Jazz at Lincoln Center

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What started as a summer concert series in the mid-1980s eventually evolved into the 12th constituent of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Based in the Time Warner Center since 2004, Jazz at Lincoln Center is actually a trio of performance venues currently under the artistic directorship of Wynton Marsalis. The 310-to-467-seat Allen Room has seating reminiscent of a Greek amphitheater and features a 50-by-90-foot window overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park; Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, the more intimate 140-seat nightclub attracts big names (Stevie Wonder, Clint Eastwood, Tony Danza) in its audience as well as onstage. But Rose Theater is the space's centerpiece. With a capacity of 1,233, the theater outperforms its counterparts not just in terms of size but its versatility. Actually a separate structure than the rest of the building, Rose Theater uses "box in a box" construction—in this case, a five-inch gap separating the building from the rest of the hall that prevents unwanted vibrations as does a layer of rubber padding—to enhance acoustics whether the music is opera, symphony or jazz. So while the hall was designed specifically to accommodate the particulars of blues, bebop and swing, the architectural control of high and low tones (like those of a cymbal or bass) permits the middle register to stand out whatever the genre might be. — Joe DeLessio

The Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame is open to the public during the day and to ticketholders during performances. Multimedia exhibits honor legendary musicians like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong.

Classes and Lectures
The Irene Diamond Educational Center complements classes and lectures such as Jazz Talk for adults and WeBop! for kids with rehearsal space and recording studios.

Jazz Radio
XM Satellite Radio's adjacent facility broadcasts jazz-related programming daily.

Weddings
Weddings here are few and far between, but it’s a standout venue. The grand Rose Theater is the perfect spot for a ceremony, followed by a reception in the Allen Room, an amphitheater that holds up to 600 for cocktails and features a glorious wall of glass, through which you can see Central Park and Columbus Circle. Catering is by Great Performances. Prices upon request.

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Music Class for Kids (2012)