The jazz scene in Columbia SC is vibrant and diverse featuring traditional and modern jazz tunes being performed in unique spaces ranging from live music joints to wine bars and breweries. From concerts to cocktail lounges, big band to headliners, there are plenty of ways to experience the sounds of jazz.
For the ultimate display of live jazz, check out the Main Street Jazz Fest presented by the Colajazz Foundation on May 11th from 2-9 p.m. The free event features a mix of local and national stars including Don Braden’s Earth, Wind & Wonder, international stars Lolivone de la Rosa with Jamile and Columbia’s Capital City Big Band.
Popular jazz bistro Chayz Lounge brings live bands featuring contemporary jazz to Meeting Street in West Columbia. Chayz is perfect for an intimate, up close and personal jazz listening (and dancing) experience with an elegant dining experience to boot.
Featuring a range of traditional jazz to jam sessions, The Joint at 1710 Main is a go-to spot of jazz lovers in Columbia SC. Live jazz is on tap every Friday and Saturday and jazz jam sessions are every Tuesday.
Join local musician Preach Jacobs as he spins Jazz LP’s on Tuesday nights at Lula Drake Wine Parlour from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Bierkeller is offering a jazz music option with its series Jazzkeller. Each week they feature live jazz by the river and German-style beers.
The Koger Center and Colajazz offer jazz all year with its Live in the Lobby Jazz Season. This concert series is perfect for high level jazz audiences.
Another place to find jazz in Columbia SC is at the Aristocrat featuring Jazz Party Thursdays where attendees and bring their instruments and join some of the top musicians on stage, and Friday Night Jazz featuring Robert Gardiner.
Celebrate jazz at the Columbia Museum of Art this May with Noel Freidline and Maria Howell and enjoy Jazz Al Fresco – free lunchtime concerts on Boyd Plaza.