Jazz band performs at the club © Shutterstock

The Israel jazz and blues scene

Check out these spots for the hottest jazz and blues around. From muddy waters to bebop, these venues have got it all

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Wednesday February 13 2019

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Whether you’re a secret jazz era flapper seeking music to accompany your Tel Aviv nightlife inspired moonshine, or looking to release those existential blues, Israel’s got just the thing. From daily jazz events at the Tel Aviv Port to Jerusalem nightlife’s famous club, Yellow Submarine, to less traditional Israel jazz and blues venues like an ice cream parlour by the Carmel Market, not a day goes by in the Holy Land without the sweet notes of an alto saxophone ringing through the Middle Eastern air. Marvel at the dexterity of famous jazz musicians as they conquer rhythm changes with a vengeance, join in on a 12-bar blues or just enjoy the atmosphere, anything is possible with our guide to the best places to enjoy jazz and blues in Israel. There's nothing like live music to liven your mood.

The hottest Israel jazz and blues venues

1. Yellow Submarine

Bars
Jerusalem

Whatever genre of music tickles your fancy, or your ears, or your feet – Yellow Submarine is the place to indulge in all of those musical pleasures. From jazz to funk to rock or folk, Yellow Submarine offers a performance stage, a sitting and standing area and a fully equipped bar. The sound is sublime too.

2. Beit Haamudim

Music
Jazz
White City

With a killer vegetarian menu and an elite lineup of Israeli jazz musicians, Beit Haamudim is a must-visit. Located next to the Carmel Market in an old house decorated with columns and painted floors, it’s the place where musicians hang. Quiet enough that bassists can play acoustically, Beit Haamudim is all about the music, unlike some of the louder Tel Aviv nightclubs. Come grab a cocktail or a coffee, dinner or a snack. Just so long as you’re a jazz lover, you’re welcome at Beit Haamudim.

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3. Shablul

Bars
Lounges
Tel Aviv Port

The same spot that reverberates with the exuberant tones of veteran jazz and blues artists like Lazer Lloyd, also resonates with the funk, ethno-jazz and hip-hop tapestry so many Tel Aviv musicians are known for. Grab a trumpet and toot your own horn because this little gem at the heart of Tel Aviv’s port is open seven days a week.

4. Arte Glideria

Restaurants
Ice cream parlors
Nachalat Binyamin
price 1 of 4

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.” Pop into Arte Glideria and treat yourself to this Sicilian slice of heaven on Nachalat Binyamin. Arte Glideria’s staff are wonderfully friendly, and, if you can catch them at the right moment, are keen to show you their “laboratory”” at the back of the shop where they concoct their signature flavors. Staff picks are “Marco’s cake,” a creamy base topped with fruit coulis and rich almond crumble, their Mojito Granita, made in true Sicilian fashion by reducing the temperature of the ingredients to produce a snow-like texture, plus an array of vegan water-based flavors.

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5. Birman

Bars
Lounges
Jerusalem City Center

For the ever-picky jazz enthusiast who just so happens to be a foodie as well, Birman fuses Middle Eastern bar food together with unusually delicious cocktails. Step into a world of connoisseurs and collaborations, ragtime, funk, soul and blues—an endless well of musical and nightlife gifts.

6. Pasáž

Bars
Dive bars
White City

This grungy-but-hip club pulls focus on the music, rather than the extravagance that embodies many of Tel Aviv’s nightclubs. Sure it has a certain je-ne-sais-sleaze to it, and it’s smoky, but the musicians are uber-talented and the sound is ear-thumpingly clear. Drinks are available at the bar until the early hours of the morning.

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7. The Zone (Haezor)

Music
Music venues
Tel Aviv - Jaffa

Stepping into the Zone is like stepping into another era. The live music venue features the best musicians (and ambiance to match) Israel has to offer, and not just one type of crowd either! Haezor hosts concerts from every genre of music, so everyone can find a show suited to their tastes. The crowd is young and hip, largely comprised of local musicians. A true haven for music lovers, the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd is palpable and contagious. The bar serves drinks and some light food, perfect for refueling while you get your jam on.

8. Eli’s Pub

Bars
Pubs
The Lower City
price 1 of 4

Jet down the Downtown’s newly renovated Natanzon/Yafo street to this classic Haifa live music establishment of 13 years, Eli’s Pub. With a full agenda of weekly jazz and blues jam sessions, often including owner Eli Ifrach himself, and live band concerts (both acoustic and non), this warm neighborhood pub is the place to move and feel the rhythm with soulful Haifa music lovers. Check their Facebook page for the daily schedule, or peer though the bar’s window as you pass by to get a sample of what’s being performed on the stage.

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9. 7 Hot Spots to Catch a Jazz Show Every Single Night of the Week

Music
Jazz

Snap your fingers, tap your feet - because Tel Aviv is alive with beautiful be-bop and cross-rhythm from the jazz genre. As we see more and more special jazz nights popping up on the regular, we have rounded up our favorites, giving you the opportunity to take a hit of the stuff any night of the week. It’s time to add some scat and sax into your life, folks.

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