Get the blues

I'm originally from Chicago. When you're in Chicago and in the mood for blues or jazz, you'll be sure to find it. And when you find it, chances are, you won't be disappointed. Orlando's another story. Finding a good blues/jazz bar in Orlando is like pulling teeth. 

Locating a place is dependent on what you're looking for. If you like high-class bars with excellent bands, you'll have to pay for it. If you like to have a good (cheap) time, with a relatively good jazz/blues band, you'll find a couple of nice picks locally.

B.B. King's: This place, named after the famous Mississippi-born blues guitarist, accomodates a house band that consists of a grand total of nine musicians and singers. It's called the All Star Band, and it's named properly. The music is quite good, and the band has a knack for livening up a crowd, but it's very touristy. Unfortunately, B.B. King's is also not really the place for good conversation (the music is really loud unless you're in the nosebleed section, and then, what good is that?). The very bold (or those who were stuck in the nosebleeds) go up next to the stage to get a closer look at the band or to dance to the music. Watching people dance is fun, too...especially if they've already downed a few drinks. While you're listening, try the Fried Green Tomatoes. For about nine bucks, it's one of the least pricey items on the menu, and the drive is worth it just to try them. Consensus? It's touristy (and so are a few of the prices), but the entertainment is tops (sometimes you really do get what you pay for).

Redlight Redlight: This bar, across the street from Roxy nightclub, is rather affordable. And the music is pretty good as well (I said, sometimes you get what you pay for). I know a couple of people that frequent the place just for their beer selection (they are a craft beer bar, after all). I hear the wine is decent, too. The place is small, but the people are nice and easy-going. The age demographic ranges from 20-30-somethings, and most happen to be men. Ladies, if you're single, by all means, go visit. Thursdays are their jazz nights, and the band plays from 8-11 p.m. The special on Thursday consists of $2 off stouts. 

The Grand Bohemian: On Fridays and Saturdays, two musicians (this varies, when I was there it was a sax and piano player) perform as you drink and dine. Though very fine, the music isn't the main attraction for most. They're usually surrounded by couples that are murmuring amongst themselves or are listening in admiration. For the rest of us, it's background music. The classy setup and outrageous decor at the Grand Bohemian is an attraction in of itself. The prices are higher than your average hangout, but what's really nice about it is the service and the atmosphere. Both are excellent.
Mondays though is the the closest I've come to home in Orlando. Honestly, the group that plays consists of some of best jazz players I've heard. Billy Hall, the man who "makes the magic happen," is the brains behind this jazz operation with the help of his colleagues.  He wants to revive jazz culture and give back to the community using what he feels is his gift to others--music. The money raised in their jam sessions (called "Jazz for Jesus") has gone to help the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, various churches, and individuals who are in need.
"Recently, we helped a kid get his very first pair of shoes," said Hall. "Music was God's gift to me; what I do is my gift to him." The band is amazing. Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Miles Davis are a few personal old-time favorites. If you like that sort of thing, you won't be disappointed. Heck, you won't be disappointed even if you don't like old-school jazz. Feel free to make requests. Even the tips go to charity. Plus, it's for a great cause; what more could you ask for?

The Alley: When I walked in, I was mildly intimidated by the tough looking guys and broads, but by the end of the night, they turned out to be your overall friendly and boisterous type. The atmosphere is fun and emphatic, and the crowd is very vocal. They like joining in on songs and dancing when they get the chance. The music captures the heart (and the southern twang) of real blues. It has feeling and it's fun at the same time. 
The scene generally caters to 30-50-somethings, but you'll see younger folks in there too. This is definitely your jeans and T-shirt sort of place. There's a $5 cover and specials on Fridays consist of $4 Ruby Reds.
You'll find signed dollar bills on the ceiling, a pool table, and a jukebox in the back. You'll also find what you'd usually find in an alley: graffiti. Scrawled in chalk and marker on the walls are one liners, such as: "Think for yourself! No sheep allowed!" "If you wanna get to heaven, you gotta raise a little hell" and "Nice ass Donna" as well as a few other unmentionable ones. That, coupled with the tables held up by tin trash cans, the tattooed bartenders, and the lively customers are all things to indicate that this place is naughty in more ways than one. But let's be honest--without any of that, it wouldn't be any fun.

Tanqueray's: This one's an underground bar on the corner of Pine St. and Orange Ave. It is a bar that has it's devoted clientele, friendly bartenders, and has been likened to Cheers (you know, "Where everybody knows your name.") by many. I hear they play live jazz on the weekends from time to time, but the occasions I've passed by, I've heard nothing but rock.  On Thursday nights, their band plays music with jazz-esque tones. The crowd is usually in their 40-50s (not many young people here). For people who like both rock and jazz, this is the place to go. The frequency of true jazz bands on Fridays and Saturdays, however, aren't so reliable.

Underground Bluz: This pub is in the UCF area, in the same plaza as Jeramiah's Italian Ice and The Knight Library. It's a very small place, with the customary stools and TVs around the bar area.  It's a very laid back hang out that plays live blues on Fridays and Saturdays. The music is hit or miss. Either it's good (not amazing) or terrible. Who goes there? Your usual college kids and a few older twenty-somethings.

If you're interested in jazz or blues, these are some of the places you should check out. Each has their own use, and contingent on your mood, you'll have a great time if you pick any one of them. Good luck and get those blues!

A couple of other places you should see for yourself:

Timpanos Italian Chophouse  (Fridays and Saturdays)

Tavern on the Lake (on Sundays) You'll be likely to find some of the same crew that play at the Grand Bohemian with a more urban vibe!