Travel Reference
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grooves, united in the high-energy, feel-good vibe. Bookings include
top-flight performers from around the globe; Astrud Gilberto,
Mighty Sparrow, King Sunny Ade, Eddie Palmieri, Buckwheat
Zydeco, Beausoleil, and Baaba Maal are only a few of the names who
have graced this lively stage. The room's Tropicana Club style has
island pizazz that carries through to the Caribbean-influenced cook-
ing and extensive tropical-drinks menu. This place is so popular that
it's an excellent idea to book in advance, especially if you'd like table
seating. Monday is dedicated to Latin sounds, Tuesday to reggae, Fri-
day features a late-night French Caribbean dance party, while Satur-
day is reserved for samba.
204 Varick St. (at Houston St.).
&
212/243-4940.
www.sobs.com. Subway: 1 to Houston St.
Uptown Jazz Lounge at Minton's Playhouse
The big
neon sign on 118th Street remains intact and is a cultural landmark.
The 1948-mural behind the stage of a woman sleeping off a drunk
while four musicians jam by her side looks as fresh as it ever did even
after a 30-year hiatus while Minton's Playhouse was shuttered. In
2006, the club, where Miles Davis, Charlie Christian, Dizzy Gille-
spie, Coleman Hawkins, and house pianist, Thelonius Monk once
reigned, reopened. The look is sparse; a few photos cover the burnt
orange walls; hard-backed chairs and formica-topped tables are scat-
tered around the small room. But who cares? The music is straight-
ahead jazz and the clientele is old school Harlem along with
European and Japanese tourists. At press time, Patience Higgins and
the Sugar Hill Quartet hold court every Wednesday, while Thursday
headlines vocalist Gerald Hayes and the Qualified Gents. No cover
Monday through Thursday.
208 W. 118th St (between St. Nicholas Ave. and
Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.).
&
212/864-8346.
www.uptownatmintons.com. Sub-
way: B, C to 116th St.
The Village Vanguard
What CBGB was to rock, The Vil-
lage Vanguard is to jazz. One look at the photos on the walls will
show you who's been through since 1935, from Coltrane, Miles, and
Monk to recent appearances by Bill Charlap and Roy Hargrove.
Expect a mix of established names and high-quality local talent,
including the Vanguard's own jazz orchestra on Monday nights. The
sound is great, but sightlines aren't, so come early for a front table. If
you're looking for serious jazz, this is the place.
178 Seventh Ave. South
(just below 11th St.).
&
212/255-4037.
www.villagevanguard.net. Subway: 1, 2,
3, 9 to 14th St.
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