Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village at 183 West 10th Street, New York, NY, Smalls Jazz Club stands as a legendary haven for authentic jazz music. For over three decades, this basement club has been a cornerstone of the New York jazz scene, offering an intimate and unparalleled experience for both seasoned jazz aficionados and newcomers alike. Known for showcasing some of the finest talents in the city, Smalls provides a nightly soundtrack of soulful melodies and improvisational brilliance.
Plan Your Visit to Smalls Jazz Club
Whether you’re a local jazz enthusiast or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in the vibrant New York music scene, planning your visit to Smalls Jazz Club is straightforward. Understanding the ticketing options and club policies will ensure a smooth and enjoyable evening.
Ticketing Options: Advanced Tickets vs. Walk-ins
Smalls Jazz Club offers two primary ticketing methods to accommodate different preferences: advanced tickets and walk-in tickets.
Advanced Tickets:
For those who prefer to secure their spot and guarantee entrance, purchasing advanced tickets is highly recommended. Advanced tickets are priced at $35 from Sunday to Thursday and $40 on Friday and Saturday. To purchase, simply navigate to the event calendar on the Smalls website, select your desired performance, and click the “Buy Tickets” button.
Smalls releases 50 advanced tickets per show. Upon completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email containing your confirmation number and the party name associated with the reservation. While your name will be on the door list upon arrival, it is advisable to keep your confirmation email readily accessible for verification.
Walk-in Tickets:
Walk-in tickets are available at the door for $25. However, these are subject to availability, especially on popular nights. When advanced tickets are sold out, walk-in availability becomes very limited. For sold-out shows, a standby line is also formed to accommodate cancellations or no-shows, offering another avenue for entry.
Student Tickets and Free Events
Smalls Jazz Club is committed to fostering the next generation of jazz enthusiasts by offering discounted student tickets. Students can enjoy the 12 AM set from Sunday to Thursday for a reduced price of $10. Please note that student discounts are not applicable on weekends.
Furthermore, Smalls hosts free afternoon jam sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, providing an accessible entry point to the world of live jazz. Adding to its welcoming atmosphere, Smalls extends complimentary entry to “Wizards, Angels, and Holy-People” at any time.
Important Club Policies to Note
To ensure a harmonious experience for all patrons, Smalls Jazz Club has established a few key policies:
No Refund Policy: All ticket sales are final. Smalls Jazz Club maintains a strict no refund policy. However, they understand that plans can change. Ticket exchanges for a different show on their calendar may be possible, with a limit of one change per reservation. All exchange requests must be submitted via email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the original event date. Requests made within 24 hours of the event cannot be accommodated.
Seating Policy: Your ticket guarantees entrance to Smalls, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating typically begins approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled set time. Arriving at least 30 minutes early and joining the advanced ticket line is recommended to secure preferred seating. Smalls reserves the right to fill seats of ticket holders who have not arrived once the set has begun. Late arrivals may be offered seating for a later set or, if feasible, at their sister club Mezzrow, located nearby at 163 West 10th Street.
Drink Minimum: A one-drink minimum per person, per set is required at Smalls Jazz Club. This policy helps support the venue and its staff. In addition to the drink minimum, it is customary to leave a gratuity for the bar staff.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smalls Jazz Club
To further assist in planning your visit, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Smalls Jazz Club and its sister venue, Mezzrow:
Venues & Location
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How do I get to Smalls Jazz Club? Smalls Jazz Club is located at 183 West 10th Street (basement), New York, NY 10014. It is conveniently accessible via public transportation, close to the Christopher Street and West 4th Street subway stations.
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What distinguishes Smalls from Mezzrow? While both Smalls and Mezzrow showcase top-tier New York City jazz musicians seven nights a week, they offer distinct atmospheres and musical styles. Smalls is known for hosting larger ensembles, often featuring horn sections, creating a more energetic and vibrant ambiance. Mezzrow, situated at 163 West 10th Street, provides a more intimate setting with table seating and tends to feature smaller groups led by pianists, guitarists, and vocalists. Exploring both venues is encouraged to fully appreciate the diversity of the New York jazz scene.
