Best Places to Play Jazz in the South ???

Jazzladysupreme · April-11th-2005, 02:21 PM

My husband and I are N.Y. jazz musicians and we are looking to relocate to the south because of the warm weather and a better environment for our children. But, we don't want to relocate somewhere and then find out that there are no places to jam and gig with good musicians. Does anyone know which southern cities would offer the best opportunities for jazz musicians as far as getting gigs and playing with reputable talents?

JazzJunkie · April-11th-2005, 09:56 PM

Hi JLS, and welcome to JazzCorner.

I think probably the top East Coast Southern cities for Jazz would be Miami, Atlanta and New Orleans. Of those, and if you've seriously nixed NJ or LI as an alternative to NYC proper, then I'd look into New Orleans as Miami and Atlanta might pose some of the same urban environs as NYC. And New Orleans is really a great, and unique, city. The people are great, the food is great, the music is great and it's very managable in terms of traffic. Now, can one (or two) make a living playing Jazz in New Orleans -- that I don't know. Maybe someone else can chime in.

And of course no matter where you end up you're always welcome here! -- JJ

Dr Dave · April-11th-2005, 10:12 PM

Atlanta is your best bet. There is more money there.

Dennis Gonzalez · April-17th-2005, 06:21 PM

Austin

steve(thelil) · April-17th-2005, 08:33 PM

I love Austin. I had a great time in Austin the 8 or 10 days i was there. I think it probably is one of the better towns for being able to hear ALOT of good and great live music.

For awhile, some in Austin were calling it "the Live Music Capital of the world" . While I was there one of the music writers in a/the local arts paper took issue with that claim with some humorous vigor, finally concluding with the suggestion that to be honest, Austin might change it's slogan to "Live Music every night, especially if you count Don Walser"