The Jazz Standard, a popular Manhattan jazz club that was founded in 1997 and for more than 20 years has hosted a number of jazz legends and iconic big bands, has announced that it will close permanently. In a press statement, the club said that, due to the economic impacts of New York’s COVID-19 restrictions, it will not be able to reopen its brick-and-mortar location on 27th Street in the Flatiron District. It will, however, continue to host interviews and virtual performances online. The venue’s full press statement is below:
It is with great sadness that USHG [Union Square Hospitality Group] shares that Jazz Standard and Blue Smoke Flatiron will not be reopening on 27th Street. We have explored every avenue to arrive at a different outcome, but due to the pandemic and months without revenue—as well as a lengthy rent negotiation that has come to a standstill—we’ve reached the disappointing conclusion that there is no alternative but to close Jazz Standard and Blue Smoke Flatiron. The current situation surrounding the pandemic, including the regulations for restaurants and live music make it impossible to maintain our quality and continue to “set the standard”.
Almost two decades ago, Union Square Hospitality Group set out on a pioneering journey to marry authentic pit barbecue with great jazz in New York City with the opening of Jazz Standard and Blue Smoke in NYC’s Flatiron neighborhood. Every year since, it has been hailed by audiences and critics alike.
We are proud to be part of the culture of a vibrant and thriving city. We became a fixture not only in New York’s jazz scene, but of the world’s. Our longevity can be credited to inimitable hospitality and staff, extraordinary musicians over the years, and our valued, supportive patrons. Although we are devastated by the closure, we are optimistic about the future and look forward to writing the next chapter of Jazz Standard.
In the meantime, we continue to host exclusive artist interviews and virtual performances across our online platforms including a Facebook Live series co-presented with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Please be sure to connect with us for the latest events and news on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Immense gratitude to our team members, our guests, and the city of New York for embracing Jazz Standard. We value your support more than you can ever know and look forward to reuniting again with some Mingus and Merlot.
– Your Family at Jazz Standard