Cheap things to do: Best jazz bargains

55 Bar
This comfortable prewar basement features music seven nights a week, ranging from hard-driving postbop to slick fusion grooves. Early sets at 6 or 7pm are FREE; late sets typically run $10 to $15. 55 Christopher St between Seventh Ave South and Waverly Pl (212-929-9883, 55bar.com)

Smalls
You might encounter legendary old-timers or freshly arrived aspirants at this cozy hang. It’s always $20 to get in, and every night but Friday and Saturday your first drink is included. 183 W 10th St between Seventh Ave South and W 4th St (212-252-5091, smallsjazzclub.com)

Cornelia Street Café Many a well-known bandleader has come here to work out new ideas. Cover is typically $10 to $15, plus a one-drink minimum you’ll have no trouble meeting. 29 Cornelia St between Bleecker and W 4th Sts (212-989-9319, corneliastreetcafe.com)

Monday nights at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
It’s tough to find a bargain at the city’s marquee jazz clubs, but the Monday-night “Upstarts!” series, featuring rising stars and solid sidemen, will set you back only $20. You can also score $10 “hot seats” to Rose Hall concerts; they go on sale at the box office only, the Wednesday before the show. Broadway at 60th St (212-258-9595, jalc.org/dccc)

The Stone
Got a taste for adventure and a hole in your pocket? Head east to John Zorn’s no-frills musical laboratory. For just $10 a night (and sometimes less), you can tap into the latest developments from the city’s storied downtown avant-garde scene. No drinks, no tchotchkes, just music. Ave C at 2nd St (thestonenyc.com)

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Cheap things to do in New York City
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