Close Up

Close Up opened on June 1, 2024, with its first headline performance by vocalist Kalia Vandever, marking the launch of its mission to refresh the NYC jazz club scene. Though very new, it has quickly become a fixture in the Bowery/Lower East Side orbit of venues, aiming to be “not your granddaddy’s jazz club.” The venue is characterized by its stripped-back, modern aesthetic and a layout that ensures every seat is just feet away from the bandstand. With a high-end sound system and a strict listening-room policy during sets, it provides one of the most immersive acoustic experiences in New York City. The crowd typically consists of serious jazz aficionados, students of the genre, and industry professionals who appreciate the lack of typical club distractions. Close Up offers live jazz performances six nights a week (closed Tuesdays), with weekday shows typically at 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM, and weekends at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. There are jam sessions on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights at 10:00 PM. The atmosphere is cozy and modern: a back room holds its audience close to the stage, both rooms dimly lit, with décor that emphasizes intimacy and style.