Stamford is about to enter the Jazz Age! The Palace Stamford just recently kicked off their Jazz Alley Series which promises to bring sultry singers, horn players, soaring sax soloists, and dynamic guitarists to their famous stage. Now, this weekend, one of New Haven’s hottest jazz supper clubs will re-open in the heart of Stamford downtown.

The 9th Note Jazz Supper Club will celebrate in style Friday night with a grand opening party at their new home! The space, located at 15 Bank Street was previously occupied by Grand Nightclub & Restaurant. I had a chance to visit the club last week and meet with owner, Chris O’Dowd. And, while the space at the time was well into finalizing their tiny facelift, it’s clear from our conversation that the club should be a welcomed addition to the Stamford downtown scene.

The layout will remain very similar to that of previous occupant, Grand. Upon entrance to the club, you’re greeted with the main stage and the beautifully lighted, staircase up to the mezzanine. A large bar on the lower level runs almost the length of the dining area and provides ample views of the main stage. The mezzanine houses a smaller bar with additional seating overlooking the space. Total seating in the Supper Club is about 350. While the walls were empty during our visit, expect to see large murals from local artists adorn the floor to ceiling canvas.

Not only will the supper club host some of our area’s hottest jazz names, but the food promises to be an excellent complement, as well. They will offer a mix of small plates and entrees that will be heavily influenced by the New Orleans food scene, very fitting for a Jazz club! And, since the chef was trained in Montreal there will also be a touch of French Canadian flair sprinkled in. Of note, is the escargot gratin, the deconstructed Gumbo (chicken, sausage or shrimp) or Linguine (pesto, arugula, cherry tomato, figs, almonds, prosciutto, goat cheese). As the music plays well into the evening, the Petite Faim or small plates are perfect for late night dining. Items such as the Poutine of the Day, Po Boy Sandwich, Andouille Sausage Corn Dog or Duck Wings with homemade ketchup will be a great late night snack. The bread pudding with maple bourbon sauce, beignets, or Crème Brule will be a nice way to top off your meal. Of course, she’s working on some creative, fun presentations as well.

The main highlight of the club of course will be the music. What can you expect? As O’Dowd told me, “straight up jazz, blues and funk.” Expect to see both big names and small at the club with open jam sessions, regular burlesque shows, and more sprinkled throughout the calendar. The New Haven location saw many big names stop by and it’s expected that Stamford will see the same.

The 9th Note opens this Friday, November 6th (tomorrow night) with free apps and no cover and plenty of entertainment throughout the night. On opening night, you will be greeted by the remarkable Jaysin The Magician and Niki Tiki (burlesque dancer) and a full night of live music. Check out this schedule:

5pm – The Uri Shaham Trio featuring Uri on piano, Jeff Fuller on bass, and Joe Corsello on drums.

7pm – The Joshua Bruneau Quintet with Josh, trumpet, Joe Farnsworth, drums, Tony Davis, guitar, Jovan Alexandre, sax, Adam Cote, bass.

9pm – Giacomo Gates and his Quartet with Joe McWilliams on piano, Tony Lombardozzi, guitar, Ed Howard, bass, and Ron Vincent on drums

12 Midnight – Jam session led by Nick Biello and NB4 – come sit in!

Frankly, there’s not much like this in the area, and I think it will be a welcome addition to the Stamford nightlife. Stick around here, as we’ll certainly be talking about these guys in the near future!

*Photo Credits: our photos came out like crap, so full credit here to 9th Note Jazz Supper Club facebook page for these awesome pics of musicians performing this weekend

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