Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed pianist, educator, jazz advocate, and club owner Spike Wilner.

In this special episode, Spike gives us an exclusive tour of Jazz Cultural, one of New York City’s newest and most exciting jazz venues, located on legendary Restaurant Row just steps from Times Square. More than just a jazz club, Jazz Cultural is a vibrant performance space, community gathering place, and educational hub dedicated to preserving and advancing the rich tradition of jazz.

Inspired by the legendary Barry Harris and his beloved Jazz Cultural Theater, which operated in Chelsea during the 1980s and 1990s, Spike has created a venue that honors Harris’ lifelong commitment to jazz Education, mentorship, and artistic excellence. The club combines a welcoming café and bar with a state-of-the-art, 90-seat performance room where some of the world’s finest jazz musicians perform in an intimate setting.

During our conversation, Spike shares the vision behind Jazz Cultural, the importance of keeping New York City’s jazz tradition thriving, the influence of Barry Harris, the challenges and rewards of opening a new jazz venue, and why creating an affordable home for musicians and audiences matters now more than ever.

Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan, planning a trip to New York City, or simply curious about the future of live jazz, this interview offers a fascinating look inside one of the city’s newest cultural landmarks.

Learn more about Spike Wilner & Jazz Cultural

🌐 Jazz Cultural
https://www.jazzcultural.com/

📰 JazzTimes Feature
https://www.jazztimes.com/reviews/live/new-jazz-club-jazzcultural-launches-in-new-york/

📘 Spike Wilner on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/spikewilner/

📸 Spike Wilner on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/spikewilner/ 

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Joe Dimino Podcaster/Artist

Joe Dimino has been writing & creating in a variety of capacities since his college days at the University of Missouri-Kansas City somewhere around 1993. If you are keeping score, that would be about 29 years+. It all began at UMKCs University News as a Sports Writer & turned into a myriad of expressive avenues. Inventing poems, art, video & audio has always been in the proverbial cards.