For lovers of live jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz, The Improv Café continues to be the premier destination on the airwaves where every song played is the live version, capturing the energy and spontaneity of legendary performances. Tonight, listeners can tune in to the Live at The Blue Note Radio Show, featuring music recorded live at the club or recorded live onto albums and CDs, offering an authentic club experience from the comfort of home.
Blue Note Expands Across the Globe
The iconic Blue Note jazz clubs, celebrated worldwide for hosting some of the finest jazz musicians, continue to grow in reach and reputation. In Los Angeles, a brand-new venue officially opened on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood on August 14, 2025. The opening had been delayed due to construction setbacks and permitting delays caused by the January fires. The venue debuted with a series of performances curated by five-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper, setting the stage for a new hub of live jazz on the West Coast. Additionally, Blue Note partnered with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to rebrand the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival as the Blue Note Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, with the inaugural festival under the new banner taking place in June 2025.
In London, plans for a new venue in Covent Garden were met with challenges. Blue Note’s late-night license application for a former gym on St Martin’s Lane was denied in February 2025, sparking discussions about the city’s restrictive licensing laws and their impact on live music. Despite the setback, Blue Note remains committed to delivering top-tier jazz experiences wherever it operates.
Meanwhile, the original Blue Note in Greenwich Village, New York City, continues to be the flagship hub for world-class live performances. Upcoming residencies include celebrated artists such as Chris Botti in December 2025, and the club maintains its reputation for intimate performances, historic ambiance, and unparalleled musical talent. While some online reviews have noted minor issues with seating or service, the overall fan experience remains highly positive, with audiences drawn to the club for its legendary atmosphere and nightly live jazz.
Global Reach and Festivals
Blue Note’s influence extends far beyond New York and Los Angeles. Clubs are also active in cities including Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Honolulu, Beijing, and Shanghai, bringing live jazz to international audiences. The club’s festival presence remains strong, with the Black Radio Experience festival in Napa curated by Robert Glasper returning in 2025 and the annual month-long Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York continuing to highlight top-tier live performances each June.
Challenges and Controversies
While Blue Note’s expansion has brought live jazz to new audiences, some locations have faced criticism. London’s licensing issues and concerns about artistic freedom at the Shanghai club have sparked debate. Additionally, fan experiences vary, with some online users citing high prices or seating challenges. Despite this, the club’s live performances consistently draw acclaim, and every song played on The Improv Café remains the live version, capturing the same energy that audiences experience in the clubs themselves.
Tonight’s Feature on The Improv Café: Live at The Blue Note Radio Show
Listeners tuning in tonight to The Improv Café can experience the magic of Blue Note performances from across the globe on the Live at The Blue Note Radio Show. Each track is sourced from live recordings at the clubs or live-to-album sessions, ensuring every note, every solo, and every swing-filled riff conveys the thrill of being there in person. From vocal jazz to big band classics, this show highlights the enduring artistry and spontaneity of live jazz performances.
Why Blue Note and The Improv Café Are Unmatched for Live Jazz Fans
Whether it’s the intimate Greenwich Village flagship, the Hollywood Sunset Boulevard venue, or historic global locations, Blue Note remains synonymous with world-class live jazz. With the Improv Café exclusively broadcasting live jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz, listeners from 63 countries (678 current listeners, 491 unique) can immerse themselves in the electrifying energy of the clubs without leaving home. Shows like Singing with Swing, Live at the Village Vanguard, and tonight’s Live at The Blue Note Radio Show deliver the artistry and vibrancy of live performance, making it the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about authentic jazz music.
Tune in tonight at 9PM EST and let The Improv Café bring the Blue Note experience directly to your ears—because here, every note you hear is live.