Here’s a rundown of jazz clubs in Cleveland and jazz clubs in Akron. It’s a partial list, there are a lot of clubs that have live jazz once in a while, and there are clubs that are new that haven’t made our list.
Jazz clubs in Cleveland
The Bop Stop: Any list of Cleveland clubs has to start with the famous Bop Stop. It was designed to be a jazz club from the ground up, with amazing acoustics and a great view of the stage from anywhere in the semi-circular room, as well as a majestic view overlooking Lake Erie. The Bop Stop started as a commercial enterprise, ran into financial difficulties, and was donated in 2013 to The Music Settlement, a non-profit community school that has served Cleveland for over a century. The Bop Stop has won many accolades for being one of the nation’s top jazz venues. 2920 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113; (216) 771-6551.
Nighttown: Yes, Nighttown is back! The historic Cleveland jazz venue was shuttered for three years due to the pandemic, then purchased by the owners of RED Steakhouse in Cleveland and reopened in early 2024. Nighttown has hosted national, regional and local jazz acts since the 1960s and boasts a full menu. The have indoor “white tablecloth” dining and an outdoor covered patio. 12383 Cedar Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106; (216) 865-1400.
The Brothers Lounge: This iconic Cleveland music venue hosts a variety of events, including comedy, rock, blues, open mic nights, blue jams…and yes, jazz. Brothers Lounge has a full menu and a kitchen that stays open late. Check out the full event calendar on their website for upcoming acts. 11609 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102; (216) 226-2767.
Velvet Tango Room: Hosting live jazz for more than a quarter of a century, the Velvet Tango Room specializes in craft cocktails and an upscale, intimate atmosphere with live jazz. Fridays and Saturdays you can expect a piano jazz trio with John James, Bradford and Skip. During the week it’s solo piano. In either case, jazz musician guests tend to stop by. They’re right between the Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods, less than a mile southwest of downtown Cleveland. 2095 Columbus Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113; (216) 241-8869.
The Treelawn: Fairly new as a jazz venue but in an historic building with a rich history dating to 1914, The Treelawn is bringing in regional and national jazz acts to the east side of Cleveland. They have two venues in one building: the Treelawn Social Club at street level, with a small stage and 1940s bar, and the Treelawn Music Hall on second floor. The Music Hall is a larger space for private events and larger concerts. Check their extensive online calendar, they have rock, blues, roots and eclectic music, too. 15335 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44110; (216) 677-8733.
Cain Park: Yes, it’s a venue; no, it’s not really a jazz club. Cain Park is a “year-round arts park” and made the list because they regularly feature jazz acts along with rock, dance, blues and eclectic music. This east side venue has a wide variety of indoor and outdoor events with an art gallery, the small outdoor enclosed Alma Theater, and the outdoor Evans Amphitheater. Check their extensive event calendar on their website. 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118; (216) 371-3000.
We feature a Cleveland jazz event calendar on our website for live jazz and it includes many of these venues. Check it out!