Jazz clubs in Delhi, India
Delhi, India’s largest city with a population of some 34 million, may be renowned for its ancient architecture and historical sites, such as the Red Fort, dazzling art and delicious food, it surprisingly also has something else to offer: a cool jazz scene.
Yes, jazz.
Musicians performing at The Piano Man Jazz Club
Delhi’s jazz scene is vibrant and growing. It features a mix of dedicated jazz clubs and venues that regularly host jazz performances.
On one of my visits to Delhi a few years ago, when I spoke at a global women’s conference, local friends of mine from Delhi-based Vasco Travel India took me to one of Delhi’s most renowned jazz clubs, The Piano Man.
It was a welcomed night out after spending the afternoon – in intense heat — visiting the architectural marvel, Lotus Temple, a Baháʼí House of Worship, followed by shopping at the famous Connaught Place.
Lotus Temple
In the evening, my friends and I enjoyed a glass of wine and a dinner (the food was terrific) while taking in a live jazz act. The group was fantastic, though I don’t recall their name. It was quite a treat. Though I have been to many jazz clubs, this was the first time to visit one in India and it certainly was one of the most memorable.
Me at the Piano Man Jazz Club
According to Jazz Near You, there are a few notable jazz venues in the Delhi area, including both the city of Delhi and the neighbouring satellite city of Gurgaon. And so, if you love jazz, and are planning a visit to Delhi, consider taking in some live jazz music.
The following are some of the most notable jazz venues in Delhi and area:
- The Piano Man Jazz Club: Located in Safdarjung Enclave, an affluent residential neighbourhood in South Delhi, it is Delhi’s most renowned jazz club, offering live performances, dining and cocktails. It has hosted more than 1,300 acts, including 350 international artists. There are also locations in Gurugram and the Eldeco Centre
- India International Centre (IIC): Situated on Max Mueller Marg, IIC is a cultural hub that occasionally features jazz concerts.
- Siri Fort Auditorium: A major venue in Delhi that hosts various cultural events, including jazz performances.
- Potbelly Rooftop Café: Located in Shahpur Jat, a vibrant urban village and shopping hub, this café hosts bi-monthly jazz nights curated by local jazz guitarist, Adil Manuel.
- Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy: Situated in Gurgaon, a Delhi satellite city, this venue is known for its dedicated jazz crowd and regular jazz nights.
Vikas Abbott, Vasco Travel, and his wife, Gitika at the Piano Man Jazz Club
These venues contribute to a growing jazz culture in Delhi, offering both traditional and contemporary jazz experiences. As the late great Louis Armstrong said, “What we play is life.”
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational broadcaster, producer, speaker, author of “Your Whispering Heart: An Inner Guide to Creativity” and travel writer. She is based in Toronto.
