Atlanta has been keeping its Jazz traditions since they had the Chitlin Circuit. The Chitlin Circuit was a network of dive bars and other venues across the country that allowed black musicians to perform in the early 1930s through the 1960s. Dee’s Birdcage was probably the earliest official jazz club in Atlanta and it was open from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Underground Atlanta, which for those of you who don’t know, was the original downtown Atlanta that was burned down in the Civil War. Remember Gone with the Wind? The present day Atlanta was built over it leaving much of it intact. In 1969 it was revitalized and was a meeting place for activists and jazz musicians. There were famous jazz clubs like Down the Hatch. I remember when I was middle school age, my parents used to take me down there to see live jazz. Now Underground has mostly comedy clubs and nightclubs but there’s plenty of jazz around the city.

So even though Atlanta is now known for it’s hip hop music, the Jazz scene is still vibrant with the month-long annual Atlanta Jazz Festival being one of the best in the nation. There have been ebbs and flows over the years, but I’ve listed several below that would be a wonderful place to go for Valentine’s Day.

1. Blind Willie’s

828 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306

Blind Willie’s is an iconic blues/jazz club located in Virginia Highlands and established in 1986 by two musicians who DIY’d the building of the club with the help of other musicians. Guys after my own heart.

Unfortunately, as of 2024 the kitchen is temporarily closed with the expectation of opening soon. The live music is the standout though in this establishment with the club hosting some of the best acts in the city. I would recommend going to dinner earlier and then heading over to Blind Willie’s when the music starts at 8:30pm. Doors are open at 7:00pm.

They are open Wednesday through Sunday and have live music every night. With booking so many acts, they haven’t come out with their February calendar yet, but keep checking their website and I’m sure you and your sweetie will find something that strikes your fancy.

2. Red Light Cafe

553-1 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

This club is considered a “listening room” meaning it’s a more relaxed venue that invites jazz musicians to come and sit in. Located in the Piedmont Park area, this is one of the premier jazz clubs in Atlanta. Food is really an afterthought with only a few items like sandwiches and chips. So, I would recommend eating beforehand if you wanted a more snazzy meall.

With live music seven days a week, this is one of the best jazz clubs in Atlanta. On Valentine’s Day there will be a Jazz Jam with the Gordon Vernick Quartet. Doors open at 8:00pm, show starts at 9:00pm.

3. Kat’s Cafe

970 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Located in Midtown, this jazz club is where the sophisticated mingle. There’s a fireplace and couches to sit and listen to music, dine and have a glass of wine. They have a wide selection of homemade pizzas and salads and they’re known for their martinis.

Open Tuesday – Saturday, there’s jam sessions on Thursdays and live jazz musicians on Fridays and Saturdays at 9pm. Check their website for February events.

4. The Velvet Note

4075 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005

The Velvet Note is a 40 seat Jazz Club only open Thursday through Sundays, but it’s worth the wait. Consistently named one of the 100 Best Jazz Clubs in the world, it’s located in Alpharetta, Georgia but it’s certainly worth the trip. Now their menu is totally fit for a date night. Chef/Owner Tamara Fuller focuses on Southern Seafood cuisine with some of the standouts being the Lump Crab Cakes and a Surf & Turf. There’s also an extensive wine list. I think one of the most unique things about their dining experience is that they serve their food on palm leaf wooden plates so you don’t hear the “clink” of silverware. Fancy, huh?

Although there’s not a show on Valentine’s Day, there’s one on Sunday February 18, starring Nicole Zuraitis who won a Grammy for the Best Jazz Vocal Album.

5. Apache Cafe

393 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Located in downtown Atlanta, the Apache Club is an intimate space that gives local musicians a place to gather and perform. The intimate setting lets you interact with the musicians up close. There is a rotating gallery of art as the owners really want to support all of the arts. They have a typical southern menu with items like Fried Pork Chops, Fish & Grits and Mac ‘n Cheese.

There’s something going on literally every night ranging from Poetry Readings to R&B Karaoke, Brunch and Comedy shows, but for a jazzy Valentine’s Day there’s a Jam Session on Sunday, February 11 and a Tribute to Jazz and R&B on Valentine’s Day. You’re encouraged to make reservations online.

6. St. James Live

3320 Butner Road, Suite 240, Atlanta, GA 30331

The St. James is located five miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and it’s a sophisticated jazz club with dedicated Jazz nights on Thursdays. They host over 300 shows a year and have had top artists perform like Van Hunt, Leela James, Hiroshima and Bob James to name a few. The St. James’ family consists of a Husband, Wife and Daughter and was established in 2015 during the annual Atlanta Jazz Festival. The menu consists of tapas to mix and match, salads and a great dessert menu full of southern treats.

Although they are doing a tribute to the O-Jays on Valentine’s Day, I would recommend waiting until Thursday, February 15 with South City Jazz or Malcolm Jamal-Warner’s Miles Long jazz/funk band performing two shows on Friday, February 16. Yes, that Malcolm Jamal-Warner. He actually won a Grammy in 2015. Who knew?  The Sunday Jazz Lounge occurs every Sunday also.

I want to encourage you to try a jazz club this Valentine’s Day. If you’ve never gone, you are in for a treat. It’s something fun to do and one of the oldest art forms that is solely American. People come from all over the world to experience American Jazz and for a while it was on the verge of extinction. With traditions and nostalgia being the words for 2024, people are appreciating artisans and the lost arts more and Jazz should be included in this. I love live music and it doesn’t get any better than being in a small venue with masterful musicians.

Let me know if you’ve ever been to any of these jazz clubs in Atlanta or in your own city and what you thought of it.

See ya next time.