I will be in New York City in a couple of weekends with my husband and am looking for a good club to see jazz/blues or acoustic rock. We are staying in Midtown (theater district) and I don't want to go too much out of the way. So far I have looked into the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note, both of which have some good jazz booked. Can anyone tell me about the atmosphere between the two clubs? I was also thinking about the BBKing club ... has anyone been there? We are in our early 40s, and would like someplace relatively casual, that does not pack 'em in like sardines.

We are also thinking of a comedy club. Can anyone recommend one in, or not too far from, Midtown area?

Any recommendations?

The Vanguard is one of the few remaining clubs left from the
classic 1950's jazz scene in NYC.
The club is in a dark and crowded Greenwich Village basement, but it has a special atmosphere, especially given its historic significance. The Blue Note is much more slick and modern. Both clubs squeeze lots of people in small spaces. I have not been to BB King's, but it has gotten good write-ups. Other clubs you might consider: Sweet Basil's, Iridium, The Knitting Factory, The Bottom Line, and Tramps.
In terms of comedy, the main midtown club is Caroline's, which is right in Times Square.

Hi Cheryl,
There are many options when it comes to seeing jazz in NYC. If you're interested in venues, I'd go to www.citysearch.com - they have a pretty comprehensive directory. Also, do a serach by restaurant - many restaurants have nice bars with live bands. Make sure to call ahead though.
Most of the famous jazz clubs in NYC, have a cover and a drink minimum and play for a specific period of time. Depending on who's playing, it can be great or disappointing. And they, ususally pack them in. Our ruse is to get their early and have a drink at the bar or just sit at the bar the entire time depending on the sight lines.
One of my personal favourites is the Jazz Standard - it's larger than usual and the prices are pretty good. The bar upstairs usually has a quartet or trio and that is free. Again, I'd call ahead to check. The Algonguin Hotel has cabaret and jazz for a slightly more upscale venue, as does the Firebird Lounge for old standards which is wonderful.

Also, Cheryl, for a really great low-key cover-free jazz bar, check out Detour on East 13th St (just west of 1st Av). Not crowded during week days at all. This is more of a venue for up-and-comers. The Village Vanguard is a classic venue. I think Branford Marsalis is playing there soon?

Hello, just a question, is it possible to get into the Vanguard on a Saturday night without making advance reservations, CAN you buy tickets in advance? I haven't yet researched this, so I am sorry for just jumping in, but we will be in NYC in March and I have a Jazz fan spouse.

Thyra, all the info you seek, including a calendar, is at www.villagevanguard.net. You can--and probably should on a Sat.--reserve tix in advance, but you pay at the door.