By Zara Khan
As a true cornerstone in the Vancouver jazz scene for well over a decade, Frankie’s Jazz Club is cherished as an intimate, classy and vibrant supper-come-jazz club venue. Returning for the 2025 Vancouver International Jazz Festival Club Series, Frankie’s is the go-to place for timeless straight ahead & swinging jazz. This beloved stage has seen thrilling performances from Harold Mabern, Monty Alexander Trio, Bill Charlap Trio & Renee Rosnes. Frankie’s has preserved the essence of jazz through its dimly lit ambiance and world-class musicians – with a bonus of sophisticated yet cozy Italian food.
Home to some of the finest collaborations of jazz in Vancouver, this venue has been known for bringing together headliners with local talent and special guests for the festival. This year’s festival promises ten straight nights of jazz at Frankie’s, including dynamic collaborations of tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore joining the John Lee Trio, Cory Weeds Quartet with Tyler Henderson from New York City, and local, dynamic stars Arvind Ramdas Quintet, and Feven Kidane playing the music of Charles Tolliver.
With in-house prepared ingredients, the gourmet dinner and After Dark menus at Frankie’s include meatballs, arancini, handmade pastas and even fresh focaccia homemade bread. If you’re looking for a smooth stage-side drink, Frankie’s crafts Canadian-based cocktails such as the True North Old Fashioned (Lot 40 Whisky, walnut bitters, maple syrup and orange twist) or you can try the no-alcoholic Private Jet (NOA dry ‘gin’, lavender syrup, lemon juice and an Amarena cherry).
Reservations for the evening shows are available online. Frankie’s After Dark shows, presented by Infidels Jazz, start at 11pm – walk-ins only, cover is $10 at the door. Check out Frankie’s full Festival lineup here.