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Is there a dress code at Smalls Jazz Club? Smalls Jazz Club maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and does not enforce a dress code.
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Is Smalls Jazz Club wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately, due to their location in the basements of historic Greenwich Village buildings, neither Smalls nor Mezzrow are wheelchair accessible. Both clubs have steep staircases at their entrances.
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Am I allowed to take photos or videos during performances? Photography and videography are permitted for personal use, but flash photography is prohibited as it can be disruptive to both musicians and fellow audience members. Extended video recording of entire performances is not allowed. Discretion and respect for the performers and audience are expected.
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Does Smalls Jazz Club serve food? Smalls offers a limited selection of bar snacks to complement your drinks. However, they do not operate a full kitchen or serve dinner.
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Are there age restrictions at Smalls Jazz Club? Smalls and Mezzrow welcome patrons of all ages. However, bringing very young children is generally not recommended due to the late-night atmosphere and performance volume. Identification will be required at the bar for alcohol purchases.
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Is there a drink minimum at Smalls Jazz Club? Yes, there is a mandatory one-drink minimum per person, per set. Smalls offers a full bar menu, including non-alcoholic beverages.
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How long are the sets at Smalls Jazz Club? Sets at Smalls typically last for approximately one hour.
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Does Smalls Jazz Club host jam sessions? Yes! Smalls is renowned for its nightly jam sessions, commencing at 1:00 AM until closing time. Additionally, afternoon jam sessions take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 2:00 PM. Jam sessions are open to musicians of all levels and have no cover charge, although the one-drink minimum still applies. Mezzrow also hosts a “Polite Vocal Jam session” every Sunday starting at midnight, catering specifically to vocalists and musicians.
Reservations, Tickets, and Seating
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How can I purchase advanced tickets for Smalls Jazz Club? Advanced tickets can be purchased exclusively through the Smalls Jazz Club website. Phone and in-person advanced ticket sales are not available. For detailed ticketing information, please visit https://www.smallslive.com/tickets. For any further ticketing inquiries, you can reach out to [email protected].
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Are walk-ins allowed at Smalls Jazz Club? Yes, walk-ins are welcome, but purchasing advanced tickets is strongly advised to guarantee entry, especially for popular performances. Walk-in tickets are limited and subject to venue capacity.
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What is the recommended arrival time for a show at Smalls Jazz Club? Arriving 30 minutes before the scheduled showtime is recommended. Ticket holders are guaranteed seats, with seating assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving after a set has begun may result in standing room only or denial of entry for that set.
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What if I purchased tickets but can no longer attend? Tickets are non-refundable. However, exchanges for an alternative date may be accommodated if the request is made at least 24 hours prior to the originally scheduled performance.
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Does Smalls Jazz Club offer student discounts? Yes, student discounts are available for the 12:00 AM set from Sunday to Thursday, reducing the ticket price to $10. Student tickets are exclusively available at the door and cannot be reserved in advance. Weekend student discounts are not offered.
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Are group discounts available at Smalls Jazz Club? Smalls Jazz Club does not currently offer group discounts.
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If we are a large group with advanced tickets, can we be seated together? Smalls staff will make every effort to seat groups together. However, seating together cannot be guaranteed due to the intimate layout of the club and the first-come, first-served seating policy. Arriving early as a group is the best way to increase the chances of being seated together.
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I think I left an item at Smalls Jazz Club. What should I do? For lost items, please contact [email protected]. Smalls staff will check for your item and notify you if it is recovered.
By familiarizing yourself with these details, you’re well-prepared to enjoy an unforgettable night of world-class jazz at Smalls Jazz Club, your quintessential West 10th Street jazz destination in New York City.
