable launch pad for some of Glasper’s most exceptional recent work. The initial partnership has since grown to include cross-continental events that have included the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa, Blue Note at Sea and The Black Radio Experience.

“I’m honored to partner up with Blue Note once again for what will be a significant cultural intersection for the Los Angeles community. Los Angeles has always been a second home to me, and I can’t wait to bring LA culture to the Blue Note.”

Robert Glasper.

ABOUT BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB

The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City has become one of the premiere venues in the world. While jazz is at its core, the Blue Note continues to broaden its offerings with a mission to spotlight contemporary artists across all musical styles, backgrounds and cultures. The club and its sister institutions worldwide continue to draw massive household names with frequent surprise appearances from superstars like Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock and more.

Blue Note Entertainment Group owns and operates New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall and Arthur’s Tavern; D.C.’s The Howard Theatre; and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide, which includes venues in Milan, Italy; Honolulu, HI; Beijing and Shanghai, China; Tokyo, Japan; Napa, CA; and Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil.

ABOUT BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVALS

The storied Blue Note Jazz Festival started in New York in 2011, each summer seeing a month-long celebration of jazz throughout June. The Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa kicked off in 2022 with curation by Robert Glasper, creating a multi-day jazz meets hip-hop and R&B festival taking place outdoors across multiple stages. Past headliners include NAS, Mary J Blige, Chance the Rapper, Maxwell and others. In 2024, the Napa festival was presented as a landmark spin-off with Black Radio Experience, in association with Glasper at the Meritage Hotel. Blue Note will continue to present Black Radio Experience in Napa in 2025.

The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival is a beloved annual celebration of jazz, held at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Known for its stellar lineups and electric atmosphere, the festival showcases a diverse range of artists, from legendary performers like Charles Lloyd and Raphael Saadiq to emerging talents such as Yebba, Aneesa Strings, Cimafunk and more, highlighting the rich and evolving traditions of jazz. This festival is a reimagining of the Playboy Jazz Festival that began at the Bowl in 1979 and inspired the full jazz series programming at the venue to date.  

ABOUT THE LA PHIL:
Under the leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil offers live performances, media initiatives and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Herbie Hancock serves as the Creative Chair for Jazz at the LA Phil, bringing his visionary artistry and leadership to the organization’s dynamic jazz programming. Performances are offered on four historic stages—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Beckmen YOLA Center—as well as through a variety of media platforms. In all its endeavors, the LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic and learning experiences that resonate in our world today. 

Pauline Adamek

Pauline Adamek is a Los Angeles-based arts enthusiast with over three decades of experience covering International Film Festivals and reviewing new Theatre productions, Film releases, Art exhibitions, Opera and Restaurants.

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