Earlier this week, The Jazz Estate made a social media post about upcoming changes at the beloved live music venue, 2423 N. Murray Ave.
Social media being social media created some questionable buzz, s0 we reached out to owner John Dye to elaborate on what’s changing and not changing at the lounge in 2023.
OnMilwaukee: What is your plan for live music at the Jazz Estate this year?
John Dye: We definitely aren't done with live jazz. We are, however, holding off on booking live music for a little while. We will be bringing limited live music back when the time is right, and it will be with a modified business model that is more sustainable. Jazz has been the heart of our space for over 50 years, and it’s a tradition that we take very seriously.
What led you to make the change in music offerings?
The last three years have shown us that, first and foremost, we need to bring people in through our strong and creative bar program. We want people to feel comfortable coming by any time without the commitment of a reservation or cover charge, and we want to expand on the great work our bartenders are already doing.
When exactly will you reopen and what will the environment be like?
Specific details will be coming, but we are planning to re-open the first week of February.
During the extensive restoration process in 2015, I put a lot of thought into creating an intimate, inviting space that is perfect for cocktails and a night out. While we are not planning any major renovations, I am excited to continue perfecting the lounge.
Can you share more about your bar program?
Our bar program is led by Cameron McKenzie and Noah Witt, two of the best bartenders in the city, and I’m excited to see what happens when they are given this time to focus and unleash their creativity. The East Side has always been limited when it comes to high-end cocktails, and I’m aiming to change that. I live nearby and value being so close to a cocktail spot. I think other folks in the neighborhood will, too. We have always offered innovative drinks alongside the classics, as well as handcrafted non-alcoholic beverages, and everyone has more of that to look forward to.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
