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The Cotton Club: Harlem's Swingin' Landmark

Relive the Harlem Renaissance at the Cotton Club: Experience swing dance, big-band music, and the legacy of jazz legends in a historic setting.

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Experience the revival of a Harlem Renaissance legend at the Cotton Club, a modern-day venue paying homage to the original jazz hotspot. Enjoy swing dance nights, big-band performances, and dinner events that capture the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the club's rich musical legacy.

A brief summary to Cotton Club

  • Monday 8 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 8 pm-12 am
  • Friday 8 pm-12 am
  • Saturday 12:30 pm-2 pm
  • Sunday 12:30 pm-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Cotton Club's schedule for swing dance nights and big-band performances to experience the club's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Consider booking a private party or event at the Cotton Club for a unique and memorable experience.
  • Explore other nearby attractions in Harlem, such as the Apollo Theater and the Studio Museum, to immerse yourself in the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Cotton Club is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the A, B, C, or D subway lines to the 125th Street station. From there, it's a short walk west to the club. The M4, M5, M104, and M125 bus lines also stop near the Cotton Club. A single subway or bus fare is $2.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Manhattan. A taxi ride from Midtown Manhattan to the Cotton Club will cost approximately $30-$40 and take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Harlem area, walking to the Cotton Club is a great option. From the 125th Street and Lenox Avenue subway station, walk west on 125th Street for about 10 minutes. The Cotton Club will be on your left.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking near the Cotton Club can be challenging. There is no on-site parking. However, several parking garages are located within walking distance. Expect to pay between $15 and $30 for 2 hours of parking. Some nearby parking options include 69 St. Clair Pl Parking and 627 West 125th St Parking.

Unlock the Best of Cotton Club

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Discover more about Cotton Club

The Cotton Club, located at 656 W 125th St in Harlem, is a modern-day reincarnation of the legendary nightclub that defined the Harlem Renaissance. The original Cotton Club, established in the 1920s, was a whites-only establishment that showcased the talents of prominent Black entertainers. Despite its discriminatory policies, it served as a launching pad for some of the greatest African American artists of the era, including Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and Ethel Waters. The original Cotton Club was started in 1920 as the Club Deluxe by heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson. In 1923, Owney Madden, a notorious bootlegger, acquired the club and renamed it the Cotton Club. The club operated at 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue from 1923 to 1935, later moving to Midtown Manhattan until it closed in 1940. The Cotton Club was known for its lavish, exclusive atmosphere and musical revues, which featured dancers, singers, comedians, and a house band. Duke Ellington's orchestra was the house band from 1927 to 1931, gaining national attention through weekly radio broadcasts. The current Cotton Club, which opened in 1978, keeps the spirit alive with swing dance nights, big-band shows, and dinner events. While not at the original location, this venue offers a taste of the Harlem swing tradition. It specializes in private parties, student tours, gospel tours, special events, and catering.

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