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BLU Jazz+

About

If you are looking for a place where musical culture meets a sophisticated atmosphere, then BLU Jazz+ is exactly what you need. This is a prestigious jazz club located in the city of Akron, which is famous for its authentic interior and incredible attention to sound quality. The venue is modeled after classic New York and Chicago jazz clubs, offering guests an intimate setting for listening to live music.

Both local talents and world-class jazz stars touring the USA perform here.

BLU Jazz+. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
The space itself is designed so that every guest feels involved in the performance: the stage is close to the audience, and the lighting creates a cozy twilight.

BLU Jazz+ is not just a nightclub, but a true cultural attraction for audiophiles and art connoisseurs. In addition to music, aesthetics are valued here: the walls are decorated with artistic photographs of jazz legends, which adds special charm and historical depth to the place.

Contacts

For table reservations or to check the performance schedule, you can use the following contact details. The venue is located in the very center of the city, in a historic district.

Address 47 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
Phone +1 330-252-1190
Official Website blujazzakron.com

What to Do

The main reason people come to BLU Jazz+ is, undoubtedly, live concerts. The club's program is very diverse: from classic swing and bebop to modern fusion and Latin jazz. Visitors can enjoy the virtuosic playing of musicians while being in close proximity to the stage, which creates an immersive experience.

In addition to musical enjoyment, guests are invited to appreciate the signature drink menu and snack menu. The club's bar is famous for its craft cocktails, the names of which often refer to musical themes. This is a great place to spend an evening with friends or on a romantic date, enjoying drinks to the sound of a saxophone or piano.

It is also worth paying attention to the interior and the photo gallery inside the club. The walls are decorated with expressive black-and-white shots of jazz performers, allowing guests to take a short excursion into the history of the genre during breaks between musical sets.

Getting There

Getting to BLU Jazz+ is quite simple, as the club is located in the central part of the city, in the Akron Historic Arts District. If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, the walk to the venue will take just a few minutes. The Akron Art Museum building, located literally across the street, can serve as a landmark.

For those traveling by car, there are several parking options near the club, including street spots and the High/Market Parking Deck. If you prefer public transport, the nearest METRO RTA bus stops are located on South Main Street and East Market Street, within walking distance of the jazz club entrance.

History & Facts

Interestingly, BLU Jazz+ is located in the basement of the famous historic Hermes Building, built back in 1898. This location was not chosen by chance: the creators of the club sought to recreate the atmosphere of classic jazz basements of the mid-20th century, but using modern technology and comfort. The brick and sandstone interior features original elements of the building's foundation, which have been carefully restored.

The club opened in 2013 with an ambitious goal — to restore Akron's former glory as a major jazz hub. The project was developed with special attention to acoustics and soundproofing to create the ideal space for live sound. The walls are adorned with works by famous jazz photographers, turning the space into a small gallery of musical history.

During its existence, the venue has earned recognition not only from locals but also from authoritative publications, repeatedly appearing on lists of the best jazz clubs in the world by DownBeat magazine. This confirms the venue's high status on the international musical map.

Time Needed

A full visit to BLU Jazz+ usually takes from 2 to 3 hours. This time is enough to leisurely enjoy dinner or drinks before the show starts, and then fully immerse yourself in the musical program.

A standard live music set lasts about 75–90 minutes. Many guests prefer to arrive half an hour before the concert begins to take their seats and study the menu, turning the evening into a full-fledged cultural event.

Working Hours

The club's opening hours depend on the schedule of concerts and events. Typically, the venue opens its doors in the evening from Wednesday to Saturday, when musician performances are scheduled.

Since the schedule may change depending on artist tours and special events, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule and concert start times on the club's official website before planning a visit.

Nearby

Exploring the surrounding area of the jazz club will allow you to dive deeper into the city's history and culture. The district is full of historic buildings and interesting locations worth visiting before or after a musical evening.

Attraction Distance (km)
Huntington Tower Akron 0.4
Bates "Cadillac" Hill 0.5
Glendale Steps 0.6
Hower House Museum 0.9
The Richard Howe House 1.1
Ohio and Erie Canalway Heritage Area 1.1
Akron Zoo 2.2
Dr. Bob's Home 3.0
C. W. Seiberling Mansion 3.5
Firestone Company Original Historic Headquarters 3.9

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