At The Improv Cafe’, our radio station spins nothing but the best in live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz — every track you hear is the live version, no exceptions. That’s the magic of real jazz: the raw energy of the stage, the improvisation, the crowd’s response, and the unrepeatable magic of a moment in time. And few venues embody that spirit better than the legendary Blue Note Jazz Clubs, which continue to be a cornerstone of the global live jazz scene.
Tonight on The Improv Cafe’ — Live at The Blue Note Radio Show
Before we dive into the latest Blue Note news, don’t forget — tonight we’re bringing you the Live at The Blue Note Radio Show, a two-hour special featuring music recorded only inside the walls of the world-famous Blue Note Clubs. From New York to Tokyo to Milan and now Los Angeles, every note you’ll hear tonight comes from an authentic live performance captured at a Blue Note stage. Whether the music is sourced from official live albums or archival concert recordings, what you hear is the real thing — pure live jazz at its finest.
Blue Note Los Angeles: A New West Coast Landmark
The biggest Blue Note headline this summer is the long-awaited opening of Blue Note Los Angeles, which debuted on August 14, 2025, right on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The launch night was nothing short of historic: Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper headlined with surprise appearances from Ledisi and Terrace Martin, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark venue for the LA music scene.
Upcoming performances at the new Hollywood club are already stacked with talent:
- Alex Isley
- Andra Day
- Kamasi Washington
- Charlie Puth
- Terrace Martin
- Esperanza Spalding
Adding to the excitement, Blue Note Entertainment Group has partnered with Mastercard to provide premium experiences at the new venue, cementing LA as a must-visit stop for jazz lovers.
Blue Note New York: Where It All Began
The original Blue Note in Greenwich Village (131 West 3rd Street, NYC) continues to prove why it’s the crown jewel of live jazz. Recent highlights include a six-show residency by The Roots, celebrating 30 years since their first album.
The upcoming NYC schedule is no less impressive:
- John Scofield Trio – November 24, 2025
- Keyon Harrold – September 1, 2025
- Dominique Fils-Aime – September 8, 2025
With nightly shows at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm, plus their famous Sunday Jazz Brunch, the NYC Blue Note keeps live music thriving seven days a week. The venue currently holds a 4.2-star rating from over 5,200 Google reviews, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Blue Note Worldwide: The Global Beat of Live Jazz
The Blue Note name resonates across the world, with clubs continuing to host legendary artists and rising stars alike. Here’s a snapshot of upcoming highlights:
- Blue Note Hawaii: Summer performances from Keiko Matsui, Macy Gray, and Tower of Power. Guests also enjoy a full food and drink menu alongside the music.
- Blue Note Beijing (China): Espen Eriksen Trio on September 19, 2025, and Anthony Fung Trio on November 21, 2025.
- Blue Note Tokyo (Japan): A stacked schedule featuring Hiromi, Takana Miyamoto, Pyramid, J.A.M, and Hayato Sumino. The Cecile McLorin Salvant Quartet will also perform August 20–22, 2025.
- Blue Note Columbia (Missouri): Upcoming events include comedy showcases and a special birthday bash with the Mercury Trio.
Blue Note Jazz Festival – Napa 2025
If you’re looking for a festival experience, the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa Valley is set for August 29–31, 2025. Expect a weekend packed with world-class jazz, wine country vibes, and unforgettable live sets.
Blue Note Records: Keeping Live Jazz Alive on Vinyl
On the recording front, Blue Note Records keeps the spirit of live jazz alive with new releases:
- Horace Silver – “Silver in Seattle: Live At The Penthouse” arrives October 24, 2025.
- Kelela – “In The Blue Light”, recorded live at Blue Note NYC, dropped earlier this year on February 11, 2025.
The Improv Cafe’ Promise: Only Live Jazz, All the Time
At The Improv Cafe’, our commitment remains simple: only live music makes it to the airwaves. Every track we play — from Big Band standards to Swing, from Vocal Jazz to modern improvisations — is the real, unedited, in-the-moment version. No studio tricks, no overdubs, just the authentic sound of musicians connecting with their audience.
And tonight’s Live at The Blue Note Radio Show is the perfect example of that. Tune in and you’ll hear the clinking glasses, the applause, the energy of the room, and above all, the brilliance of live jazz that can never be replicated.
Because here at The Improv Cafe’, we believe: if it’s not live, it’s not jazz.
