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Jazz Venues

If it's all about rhythm and swing, tight arrangements and dizzying solos, wailing sax and lush piano melodies, check out some of these venues where jazz fans gather.

In Memphis, there's good food and smooth jazz to be had at King's Palace Café on Beale. There's a dedicated jazz fan base in Memphis, and most of them know to check in with the Memphis Jazz Foundation (901-725-1528) for area concerts and jazz-related events.

The Nashville Jazz Workshop is an excellent source of all things jazz, including concerts, radio shows and classes on everything from Jazz in the Movies to composition. Stillwaters Café, 1207 Jefferson St. has live jazz at lunch four days a week, and Jazz Workshop artists appear regularly at Edgehill Studios Café, corner of Edgehill & Villa Place, and Café Coco, 210 Louise Ave.

Heading east, stop in Knoxville at the elegant Baker Peters Jazz Club, in an historic mansion at 9000 Kingston Pike, where you can hear several excellent jazz groups, including some of impressive names from the University of Tennessee's outstanding jazz program. The 4620 Jazz Club, named for its address on Kingston Pike, has live music five nights a week in its underground venue.

In Chattanooga, relax to some smooth sounds at Rhythm and Brews or Blue Orleans. For upscale dining with your music, try the Palms at Hamilton or Table 2. While you're in town, find out who's playing at the eclectic Barking Legs Theater. If you're in town the first weekend in May, don't miss the Chattanooga Traditional Jazz Festival held at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn-nothin' could be finer!