Juss Jazz
240 Portage Ave, (204) 943-5299

Jazz lovers rejoice – Winnipeg finally has a venue devoted exclusively to that spontaneous and soulful genre. Juss Jazz opened on Portage Avenue on August 3rd of 2011, welcoming patrons for lunch, dinner, and evenings full of music.

“It’s been about 3 years in the making,” says Sean Sam, Director of the club, who operates the club along with Dido Nyomba, President. They spent time visiting all the lounges and clubs around the city, and felt there was a niche for something new.

“There were all kinds of talented musicians in Winnipeg and there was nowhere for them to play on a daily basis. There were places with jazz evenings once a week or once a month, but there was really no place where new artists, or even established jazz artists, could go.”

So they decided to create a venue for them. Tables fill the back while the front is given to comfy lounge chairs that encourage you to sit back and mellow out. Thursday through Saturday, bands play on an intimate stage right in the large front window, encouraging passersby to stop and take a listen. Food served up is spicy and smooth – the club offers a full lunch and dinner menu with Caribbean-style food, including dishes like jerk chicken and beef patties.

“It’s been amazing so far,” says Sean. “Great for jazz, and we think for the downtown too.”