Blue Note Jazz Club

The original Blue Note opened on September 30, 1981, in Greenwich Village by owner and founder Danny Bensusan. The opening performance featured the Nat Adderley Quintet. Bensusan's belief was that "if he brought big acts into a comfortable environment with great food, he could pack the house night after night." The club quickly became a leading venue in the New York jazz scene, hosting prominent musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Oscar Peterson, Lionel Hampton, James Carter, Ray Charles and The Modern Jazz Quartet. Following its success in New York, Blue Note began expanding internationally, beginning with the opening of Blue Note Tokyo in 1988. Over subsequent decades, the brand developed into a global network of venues and related ventures, including festivals, recordings, and partnerships. In the 21st century, Blue Note has continued to grow, with new locations opening in major cultural centers such as Los Angeles in 2025 and planned expansion into additional cities worldwide. == Global Locations and Operations ==

Blue Note Entertainment Group operates jazz clubs and restaurants worldwide, each designed to maintain the intimate atmosphere, great food and artist-focused programming of the original New York location. Current locations include: • United States (New York City, Hawaii, Los Angeles) • Japan (Tokyo) • Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo) • Italy (Milan) • China (Beijing, Shanghai) Each venue features nightly live performances, dining service, and curated programming that blends traditional jazz with contemporary genres such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop. == Brand Extensions ==

In addition to its venues, Blue Note operates several related initiatives: Blue Note Jazz Festival The Blue Note Jazz Festival began in New York City in 2011. Since then it has expanded to encompass the Blue Note Jazz Festival in other cities including The Blue Note Jazz Festival "Black Radio Experience" in Napa California and Blue Note Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. Blue Note Travel Blue Note Travel is a travel and experiences division of Blue Note Entertainment Group, established in 2015 to provide music-focused cultural travel programs. Offering curated international trips centered around live music, festivals, and artist-led experiences. These programs are designed to give participants access to performances, cultural institutions, and local music scenes, often including exclusive opportunities such as artist meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes access. Half Note Records Half Note Records is the Blue Note's live record label, founded in 2001. Numerous musicians have recorded live albums at the Blue Note and released them on this label, including James Carter, Avishai Cohen, Elvin Jones, Odean Pope, Charles Tolliver, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Kenny Werner, Arturo Sandoval, Kenny Garrett and others. Since its founding in 1998, the label has also expanded its scope to include studio releases, including McCoy Tyner's 2008 album Guitars and Kenny Werner's 2010 release. == Reputation and Influence ==

Blue Note is considered one of the most influential jazz venue brands globally, known for its role in presenting major jazz artists and fostering new talent. Its expansion into multiple cities has contributed to the globalization of live jazz performance while maintaining a consistent club experience rooted in its New York origins. == Gallery ==

Program at Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City, 10 December 2016.jpg|Program at the Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City, December 10, 2016 Chick Corea and John McLaughlin, Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City, 10 December 2016.jpg|Chick Corea's and John McLaughlin at the club on Corea's 75th birthday, December 10, 2016 BlueNoteJazzClub.jpg|The Blue Note Jazz Club, August 2012 Chickcoreaband ny.JPG|Chick Corea Elektric Band at the club in 2007 Blue Note (New York).jpg|Blue Note Jazz Club, New Year's Day, 2006 Ravi Coltrane at the Blue Note, March 7, 2023-L1002389.jpg|Ravi Coltrane playing at the Blue Note, New York City, in 2023 ==References==