Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Jazz Lovers on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Jazz Lovers on Staten Island
1. St. George Theatre
A 1929 show palace near the ferry terminal where national acts, big-band tributes, and cabaret-style jazz light up an ornate, gilded auditorium.
✓ Why Go:
Superb acoustics and sightlines make horns and vocals shimmer; it’s the island’s grandest stage for marquee jazz nights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings during the fall–winter performance season; check the calendar for touring jazz vocalists and band tributes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to explore the waterfront esplanade and grab a pre-show bite on Hyatt Street; balcony seats give a classic, sweeping view.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the nostalgic ambience and professional production values, calling it a “Broadway-quality night without leaving Staten Island.”
2. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Music Hall
A historic campus of gardens and arts venues that hosts jazz concerts indoors and alfresco sets in atmospheric courtyards and lawns.
✓ Why Go:
From intimate combos to swing nights, the mix of heritage architecture and greenery creates a memorable setting for live jazz.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for outdoor garden shows; winter weekends for concerts inside the Music Hall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a light layer for cool harbor breezes at outdoor shows and arrive early to stroll the Tuscan Garden and Harbor Walk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Audiences love the relaxed, community feel and photo-ready backdrops, praising it as Staten Island’s most scenic place to hear jazz.
3. Universal Temple of the Arts
A long-standing arts nonprofit that anchors the local scene with performances, workshops, and the Staten Island Jazz Festival.
✓ Why Go:
It’s where you’ll meet the borough’s working musicians and discover rising talent in an intimate, community-first setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Autumn for the jazz festival; look for monthly or seasonal concerts and jam-centered programs year-round.
✓ Insider Tip:
Follow their calendar closely—festival tickets and small-room showcases can sell out quickly; bring cash for local art and CDs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the welcoming vibe and top-tier musicianship, calling it a hidden gem that keeps Staten Island’s jazz heartbeat strong.
4. Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret
A supper-club experience inside the Hilton Garden Inn where live jazz sets pair with dinner, cocktails, and the occasional cabaret headliner.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the island’s most polished night-out for jazz lovers seeking table service, candlelight, and musicians up close.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday and Saturday evenings; occasional brunch or special concerts on holiday weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve cabaret seating near the stage and ask about pre-fixe show menus; there’s on-site parking at the hotel.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the classy atmosphere and consistently strong bands, noting it feels like a Midtown jazz night without the commute.
5. Every Thing Goes Book Cafe & Neighborhood Stage
A cozy, community-run book cafe that hosts jazz nights, poetry jams with house bands, and low-key Sunday sessions.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a welcoming, living-room-style venue where improvisation thrives and you can sip coffee among stacks while the band swings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknight jams and Sunday afternoons; check listings for rotating ensembles and open sessions.
✓ Insider Tip:
Musicians often sit in—bring your horn or sticks; seating is limited, so come early and support with a drink or snack.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the DIY spirit and friendly crowd, calling it an authentic neighborhood stage that champions local jazz voices.
6. Hub
An independent arts space in Stapleton known for experimental sets, improvisation-forward nights, and cross-genre jazz collaborations.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll hear adventurous lineups and new projects before they hit bigger stages—perfect for fans of modern and avant-jazz.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for pop-up concerts and series; schedules are periodic, so watch for event drops.
✓ Insider Tip:
It’s a short walk from the Stapleton SIR station; bring cash for art, merch, and small cover charges.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Attendees describe the shows as intimate, surprising, and artist-driven—“a laboratory for Staten Island’s creative jazz energy.”
7. Bernikow JCC of Staten Island
The JCC’s main hub hosts concerts ranging from swing-era tributes to contemporary jazz ensembles in a comfortable theater setting.
✓ Why Go:
It’s reliable, family-friendly programming with good sound and easy access, ideal for daytime and early-evening shows.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunday matinees and winter indoor series; occasional special events around holidays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Parking is straightforward on-site; buy tickets in advance for tribute nights, which tend to sell quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the accessible prices and welcoming atmosphere; music lovers praise the mix of classic and modern repertoire.
8. College of Staten Island, Center for the Arts
University concerts spotlight student jazz ensembles, faculty groups, and guest artists in a proscenium theater and recital halls.
✓ Why Go:
Great-value performances reveal emerging talent and fresh arrangements—ideal for discovering tomorrow’s bandleaders today.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknight performances during academic semesters, typically October–November and March–April.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive 20 minutes early to navigate campus parking and find the Center for the Arts; programs often run 60–90 minutes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Concertgoers praise the musicianship and low ticket prices, calling it one of the borough’s best-kept jazz finds.
9. Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation
A hilltop villa with harbor views that hosts elegant terrace concerts, including “jazz under the stars” evenings in warm weather.
✓ Why Go:
Romantic skyline vistas and intimate sets create a cinematic night of standards, swing, and Italian jazz favorites.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for outdoor terrace shows; indoor salons pop up in cooler months.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve early—seating is limited; bring a light jacket as breezes pick up along the hill.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call it magical and refined, a perfect date-night venue where music and view share the spotlight.
10. National Lighthouse Museum
A waterfront museum that pairs maritime history with occasional jazz evenings and harborfront receptions steps from the ferry.
✓ Why Go:
Unique skyline views and intimate sets make for a quintessential North Shore night—history by day, jazz by twilight.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer and early fall when outdoor or dockside concerts are scheduled.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time your visit with sunset and stroll the nearby pier before the show; check the calendar for special fundraiser concerts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Attendees enjoy the relaxed, nautical setting and friendly staff, calling the concerts “small but unforgettable.”
