For a musical tour of Manhattan, these recommendations from Jared Gullekson, chef concierge at The London NYC, will keep you on beat for a perfect day.
Jam Sessions
For an intimate music experience, Marjorie Eliot Parlor Jazz is a top recommendation by Jared Gullekson, chef concierge at The London NYC. “It’s only on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m.,” Gullekson says. “ … It’s free and it’s literally in the woman’s apartment, but amazing musicians … come through there. For really great jazz, it’s one of my favorite places.” Seating is available for approximately 50 guests. Doors open a half hour before show time, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to guarantee a spot. (555 Edgecombe Ave.; 212-781-6595)
Perfect Harmony
“As far as restaurants go, there’s a place with live music called Redeye Grill,” Gullekson says. The restaurant, across from Carnegie Hall, is the ideal spot for a pre-concert meal. An impressive seafood selection includes options like halibut with a caviar beurre blanc served with roasted Brussels sprouts and wild mushrooms. Guests may dine in the lounge, which features an 88-foot mural by artist Red Grooms, creating a perfect backdrop for a sophisticated yet comfortable evening. (890 Seventh Ave.; 212-541-9000; redeyegrill.com)
On Cue
“There’s a cocktail bar that I really like that has piano players and jazz musicians called The Rum House,” Gullekson says. “They have light bites, and they have great musicians who play there.” Located in the heart of Times Square and adjacent to the Hotel Edison lobby, The Rum House is teeming with crowds who come to enjoy musical acts along with skillfully prepared cocktails such as the Tortuga, which blends El Dorado rum with muddled citrus juice, ginger and cinnamon. (228 W. 47th St.; 646-490-6924; edisonrumhouse.com)
Can’t Stop the Beat
For late-night tunes, Gullekson suggests Brooklyn Bowl. “They have two shows that they’ll typically do on a weekend night,” he says. “They have … famous DJs like Questlove from the Roots and a DJ [and artist] named Talib Kweli. He has his own night where they spin really great records. On other nights, they have bigger bands who play. It’s also a bowling alley as well, so you can bowl and listen to music.” (61 Wythe Ave.; 718-963-3369; brooklynbowl.com)
All That Jazz
For a more mellow evening, Gullekson sticks to a tried-and-true favorite among guests: Café Carlyle. “It serves a good meal and they feature cabaret-style jazz,” he explains. From Jan. 12 to June 15, 2015, Woody Allen and the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band will return to perform every Monday starting at 8:45 p.m. Debuting onstage this winter is Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson (Jan. 13-24, 2015), who appeared in musicals like “Xanadu” and “Finian’s Rainbow.” (35 E. 76th St.; 212-744-1600; rosewoodhotels.com)
—Written by Kirsti Correa
