Did you know that April is Jazz Appreciation Month?
On your next visit, jam with the best at these five Orlando music venues.
1. Jazz Tastings
Jazz Tastings offers a swingin’ twist on the dinner-and-a-show date night.
The jazz club and restaurant is located north of Orlando in Maitland, Florida. It hosts everything from open mic nights to smooth bossa nova stylings. As you tap your toes to some of Orlando’s best musicians, enjoy a splendid selection of small plates and sandwiches. The menu features everything from sharable smoked fish dip to wagyu burgers to beet salad.
As you let the music wash over you, wash down your dinner with a craft cocktail or glass of wine or beer.
On weekends, the venue charges a $10 cover per guest. Admission is free on weeknights.
2. Austin’s Coffee
For a fun night of java and jazz, head to Austin’s Coffee in Winter Park, an upscale suburb between Orlando and Maitland.
Every Thursday, the café hosts its weekly “Jazz Jamms” event.
Musicians from across Central Florida head to Austin’s to play and improvise together. As you watch the action unfold, enjoy a tasty treat from the coffee shop’s extensive and vegan-friendly menu. In addition to fair-trade coffee, Austin’s serves craft beer, organic wine, and salads, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Many dishes are made from local ingredients.
3. Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts
An unassuming warehouse on the outskirts of Winter Park is home to one of Orlando’s most vibrant jazz clubs.
Blue Bamboo is a nonprofit arts center located in a converted woodshop. The intimate venue has a jam-packed schedule featuring professional musicians. It hosts everyone from crooners paying tribute to the Rat Pack to eclectic jazz acts covering classic rock songs. Every Thursday night, owner Chris Cortez takes the stage with his band. This free event ends with an open jam session.
Even if you don’t join in, you’ll enjoy a night of unforgettable music and light bites from the on-site concession stand.
4. Timucua Arts Foundation
Winter Park isn’t the only place in Central Florida with a joyfully jazzy arts center.
In SoDo (south of downtown), you’ll find the Timucua Arts Foundation. The organization started in 2000. Back then, Timucua hosted concerts and other arts events at venues throughout Orlando. In 2007, however, they raised funds to build a space of their own.
Today, the Timucua Arts Foundation hosts several concert series. This includes a jazz series that has featured Grammy-winning artists like David Sanchez and Tal Cohen.
General admission to most shows costs $25. Discounts are available for students, educators, first responders, veterans, and seniors.
5. Pilars
With its historic theater and frequent music festivals, the western suburb of Winter Garden has become a local performing arts hub.
Next door to the Garden Theater, you’ll find the Roper Garden Building, a distinctive building with a greenhouse on the roof. It is home to Pilars, a chic martini bar and lounge. On Sundays, Pilars hosts a jazz jam session led by the house band. As you bop to the music, quench your thirst with a unique drink. The bar serves a selection of creative martinis and other mixed drinks.
The Sunday’s Jazz cocktail, featuring Disaronno, cava, and house-made bitters, is a must for music lovers.
Get Jazzed at Rosen Shingle Creek
Make Rosen Shingle Creek your home base during your Jazz Appreciation Month getaway.
Our hotel is located near Orlando’s major highways, making getting to Orlando’s best music venues a breeze. When you’re not jamming out, recharge in your cozy guestroom and enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, on-site dining, and our seasonally heated pools.
