Finding Jazz in Mexico City
I wrote a piece for Mexico News Daily a few years back about the awesome independent jazz label Pitayo Music, run by a young Mexico City musician in hopes of promoting jazz in Mexico City. I am 100 % on board with that goal and folks ask me all the time where they can see live music while they are visiting. So here are a few links to help you tap into the jazz scene here (a few of which I just heard about!), some of the young artists that are breaking the mold, and some upcoming events you might want to check out on your visit to Mexico City.
First of all, there’s www.contratiemposjazz.net, which not only provides videos and samples of local players but has an ongoing calendar that you consult any day you want to see something live.
Then there is the website for Juan Pablo Aispuro’s music label Pitayo, which has all kinds of gems on it. He’s officially producing artists listed on his site, but he’s also recording all types of artists from around the city. That includes non-jazz projects that you can see some videos of here on YouTube. The #musicapormimexico project was born in the aftermath of the 2017 earthquake, when as a result of businesses closing Juan Pablo invited Mexican artists to his studio to record Mexican music that they loved.
Here are a few of the most reliable venues to see jazz or jazz and blues variations :
Zinco Jazz, Calle de Motolinia 20, Centro Histórico, http://www.zincojazz.com/
I finally went after almost 14 years in the city and this is by far the best venue for seeing jazz in Mexico City. The ambience is mid-century New York, added to by the fact that it’s in the basement of a gorgeous Art Deco beauty. The drinks were perfection, the band I saw the night was there made me swoon, and didn’t want it to end.
Parker and Lenox, Calle Milan 14, Colonia Juarez, https://www.facebook.com/parkerandlenox
A speakeasy bar that you have to have a reservation for, they have a very varied calendar and it’s not always jazz on the bill, sometimes flamenco, or trios or old-timey blues. I’ve never seen a bad show there. The food is actually excellent and the cocktails as well. It’s definitely cheaper than Zinco and sometimes the shows are even free. This is where I always take friends from out of town.
Jazztlan – Guanajuato 239, Colonia Roma Norte, https://www.instagram.com/jazzatlancapital
If you are staying in Roma and want to be able to and from the venue Jazztlan is a great option. The space has a less charm than Zinco or Parker and Lenox, but the bands are still generally very good quality. I remember the drinks being so-so.
Casa Franca, Merida 109, Colonia Roma Norte https://www.facebook.com/Lacasamerida109
Another place that’s not strictly jazz, so check the calendar. They say you should reserve but honestly most nights, especially during the week you can just show up. There are a dozen little rooms here to tuck yourself into and i love the rooftop terrace that looks down on Alvaro Obregon. Again, drinks are just normal, not crazy good.
El Convite, Ajusco 79 bis, Colonia Portales Sur – check their website for dates and times http://elconvite.com.mx/
Pizza Jazz, Eje 7 Sur 46, Colonia Portales Oriente, https://www.facebook.com/groups/368619106483598/
Bolero Basement, Guanajuato 80, Colonia Roma Norte, https://www.instagram.com/bolerobasement/
Music styles here vary from jazz to blues to salsa and son, call or check their socials for dates and times. The pizza here is the best in the city and they sell a mix of cocktails, craft beer, mezcal, wine, a bit of everything. The vibe is very neighborhoody and when music is on the place fills up with dancers.
Las Musas de PapáSibarita, Orizaba 218-A, Colonia Roma Norte https://www.facebook.com/lasmusasdepapasibarita/
