NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Jazz musicians have called Smalls home-base since it originally opened in 1994. Both old masters and younger players play here on a nightly basis.

Smalls is a one-room basement spot down a narrow staircase in the West Village. It was instantly successful when it opened in 1994,  but then closed temporarily after 9/11. Pianist Spike Wilner became a partner with Mitch Borden, the original owner, to bring it back to life in 2007. Smalls’ tech-savvy outreach for the 60-seat room includes an online audio and artist archive and live streaming of performances.

All ages, including children, are welcome at Smalls and there are no reservations.

• Directions: Subway: A, C, E, B, D, F, M to West 4th Street