Iridium Club Moves to New Location

Open since 1994, the Iridium is not the oldest jazz club in New York City, but it is one of the most prestigious. It boasts a 250 bottle wine list, gourmet cuisine and performances by the top jazz artists in the world. But the club is moving from its current address at 48 West 63rd Street to the corner of 51st Street and Broadway, an area long associated with the golden age of jazz.

The Iridium will open at its new location Mon. July 30 and will feature a state-of-the-art sound system designed with help from guitarist Les Paul. The new space also allows for a larger stage, recording studio and improved acoustics and lighting.

The New York jazz scene is beginning to witness some changes. Sweet Basil is changing its name to Sweet Rhythm, the Jazz Standard is reopening sometime next year, and now the Iridium is changing locations. Are these minor nips and

tucks, or major renovations to the scene?

“We view our change as a positive step for us and for jazz as a whole,” says club owner Ron Sturm. “The thing that most people don’t realize is that nowhere is it written that New York must have 10 Jazz Clubs. As soon as a couple of clubs do well and we find ourselves with 4 or 5 clubs, everyone and there mother thinks that it is

so easy to open a club. If we didn’t see a continual overpopulation of jazz clubs, we wouldn’t have these discussions.” Sturm is confident that the club’s renovation is a step in the right direction. “We’re very excited!”

The fall schedule at the new Iridium includes performances by heavyweights McCoy Tyner (pictured left), Ahmad Jamal, Lee Konitz, Pharaoh Sanders, T.S. Monk, John Scofield, Les Paul (who will continue his regular Monday-night slot) and a host of other jazz superstars. New Yorkers who can’t make it to the club can catch Iridium shows live on WBGO 88.3 FM, starting with the Kenny Garrett Quartet on Wed. Aug. 8 at 9:00 PM.

For ticket information or more information about the club’s move, call (212) 582-2121 or visit www.iridiumjazzclub.com

Originally Published July 12, 2001