The Jazz Cellar

by Doug O'Halloran (subscribe)

Looking to hit the town with friends and dance the worries of the week away on a Friday night in Perth? You could head straight to Northbridge, to spend your night cueing to enter overcrowded and overpriced venues full of eighteen year olds whooping over passing their P plate driving tests.

However another option is to detour straight to the Jazz Cellar in Mt Hawthorn, located on the corner of Scaborough Beach Road and Buxton St - where the crowd is mixed, the drinks and food are BYO and the music is thumping.

The Jazz Cellar has been providing live, and lively, jazz music to loyal patrons for over 16 years, yet somehow is still little known to the wider community. Attracting a crowd of around 100 punters each and every Friday night, the Corner House Jazz Band (comprising of 6 members) continues to get people up and dancing to their old style jazz and blues.

It really is a delight to join in on the dance floor surrounded by other enthusiastic movers and shakers, ranging from eighteen to eighty years old, and quite a surprise to see three generations of the same family all enjoying the same music and atmosphere.

Even finding and entering the venue is a unique experience to Perth. Hidden in an alley behind a store in Mt Hawthorn, loyal clients shuffle surreptitiously into a bright red telephone box, never to be seen again (at least not until the tunes have ceased their cranking).

Once inside the venue you are greeted by the ticket master, who casually collects $20 from each person in exchange for a raffle ticket and empty wine glasses. The night is now yours to do with as you will.

Lay claim to a table, set up your drinks and snacks and let the entertainment begin - often in the form of friendly strangers, who are regularly forced to share your table by the ever vigilant seating valet.

This really is a venue to take your parents, your grandparents or even the in-laws, as the social atmosphere and friendly banter of the musicians get everyone relaxed and ready to have a rollicking good time.

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Why? Dance the worries of the week away

When: Doors open 5:30 and music begins at 7:30. Dont be late as the venue does fill up.

Where: Corner of Scaborough Beach Rd and Buxton St, Mt Hawthorn, Through the red telephone box

Cost: $20 plus BYO food and Drinks

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