The Blue Note

The Blue Note is a music venue occupying a restored vaudeville theater building that holds around 835 seats and regularly hosts concerts across multiple genres. The structure on North Ninth Street retains its historic character and offers views of the stage from most seating positions.

The venue was founded in 1980 and originally stood on Business Loop 70 East before relocating to its current location in the early 1990s. The move to the North Ninth Street area helped establish a hub for live music in downtown Columbia.

The venue shares its name with the legendary New York jazz club and attracts touring musicians across many genres who perform for both local and visiting audiences. Visitors encounter a mix of national acts and emerging artists within a space that reflects the area's connection to live music.

The building is easily accessible by public transit through Go COMO or by car using nearby parking lots. It is wise to arrive early for shows, as seating fills quickly once performances begin.

The venue organizes Ninth Street Summerfest, a multi-part summer concert series that brings performers to downtown and activates the neighborhood. These free or reduced-price events make live music accessible to a wider community.