As a trained Jazz musician I am also interested in seeking out Jazz clubs in the many countries I travel to and getting a feel for what each country considers to be Jazz. I 
especially like it when what is considered to be traditional Jazz is mixed in with the local flavors producing a new fusion of sound that, when played by quality musicians, almost always sounds fantastic.
Now, if you are a Jazz snob and particular about keeping things in line (which is basically an oxymoron in the organized chaos of Jazz) visiting a Latin American Jazz club may not be the best way for you to spend an evening. However, if you, like me, enjoy watching musicians haphazardly play around the boundaries of Jazz music, pushing the limits and sometimes creating new rules and insane rhythms, then by all means come on down to the Jazz Cafe in San Jose and enjoy a little Latin Jazz.
The Jazz Cafe has attracted a lot of attention among local and international Jazz artists traveling through Costa Rica. The classy club is reminiscent of a New York Jazz club, with a cool, calm feeling dominating the scene. The joint is decorated with a variety of eclectic paintings and sculptures, and the crowd is just as varied as the art!
On a typical night you will see a mix of typical Tico college students, Limonenses who have traveled from eastern Costa Rica, tourists, middle and upper class Costa Rican adults, and dancers like salseros just looking for some good music to move to! A good portion of the crowd moves to a variety of music, as dancing is a hot ticket in this Jazz club. There are plenty of tables for those, like me, who don’t exactly have the Latin rhythm in their feet. This Gringo prefers to grab a drink and chill at one of the tables drinking in the sights and sounds of one crazy Latin Jazz Cafe.
Last time I was able to fit this one into my schedule cover was about 8 dollars US. That was about a year ago, so I am not sure if prices have gone up. Even if they have, the Jazz Cafe is worth the money, especially if you are a music fanatic like I am. The show really gets going around 10–11 pm, and the Cafe is open for food and drink from 2 pm – 1 am Monday to Saturday.
The Jazz Cafe is located on the main road in the San Pedro district of San Jose, just a few blocks east of Calle de la Amargura, right next to Banco Popular. (They also have another location at Escazu, but I haven’t been there yet.)
Visit www.jazzcafecostarica.com to check it out.
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