As a major tourism and entertainment hotspot, the top jazz clubs in Cape Town are establishments wow visitors, no matter where they come from, and no matter how much they have travelled. Music is part of the social fabric of Cape Town; it is leaves an impression on every visitor.
While different genres of music tends to appeal to different demographics, it appears that jazz music cuts across every sector. Jazz music is appreciated by people of all races and spheres of life; it is the kind of music that makes people feel at ease; a type of music that builds bridges.
The top jazz clubs in the city are therefore more of social establishments than anything else; they properly capture the spirit of the city- friendship.
Top 10 Jazz Clubs In Cape Town
1. The Crypt
The Crypt Jazz Club is one of the best recognized jazz clubs in Cape Town; it is one of the most searched jazz clubs in Cape Town, showing that it is a famous establishment outside the country. It is one of the original jazz venues in the city; it appeared long before the copy and paste generation.
This jazz club is aptly named because it is located in what appears to be an actual crypt; under the St. George’s Cathedral; a famous and historical church in South Africa.
This is a place where international and local cultures mix together; local and international artists come together to make this a place of distinct musical appeal. In order to fully appreciate this club, it is necessary to visit a few times, so as to witness different artists, in their musical uniqueness play to the audience.
Food and drinks are also available; and members of the audience who wish to shake their bodies are welcome to do so. This is a prestigious establishment; the dress code is smart casual, and people are encouraged to make bookings before showing up.
2. Asoka
Asoka Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge is located at 68 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. This is a serious establishment; the building is impressive; it is artfully designed, and looks like something from the movies.
Asoka is an essential part of social side of Kloof Street; it is a vital part of the night life of the Gardens; an affluent neighborhood in the south of the city center. This is where the high society people gather in the evenings to listen to soothing music over drinks, and delicious food.
Asoka hosts live bands on Tuesday nights; and the artists come from all over the country. This bar has hosted famous artists, and also regularly features up and coming ones as well. The audience is also diverse; while the upscale people of Gardens are always present, they are joined by tourists from all over the world.
3. The Piano Bar
The Piano Bar is located at 47 Napier St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. It is another artfully designed building that serves as part of the physical and cultural landscape of the city.
This is a classy place; a Mediterranean restaurant, with a fine balance between food and music. The Piano Bar offers music at its finest; melodious tunes churned out by amazing talents showcasing their skills to people who love and appreciate music.
The artists playing at this venue come from different cultural backgrounds, and the diversity of culture reflects reflect on their music; giving audiences a rich selection of flavors, just as the menu also gives.
The Piano Bar has a wide assortment of foods; including meats, vegetarian delicacies, and Mediterranean foods.
4. The House Of Machines
The House of Machines is a community; a place of meeting between people who love good music, good food, and good life. It is located at 84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa, in a boutique kind of building.
This is a place where upscale people gather to enjoy a social gathering; most of the patrons are members of the corporate and business community. It is a hangout for people who love machines; bikes mostly, but also cars, and other machines.
The House of Machines prepares its music roster up to a month ahead; and so patrons can see who is billed to perform, and when. Please note that Wednesdays are for Jazz, while other genres of music are played on other days.
Food and drinks are also available; including coffee, gin, wine, and so many other types of drinks.
5. The Jagger Lounge
The Jagger Lounge is yet a new jazz bar in Cape Town, but it is already making a name for itself; as a place of music, enjoyment, and sophistication. It is located at 74 Shortmarket St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.
The building looks like a boutique style, although there is a bit of Victorian in it as well. The interior is a lot more spacious; and stage is properly set. This may be a major advantage that the Jagger Lounge has over its competitors; people who are in a celebratory mood will find this place spacious enough to hang out with their friends.
The mood is always a celebratory one; the audience comes to celebrate good music coming from a wide selection of artists from various backgrounds, and musical influences. The drinks also flow freely, and there is enough food to make the night memorable.
6. The Athletic Club And Social
The Athletic Club And Social is located at 35 Buitengracht St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. This is a huge, ambitious venue in a building with 3 levels; each one with a different atmosphere. This is like a museum of music and enjoyment.
It has already established itself as one of the top jazz clubs in Cape Town; despite being one of the new entrants into the scene.
The Athletic Club And Social is an upscale lounge; it targets the upper class of society without a doubt. It is a great place for tourists to hang out with selected locals, and to enjoy live music giving a hint as to what music feels like in the city.
7. Guga’s Thebe Cultural Centre
Guga’s Thebe Cultural Centre is located at Washington St, Langa, Cape Town, 7455, South Africa. This is a unique place; one that must be visited because it offers an opportunity to see the other side of Cape Town; the side of the townships.
This is an impressive building, but what is even more impressive is the mixture of musical performances that are put up on a regular basis at this theatre.
Visitors to this place can expect a rich diversity of musical presentations; jazz, drumming, guitars, and renditions of popular songs, by upcoming artists.
8. Bay Harbour Market
Bay Harbour Market is more than just a market; it is an important part of the cultural landscape of Cape Town. It is located at 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872, South Africa. This is a place to find all kinds of hand made craft, and to sample the local delicacies. However, it is also a place to listen to live jazz music.
This is not some hastily put together musical show; it is well planned, and musicians are selected months ahead of performances. This is a first of its kind market in Africa; it is a community place; a big part of the culture of the area.
It is also a major tourism hub; a must see for visitors who really want to sample the taste and feeling of Cape Town.
9. Hanks Olde Irish
Hanks Olde Irish is located at 110 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. It is one of the older class; one of those that have been around for a while. Hanks Olde Irish is a pub that is designed to look and feel like the prohibition era Irish pubs in New York City.
Hanks Olde Irish is a place where people come to listen to live music; jazz especially. This is a place where people of different cultural backgrounds meet in the evenings to groove together to good music as well as food and drinks.
Hanks Olde Irish is a great place to meet new people, and to get a feel of what the musical scene of Cape Town feels like.
10. Cubana Foreshore
Cubana Foreshore is located at 89 Hertzog Blvd, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. This is a popular Latino bar; like something you would find in Havana, or Mexico City. This is a great venue for those looking to celebrate, or just looking to have fun.
Cubana Foreshore is a great place to listen to live music, and the music often has a jazzy feel about it. It is worth mentioning that the music can be quite diverse; artists can come from all over the country, as well as internationally.
This is a great place to have a taste of the Latino way of life.
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Closing
The jazz clubs in Cape Town are lot more than the few listed here; however, for maximum quality of enjoyment the establishments listed near the top of the page should be considered first. Jazz is a great way to relax, and to bond. It is quite popular among a certain class of people.