The Blue Note Grill: Durham's Home for Blues, Barbecue, and Community
The Tuesday Night Blues Jam: Triangle's Longest-Running Blues Session
Every Tuesday night at the Blue Note Grill, something magical happens. Musicians with day jobs arrive to jam on guitar and bass, saxophone and keyboard, mouth harp and drums, creating an atmosphere that regulars describe as "like a pickup basketball game" for blues lovers. This blues jam has been running since 2010-2011, making it the longest-running blues jam in the Triangle.
The format is welcoming and spontaneous. Musicians sign up throughout the evening, and the house band backs them up as they take turns showcasing their talents. Whether you're a seasoned player or someone looking to sit in for the first time, the Tuesday blues jam offers a supportive environment where the community's love of blues music takes center stage. As one regular explains, the musical talent is so impressive that "you should be paying a lot of money to hear" these players.
A Rich History: From Humble Beginnings to Durham Institution
The Blue Note Grill opened its doors in 2010, founded by husband-and-wife team Bill and Andrea Gay Whittington. The early days were challenging—Andrea recalls days when they didn't know how they'd pay the next bill—but their dedication to creating a genuine music venue and the loyalty of their customers kept them going.
After five years in their original location, the venue expanded in June 2015 into a new 6,000 square foot space in downtown Durham's historic Central Park District. Bill was looking for a space with an old-time Memphis or New Orleans vibe, and he found it in a former machine shop and auto parts store. The building had everything he wanted: brick walls, character, and that authentic grunginess that gives the venue its soulful atmosphere. When it came time to move, their loyal regulars showed up with trucks and U-Hauls to help make it happen.
Today, the Blue Note sits kitty-corner from the Historic Durham Athletic Park, the iconic ballpark where "Bull Durham" was filmed, adding to the venue's distinctly Durham character.
The Vibe and Atmosphere: Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Walking into the Blue Note Grill, you're immediately enveloped by the smell of slow-smoked barbecue and the sound of live blues filling the room. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming—a place where, as first-time visitors are often told, "you may not know anyone when you get here, but you'll know a lot of people once you leave."
Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos II likens the scene to the popular sitcom set in a Boston bar, describing it as having that "Cheers" atmosphere where regulars and newcomers alike feel at home. The 6,000-square-foot space features a dedicated dance floor that's rarely empty, a stage positioned for optimal viewing from throughout the room, and a recently expanded patio for outdoor enjoyment.
The décor embraces the venue's gritty industrial past while celebrating its musical present, with folk art adorning the walls and a layout designed with both acoustics and community in mind. Bill Whittington emphasizes that what makes the Blue Note unique is that "folks come here for the music. The band isn't a fly on the wall...they're here to see the music, listen to the music, and dance to the music."
The Crowd: A Cross-Section of Durham
The Blue Note attracts an incredibly diverse crowd that reflects Durham's eclectic character. On any given night, you'll find seasoned musicians, line dancers, barbecue enthusiasts, young couples on date night, families with kids who dance along, and groups celebrating reunions or special occasions. The venue has become a meeting place for the community, with couples famously meeting and even getting married at the Blue Note (Bill is ordained and has performed several wedding ceremonies for couples who met at the venue).
What ties this diverse crowd together is a genuine appreciation for live music and authentic community. Whether it's the Hillside High School Class of 1974 celebrating their 50th reunion or newcomers discovering Durham's music scene for the first time, everyone finds their place in the welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond the Blues Jam: A Full Week of Music
While Tuesday's blues jam is a cornerstone of the venue's identity, the Blue Note Grill is the only venue in Durham that features live music five nights a week. Here's what you can expect:
Tuesday: The legendary blues jam session
Wednesday: Brett Chambers' Open Mic, which has been running for 28 years, featuring soul, R&B, and Motown with a $5 cover and house band backing
Thursday: Soul, R&B, or Motown performances
Friday: Duke Street Dogs perform Americana roots music from 6-8 PM, followed by a second spotlight band at 9:15 PM
Saturday: A rotating lineup that might include rock, boogie, album release parties, or touring national acts
The venue has served as home to the Triangle Blues Society and hosts competitions that send regional musicians to blues competitions and onward to the national circuit. Over the years, the stage has welcomed nationally touring artists including Samantha Fish, Walter Trout, Shemekia Copeland, Larkin Poe, Marcia Ball, Coco Montoya, and many others.
The Food: Authentic North Carolina Barbecue
The Blue Note Grill is a full-service BBQ and Ribs restaurant, serving up classic North Carolina slow-smoked barbecue that rivals the music for attention. The menu features pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, wings, and creative items like "the cow jumped over the moon burger" made with short rib and chuck, topped with roasted bacon onion jam, roasted garlic aioli, and Brie cheese.
Sides are a highlight, with reviewers raving about the green beans seasoned with bacon and onions, fried okra, Brunswick stew, collards, and addictive hush puppies. The food is served at reasonable prices, with generous portions that ensure no one leaves hungry.
Practical Information
Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Capacity: 200-225 seated
Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with wheelchair access
Reservations: The venue does not take reservations for general seating. For shows, it's recommended to arrive one hour before music starts. Some ticketed shows offer advance table and seat selection online.
Parking: Street parking available on Washington and Geer Streets, plus two free lots on Morris Street and a parking deck at Durham ID.
Awards and Recognition
The Blue Note Grill was voted INDY's 2018 Best in the Triangle for multiple categories: Place to Hear Blues (Winner), and finalist for Place to Hear Bluegrass, Place to Hear Rock & Roll, Open Mic, Barbecue in Durham County, Wings in Durham County, and Neighborhood Bar in Durham County.
Why Musicians and Music Lovers Keep Coming Back
Despite the changing landscape around them and the challenges of operating a live music venue, the Blue Note has remained a constant in Durham's cultural scene. As Bill and Andrea Whittington put it, "Our worst day here is better than a good day working in the corporate world." They've created a place where customers, friends, and family feel happy—a rare achievement in today's world.