Live Music in Rome: Jazz & Blues
Alexanderplatz Club
Alexanderplatz Jazz Club
Via Ostia 9, Open Daily: 8:30 pm – 1 am
Established in the heart of Rome in 1984, Alexanderplatz is widely acclaimed as the oldest jazz club in Rome – and, perhaps, in all of Italy! Locals & tourists gather in this underground venue to soak up classic jazz sounds just a stroll from the Vatican. Dinner starts at 8:30 pm and the music kicks off at 10. Graffiti covered walls and hanging photo memorabilia make for a casual ambience and entry is just 5 euro a person. With a steady reputation, there’s no pressure for these guys to upgrade their website (clearly) so feel free to call ahead for detailed info.
Alcazar Live
Alcazar Live
Via Cardinale Merry del Val 14, Open Daily: 7 pm – 2 am
New to Rome’s jazz scene is the young & funky Alcazar Live. In the heart of Rome’s bohemian Trastevere neighbourhood, this gorgeous vintage-movie-theatre-turned-intimate-music-venue draws the crowds in with a mix of theatre, art, and music, specialising in R&B, Soul, and Funky Jazz styles. The kitchen, open from 7:30 pm-12:30 am, offers a variety of Italian seafood and street style snacks with true hipster flair. Original language films are presented Monday-Thursday, while late nights and weekends are generally reserved for concerts.
Elegance Café Jazz Club
Elegance Cafe Jazz Club
Via Francesco Carletti 5, Tuesday – Sunday: 8 pm – 2 am
If you enjoy the finer things in life, Elegance Café is the stop for you. Here, in the up-and-coming Ostiense district of Rome, you can indulge in contemporary gourmet food, well-crafted cocktails, and high-calibre jazz all under one roof. Dress to impress and get ready to vibe with traditional tunes, swing, and modern jazz – with an occasional funk sound! Musicians are welcomed to a free jam session every Wednesday while Sundays are reserved for Big Band fans!
Big Mama Live Music & Bar
Big Mama Live Music & Bar
Vicolo di San Francesco a Ripa 18, Open Daily: 9 pm – 1:30 am
If you ask any Roman about blues music, they’ll surely point you in the direction of Big Mama! Tucked away in a corner of the charming Trastevere neighbourhood, this haunt has been the city’s main blues hub since 1984, with live music starting at 10:30 pm every night. A varied programme of blues and soul, funk and jazz, and the occasional cover band makes every night a fun one, and the ambience is laid back, as any blues bar should be. Be warned, though, that they tend to shut down for Summer months (June-August), so check their website before venturing out.
Charity Café
Charity Cafe
Via Panisperna 68, Tuesday – Sunday: 6:30 pm – 2 am
Charity Café fits in perfectly amongst the scattered late-night locales of Rome’s trendy Monti district. It does, however, stand out with its top-notch musical line-ups and authentic New York jazz vibes. The small space offers no frills, but instead a raw focus on the music itself. The weekly calendar is easy to navigate: Tuesday offers a mix of jazz, blues, and folk music. Wednesdays are reserved for a blues jam, while jazz musicians gather to jam on Thursdays. Fridays are booked up with jazz concerts and Saturdays are blues-oriented. Sundays, though, it’s all about the “Live Aperitivo”, with an open buffet and live music kicking off at 6:30 pm.
Cotton Club
Cotton Club
Via Bellinzona 2, Thursday – Monday: 7 pm – 1 am
For a romantic night on the town, dip into Cotton Club for some jazz, swing, or Latin music. This contemporary corner is home to a highly-rated restaurant and elegant wine bar, which attract locals, tourists, and international stars alike. Front stage tables can be reserved in advance and the event programme is regularly updated on the website. Have a look at the calendar and plan your perfect date now!
TramJazz
Tramjazz
No Address: Tram departs from Piazza di Porta Maggiore at 9 pm
For a jazz experience like no other, hop on to the TramJazz historic cable car and take a ride around Rome. Admire ancient monuments and sites, like the Ancient Pyramid of Cestius and Circus Maximus, while sipping Italian wine and the accompaniment of a live jazz band. After on-the-go appetizers by candlelight, you’ll stop for a fine dinner, made from fresh local ingredients, with a view of the Colosseum. From start to finish, the experience lasts for 3 hours – and is well worth the 65-euro ticket price for a romantic dinner, jazz concert, and Ancient Rome tour all in one! Reservations are required and seating is limited.
We hope you get your fill of jazz & blues in The Eternal City! Tell us if you found our recommendations useful and let us know about your favourites! We’re here for all of your Rome needs – Contact us at What A Life Tours for more tips and hand-tailored tours!
Author: April Nicole
April is an American writer and photographer who has lived in Rome since 2013. She enjoys exploring the museums of the city, as well as indulging in authentic Italian cuisine!
Experience Rome with the #1 Ranked Vatican Tour Company on Tripadvisor Since 2011!
-
Vatican Early Access Before the Crowds Tour
Enter 1HR Before the General PublicSee the Sistine Chapel before its doors open to the general public with the best of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
-
Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour
with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter'sExplore the highlights of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in a small group of no more than 12 people.
-
Gladiator’s Gate Colosseum Tour
with Forum and Palatine HillStep onto center stage at the world’s most notorious amphitheater followed by a full tour of the Forum & Palatine Hill.
-
Authentic Tastes of Rome Food Tour
Street Food, Wine & Pasta DinnerEnjoy scrumptious samples of typical Roman food served with a side of cultural insights by a local insider on this all-inclusive tour.
