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Jazz concert etiquette can vary by the selection of the venue in which the concert is held. Jazz is played in so many different venues and the etiquette varies in each venue. Jazz is played in clubs, theaters, music halls, festivals, schools, civic centers, parks and many more venues. The etiquette varies widely on where the jazz is performed. The etiquette will vary also on the type of band that is performing the jazz concert.

The more sophisticated old style jazz bands lean heavily on mannered type etiquette at their concerts. Often playing to a sophisticated older crowd the etiquette is more equivalent to the likes of Classical music concerts where during the performance of a number the crowd is silent and applause is hailed after the number has been performed. Often flashy attire is worn and it can be defined as a ritzy event. This type of concert is most likely a seated event and drawing standing ovations during applause.

Classy night clubs and bars often host jazz concerts in a similar seated type of concert. The concerts usually draw on the flashy dressers and again will usually be attended by a more mature older crowd. In this type of venue usually the attendee's are seated at tables around the stage or direction of the band. Spirits are served and the applause is often acceptable at the beginning or end of the number. You will often find at this type of event that dancing is also acceptable.

Local bars and night clubs often host the more rambunctious type of concert where the jazz is more likely to draw dancers and loud cheers and applause at beginning, middle and end of the song. The dress is more casual and the concert is more of a relaxed atmosphere then an upscale jazz concert. This type of concert can be either seated or dance floor type of accommodation. Spirits are a big part of this type of jazz performance and the etiquette is often relaxed and the band heavily relies on the crowd having a good time with their music.

Jazz festivals draw on huge crowds and often go on for a duration of a set number of days to include food vender's and local and out of town booked talent. The etiquette will vary on the type of jazz the band plays and can be seated or standing type of area's at the festival. The festivals normally will book talents that play all forms of jazz and each type of jazz will carry a different form of etiquette at their performance. Dancing, cheering and applause is acceptable and usually always present at all jazz festivals again depending on the form of jazz the band plays.

Civic centers, auditoriums and school concerts usually draw large numbers of attendee's and very with the type of band and type of jazz that is performed. They can either be seated or stand up types of performances and will vary as the type of etiquette involved depending on the performance. Normally it will be similar to classical music concert etiquette but does not always stand true. Normally these type of venues are by ticket sales or charity events.

No matter what type of venue you may be attending simple rules are to follow the crowd in their behavior. Jazz is awesome no matter how you choose to enjoy it and is very much alive. Jazz continues to thrive and will for generations to come. Jazz continues to be popular and has become so with an even younger audience who tends to be more energetic at jazz performances. So as you can see the etiquette will always vary depending on the type of band, the form of jazz performed by the band and the location of the Jazz concert.

Learn more about this author, Adam Ugro.
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