Boulevard Blue jazzes up Shaker Square
Scene Magazine, Published March 17, 2004
D.X. Ferris

From the 1970s through the early '90s, Marty Himmel ran the Boarding House, one of Cleveland's premier jazz clubs. Now his son, Andy, is continuing the tradition, partnering with his father to present Boulevard Blue, an intimate new jazz club and restaurant near Shaker Square.

"It's a nice alternative to what you're seeing in Cleveland," says Andy. "People are saying that it has that big-city feel, very New York, very Chicago."

Boulevard Blue (12718 Larchmere Boulevard) was slated to open last summer, but then the roof of the 1920s-era building collapsed. A new structure was built in its place, incorporating bricks from the old building. Now a glass facade lets in light, and plenty of illumination spills from an open kitchen into the close-but-not-cramped seating area.

One of few Shaker Square-area clubs that will be open late on weeknights, Boulevard Blue will host local jazz and blues musicians Thursdays through Saturdays. Artists so far have included traditional acts like the Eric Gould Trio and the new-age funk project Lamar Gaines & Just Us Unlimited.