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6 Live Jazz Spots in Jax – A “tiny” Guide by Explore Jacksonville

Most of us know Jazz music originated in New Orleans, but how many of you know that Jacksonville emerged as an African-American cultural exchange partner with New Orleans? 

Decades after the birth of Jazz, musicians were regularly hired to perform in the parlors and saloons of the notorious red-light districts in New Orleans and Jacksonville.

LaVilla, a red-light district in Jacksonville at the time, became a brief haven for musicians such as John Robichaux and Jelly Roll Morton, among many others. 

Fast forward to 1980, in a small fishing village called Mayport, the Jacksonville Jazz Fest was born. 

Throughout the years, the annual Jazz Festival locations changed, and it’s gone from a free event to a paid event, then back to a free event, but the beat of Jazz never stopped thumping in Jacksonville.

Throughout Jacksonville, there are places you can listen to live Jazz. If you’re curious about Jazz, I hope you find this list helpful, and you take in the music. Close your eyes, think about life, tap your foot, and take a sip of your favorite drink as you savor the unique experience of live jazz music.

Jazz music is the power of now. There is no script. It’s conversation. The emotion is given to you by musicians as they make split-second decisions to fulfill what they feel the moment requires.

Wynton Marsalis
Casbahs in Avondale
Manifest Distillery in Downtown Jax
Blue Jays in Jax Beach

Below are two videos of famous Jazz musicians that make references to Jacksonville in their songs. The Blues and Jazz style of music below is the same type of music that was being played in New Orleans and Lavilla in the early 1900’s. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! – Esther 🙂

Esther Rimert

As the owner and creative director of Explore Jacksonville, It’s my hope that you find yourself at ease on our website and that it becomes a helpful resource for all things Jacksonville, Florida.