The Appel Room at Lincoln Center

Opened in 2004 as part of Frederick P. Rose Hall, The Appel Room was designed by Rafael Viñoly to be a versatile space for jazz and performance. It was envisioned by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center board to create a venue where the city itself serves as the stage's backdrop. Over the years, it has hosted legendary performers ranging from Tony Bennett to modern masters like Cécile McLorin Salvant. The venue is celebrated for its impeccable acoustics and intimate yet grand feel, accommodating guests in a semi-circular, tiered seating arrangement. The physical space is defined by its massive glass window, which is acoustically treated to prevent echoes while maintaining a visual connection to the bustling 59th Street below. It attracts a sophisticated crowd looking for a polished, world-class concert experience rather than a traditional smoky club vibe. Today, The Appel Room presents a mix of jazz, songbook, big-band, and themed artist residencies across multiple set times, particularly on weekends. The audience is typically attentive, dressed smart-casual to semi-formal, drawn by both notable names and community favorites who work in or near New York. Key features include a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass wall offering skyline and park views, variable tiered seating shifting between theater and supper-club style, and a focus on jazz greats, American Songbook interpretations, and big band projects.