Letting the dust settle

A Living Jazz Club

For nearly two decades, a jazz club has appeared in Black Rock City.

Not a stage with a DJ. Not a sound camp running a schedule of acts. A real club, built on live players, open instruments, and the kind of magic you cannot plan.

While the rest of the playa moves to electronic bass, we keep the horns warm and the Rhodes mostly in tune.

Amber neon spelling JAZZ and CAFE across the camp's tents after dark.

What we believe

  • We bring musicians together from every corner of the world.
  • We play living jazz, made up on the spot.
  • We honor the music that came before us.
  • We hand the newcomer an instrument and a seat at the table.
  • We chase the kind of moment that happens once and never again.

Everyone belongs

There is almost no hierarchy here. Conservatory players and dusty amateurs share the same stage.

The audience becomes part of the band. A stranger walks in with a trumpet and leaves having played the set of their life.

The club has wandered the city

We have moved around Center Camp for years. In 2026 we are coming home.

  • Center Camp Plaza
  • Rod's Road
  • 6:15
  • 9:30
  • 5:15
  • Center Camp Plaza @ 7:15, 2026
2026 Black Rock City placement map. Playa Jazz Café: Center Camp
                      Plaza at 7:15, marked with a red arrow pointing to Center Camp.
Home, on the map. Center Camp Plaza at 7:15.
2026 Black Rock City placement map. Playa Jazz Café: Center Camp Plaza at 7:15.
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