Blue Note is an international chain of jazz clubs and restaurant founded in New York City[1] in 1981. Originally established in Greenwich Village, Blue Note has since expanded into a global brand with multiple venues across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
The brand is widely regarded as one of the most prominent jazz venues operators in the world, presenting both established and emerging artists in intimate performance settings.
History
The original Blue Note opened on September 30, 1981, in Greenwich Village by owner and founder Danny Bensusan. The opening performance featured the Nat Adderley Quintet. Bensusan's belief was that "if he brought big acts into a comfortable environment with great food, he could pack the house night after night."[2]
Following its success in New York, Blue Note began expanding internationally, beginning with the opening of Blue Note Tokyo in 1988. Over subsequent decades, the brand developed into a global network of venues and related ventures, including festivals, recordings, and partnerships.
In the 21st century, Blue Note has continued to grow, with new locations opening in major cultural centers such as Los Angeles in 2025 and planned expansion into additional cities worldwide [4].
Global Locations and Operations
Blue Note Entertainment Group operates jazz clubs and restaurants worldwide, each designed to maintain the intimate atmosphere, great food and artist-focused programming of the original New York location[5].
Current locations include:
• United States (New York City, Hawaii, Los Angeles)
• Japan (Tokyo)
• Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo)
• Italy (Milan)
• China (Beijing, Shanghai) 
Each venue features nightly live performances, dining service, and curated programming that blends traditional jazz with contemporary genres such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.
Brand Extensions
In addition to its venues, Blue Note operates several related initiatives:
Blue Note Jazz Festival
The Blue Note Jazz Festival began in New York City in 2011. Since then it has expanded to encompass the Blue Note Jazz Festival in other cities including The Blue Note Jazz Festival "Black Radio Experience" in Napa California and Blue Note Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.
Blue Note Travel
Blue Note Travel is a travel and experiences division of Blue Note Entertainment Group, established in 2015 to provide music-focused cultural travel programs [6].
Offering curated international trips centered around live music, festivals, and artist-led experiences. These programs are designed to give participants access to performances, cultural institutions, and local music scenes, often including exclusive opportunities such as artist meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes access.
Blue Note is considered one of the most influential jazz venue brands globally, known for its role in presenting major jazz artists and fostering new talent. Its expansion into multiple cities has contributed to the globalization of live jazz performance while maintaining a consistent club experience rooted in its New York origins [8].
Gallery
Program at the Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City, December 10, 2016
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