At The Improv Café, there’s one rule that never changes: every single song we play is the live version. From straight-ahead jazz and swinging big band charts to the smoky intimacy of vocal jazz, our radio station is devoted to capturing music in its purest form—performed live, in the moment, with all the spontaneity, improvisation, and magic that only happens on stage.

That commitment to live performance is why our weekly highlight, the Live at the Blue Note Radio Show, is such a perfect fit. Each week, we take listeners straight inside one of the most iconic jazz venues in the world—The Blue Note—where legends and rising stars alike have filled the room with unforgettable sound.

The Blue Note: A Global Home for Live Jazz

Few clubs carry the kind of weight and prestige that the Blue Note name does. From its flagship in New York City to its sister venues around the globe—including Blue Note Hawaii—the brand has become synonymous with live jazz excellence. For decades, audiences have flocked to these rooms not just for the music, but for the complete experience: intimate settings, exceptional cocktails, and the undeniable electricity of hearing world-class musicians play just feet away.

Every night, the club transforms into a sanctuary for jazz lovers. The lights dim, the crowd hushes, and the first notes ignite an atmosphere that can only be described as magic. It’s no wonder why Live at the Blue Note concerts are so often recorded and later released as beloved live albums.

Spotlight: Blue Note Hawaii – September & October 2025

As of late September 2025, Blue Note Hawaii continues its tradition of bringing in both international stars and homegrown talent. This fall, the schedule is stacked with performances that highlight the breadth of modern live jazz and beyond.

Jake Shimabukuro – Ukulele Virtuoso

• Recent Performances: Earlier this month, Shimabukuro delivered a two-night special with fellow Hawaiian legend Henry Kapono, blending island traditions with jazz sensibility. Back in January, he opened the year with a multiple-night residency, setting the tone for a busy 2025.
• Upcoming Shows: Shimabukuro returns October 9–10, followed by a special December residency for his much-anticipated “Holidays in Hawaiʻi” concert series.
• 2025 Highlights: This year has seen him all over the Blue Note Hawaii stage—from his Asia Tour Kickoff Shows in July to his summer Blues Experience, proving his versatility and status as one of Hawaii’s most treasured live performers.

Mike Lewis – The Trumpeter’s Big Band Vision

• Upcoming Show: On October 27, 2025, trumpeter and bandleader Mike Lewis takes over the club with his 17-piece big band for a show titled Best of Broadway. Expect a powerful mix of jazz sophistication and Broadway classics, played with brass-heavy swagger.
• Recent Gigs: Lewis has been everywhere this year, including September sets with Mike Lewis & Friends and a Disney-themed show in July that drew big crowds.
• Residency Note: Lewis holds a semi-regular residency at Blue Note Hawaii, often shifting his themes and collaborators. From Broadway to Disney to straight-ahead big band jazz, his shows embody the live spontaneity The Improv Café celebrates. To keep up with his changing schedule, fans are encouraged to check the Blue Note Hawaii website or ticket outlets for the latest event details.

Why Live at the Blue Note Matters

Every Live at the Blue Note Radio Show broadcast on The Improv Café reminds listeners why live jazz is irreplaceable. A song can be recorded in a studio a hundred times, but in a club, it’s different—riffs stretch longer, solos emerge from nowhere, the audience becomes part of the performance, and no two nights are ever the same. That’s the beauty of jazz and swing in a live setting, and it’s exactly what keeps the Blue Note at the center of the conversation year after year.

Tonight on The Improv Café: Live at the Blue Note

Don’t miss tonight’s Live at the Blue Note Radio Show, streaming exclusively on The Improv Café at 9PM EST. Remember, this station is devoted solely to live jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz—and nothing else. Every track, every solo, every note you hear comes straight from a stage.

So pour yourself a drink, dim the lights, and let the magic of the Blue Note surround you. Whether it’s Jake Shimabukuro reinventing the ukulele, Mike Lewis leading a roaring big band, or any of the countless artists who grace that iconic stage, you’ll hear why live jazz is not just music—it’s an experience.