10 places to see and hear jazz music in Buenos Aires

One of the newest additions to the jazz club scene in Buenos Aires, Prez opened its doors in early 2022 in a basement that immediately transports you to the typical jazz clubs of New York. Despite sometimes covering other genres, Prez stays true to jazz, particularly free jazz, and features musicians dedicated to this style. They also host solo piano concerts on their three-quarter grand Yamaha piano. Occasionally, they hold special cycles like chamber music.

Where: Anchorena 1347, CABA.

Swing City is not only a place to listen to jazz, but also to dance to it! Established in 2014 as a school dedicated to swing dances (jazz from the 20s, 30s, and 40s), it became the first physical space in South America devoted to preserving and transmitting this popular art form. Post-pandemic, they added a jazz club to their offerings, open from Thursday to Sunday nights. Most bands play danceable music (traditional jazz, swing, blues, rhythm & blues), and there’s always space to dance. Regular dance classes are available every day of the week for all levels.

Where: Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz 103, CABA.

Bebop Club, founded by renowned sommelier and gastronomic entrepreneur Aldo Graziani, offers a diverse program that includes jazz, funk, soul, tango, and folklore. It operates every day of the week, with two or three shows per day, many featuring international artists. The venue, with a capacity of 175, boasts a large grand piano. The club's ambiance aims to transport visitors to the jazz clubs of London and New York, particularly London’s Ronnie Scott’s.

Where: Uriarte 1658, CABA.

An icon for modern jazz enthusiasts, Virasoro Bar has been a staple since 2001 in Palermo, housed in a 1920s art deco building designed by architect Alejandro Virasoro. The intimate setting preserves the original style of the building, offering a cozy space to enjoy jazz. Virasoro hosts renowned musicians and emerging talents from the local jazz scene. Accompany the shows with their tapas, picadas, woks, and imported beers.

Where: Guatemala 4328, CABA.

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Located in the basement of the renowned Hotel Meliá Recoleta, Jazz Voyeur Club was founded by a jazz and photography enthusiast from Palma de Mallorca. The programming includes swing, jazz bands, and contemporary jazz with some bossa nova, featuring both national and international artists. On Wednesdays, they host after-office events with free entry and live new music, complemented by a permanent photo exhibition and a luxury gastronomic experience.

Where: Posadas 1557, CABA.

With over twenty years of history and more than 300 shows a year, Thelonious Club was founded by musicians Lucas and Ezequiel Cutaia. Known for its excellent acoustics, the club hosts primarily local artists, with some international acts. The house quintet, "Thelonious Club Quintet," performs jazz from the 50s, covering icons like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Charles Mingus.

Where: Nicaragua 5549, CABA.

While this venue features various musical genres, it deserves mention as a pioneer of the music club concept since 2000. Located in the basement of the historic Women's Library Association building, it has hosted significant national jazz figures and jam sessions with international musicians. The café-concert style includes daily happy hours from 6 to 8 pm, with jazz quartets, piano trios, or duos, and trumpet-saxophone-piano double bass-drum quintets on Fridays.

Where: Marcelo T. de Alvear 1155, CABA.

This cultural space in Palermo combines a bookstore, bar, and jazz club. The musical lineup features national and some international bands across various jazz styles. The bookstore offers books dedicated to jazz history, its great artists, and its instruments. Open daily from 10 am until late, the bar is known for specialty coffee, signature cocktails, and tapas.

Where: Jorge Luis Borges 1975, CABA.

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Nuva Café offers an alternative in northern Buenos Aires, combining quality dining with jazz sessions. Originally a catering business, it transformed into a restaurant during the pandemic and now hosts jazz sessions twice a month, accessible only by reservation. The dinner menu, specially crafted for each session, includes homemade pasta, a fine wine list, and a chocolate dessert.

Where: Anchorena 477, San Isidro.

ZAZU Jazz, created by two jazz-loving musicians, opened in a historic mansion in San Isidro. The intimate setting aims to make the audience feel at home while enjoying top-quality jazz. They carefully select artists and bands to perform various styles like swing, hard bop, and tango jazz. Shows are held only on Saturdays, and ticket purchases are direct, avoiding additional fees.

Where: Av. del Libertador 16118, San Isidro.