The Village Vanguard

Greenwich Village

Art & Culture | Bars

Legendary Jazz Club with some of the best performers in NYC

Village Vanguard greenwich village

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Classic Live Music Tops for Tourists

About The Village Vanguard

& why it made the Carpe City list

Max Gordon opened The Village Vanguard on February 22, 1935. He intended it to be a forum for poets and artists and a site for musical performances.
For many years the club presented poetry readings, beat poetry, folk music, stand-up comedy, and jazz.
As modern jazz developed in the 1940s and its popularity increased, Gordon realized jazz could become the main attraction.
By 1957, one commentator wrote: “Gordon reversed his policy, putting jazz at the top of the bill and letting the folknicks…and the comics…fill it out.”
The Vanguard helped start countless careers and hosted many highly renowned jazz musicians over the years. Additionally, they accommodated numerous recordings in their basement, many regarded as masterpieces, making it a club of international renown.
Max Gordon died in 1989, but his wife, Lorraine, continued to run the place. Lorraine Gordon died in 2018 at the age of 95.
Today, The Village Vanguard is the oldest operating jazz club in New York City.

By: Laureen Mocsari

Cuisine:

Price:

$$

Features:

Classic Live Music Tops for Tourists

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