Must-see for jazz lovers! Places in Sendai where you can enjoy live jazz

Signature of autumn in Sendai is the "Jozenji Street Jazz Festival" where music overflows from special stages throughout the city, mainly around Jozenji-dori Avenue. The jazz culture became set in Sendai due to postwar GHQ stations and the many jazz bars established then. How about enjoying an evening in Sendai with live jazz as background music tonight?
Here, we will talk about seven recommended restaurants and bars.

Since its establishment in 1968, "KABO" has been known by jazz lovers throughout Japan as an authentic jazz bar in Sendai. There are 15 or 16 live jazz performances a month by professional musicians invited from the local Sendai area, Tokyo and overseas. There are also times when big names drop in and give surprise performances.

Excitement arises once the dynamic sound of jazz begins, charm that can only be experienced in live performance.
Visitors can feel the unique charm of a live performance up close. Also, you can enjoy the analog sound using the specially chosen JBL speaker, THORENS turntable, and Aura amplifier.

Kabo located in the Toichi Market in the Ichibancho shopping district. You can hear jazz performances overflowing with enthusiasm coming from the door as much as to say “Don’t over think anything, just enjoy the music!”

"retro Back Page"- a place where you feel a sense of nostalgia the minute you step inside. On Friday nights, enjoy singing performances with a piano in this traditional style shot bar that has been serving drinks for more than 35 years. Being wrapped in the Jazz numbers sung gently and powerfully, enjoy the time passes leisurely.

In December, when the "Sendai Pageant of Starlight" is held, countless small lights shine outside the window, creating a fantastic world of music and a twinkling night view.

An attraction of retro Back Page is that billiards and music, drinks, and meals can also be enjoyed together. There is an extensive menu, mainly Italian, including dishes ranging from appetizers to pizza, pasta and course meals. There is also a wide range of drinks offered from authentic cocktails to wine, whiskey and sake. You should not miss their seasonal cocktails.

Every night at the jazz bar "Crosby", close to Kotodai-koen Park, jazz lovers come together to enjoy the live performances taking place. The jazz scene of talented Sendai musicians is a time for adults. The performances make a night in Sendai special.

An attraction of Crosby's is their response to play not only jazz but also rock and pops at the request of their customers. Visitors can spend their time enjoying the cuisine made by the French chef. The fresh mojito made using home grown mint is popular. (Available from May to October)

A music exchange connecting Sendai and Kobe with music called Sendai meets Kobe "Charity Live", is held at Crosby. It is a charity live aiming to support victims of natural disasters throughout the country.

STARDUST provides an exclusive time in a relaxing atmosphere where you can listen to fine quality live performances. Exceptional live performance focusing on jazz music are performed almost daily on a large, open stage. The night sky from the dome and panel of former jazz musicians adds to the excitement of a "jazzy" night.

Besides wine, cocktails, whiskey, brandy and other drinks, and seafood are also popular. There is an extensive range of food from snacks, pasta, pizza to a full-fledged menu for your selection.

A variety of musicians from local professionals to well-known light up the stage. Amateur live performances by Tohoku University students are also held.

RELAXIN ' is where you can enjoy Sendai local live jazz musicians as well as other musicians touring Japan. Jam sessions are held on the first Saturday of every month. Listen to plenty of standard numbers and enjoy the many expressions of the participating musicians' and their impromptu performances. The musicians and audience can become one to enjoy jazz music.

The bar is popular amongst musicians as being just the right size. This modest size creates a sense of unity between the musicians and audience, creating a great sense of ambience. On the evening of the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival, the place is filled with enthusiastic performances by many musicians and jazz lovers.

Vocal sessions are held on the fourth Thursday every even-numbered month. The appearance of these unique and individual live vocal performances adds to the exciting atmosphere.

"Sendai ZA" leads the gourmet scene around Minamimachi-dori Ave. Guests can enjoy dinner and a mature atmosphere stage from Friday to Sunday nights. Wrapped in the charming sound of professional musicians, the blissful evening time passes leisurely.

The best thing about Sendai ZA is the natural acoustics created by the high ceilings. It has become a status of the musician to perform in this space where the clear and dynamic sound reaches the audience.

Sendai ZA is also a wonderful place to enjoy homemade creative dishes from light refreshments to steaks. There is also an extensive drink menu catering to all ages. Enjoy the world of jazz with a glass in hand.

VILEVAN is a restaurant close to Sendai Station in the Hapina Shopping Arcade where you can enjoy an early dinner listening to jazz numbers. Local Sendai musicians perform live every Saturday and Jazz piano duet perform on the fourth Sunday every month.

Enter going past a wall covered with the signatures of many stars and musicians from the past and present-day musicians. You are invited into a world that looks like a scene from a movie. Live performances of major musicians are held every second month and the place is loved as social gathering place for music lovers regardless of age or sex.

You might notice the low notes of the bass and solo phrases you’ve missed before from the relatively high volume background music played in the restaurant.
Even on days without live performances, you can enjoy the sensation of a live show while you enjoy dining on mainly Italian cuisine.

There are many great places in Sendai with original atmosphere where you can experience jazz.
May this article be on an useful guide to both beginners and livers of jazz.