The EarRegulars
The Ear Inn326 Spring Street, New York 10013
The EarRegulars bring their weekly classic-jazz session to The Ear Inn, led by Jon-Erik Kellso on trumpet and Matt Munisteri on guitar, with guest artists featured each week. Their repertoire travels from New Orleans styles and Tin Pan Alley standards through the swing era and mainstream jazz. Expect tunes given room to develop: songs can run 10 minutes or more, but the focus is on ensemble improvisation rather than extended individual solos. The group treats the music as a conversation, shaping traditional material in an open-minded, in-the-moment way.
The EarRegulars are defined by a swinging, melodic approach to classic jazz and by the rapport of their players. Kellso and Munisteri lead a changing cast of weekly guests through arrangements and improvisations that value collective listening and response. Their stated range connects early New Orleans jazz, songbook material, swing and mainstream jazz without treating those styles as museum pieces. The result is rooted in familiar repertoire but designed to remain responsive to whoever is on the bandstand that night. The band’s onstage manner is part of the picture too: they are known to smile and laugh while playing, matching the conversational character of the music.
The Ear Inn offers a unique evening where live music fills a room that feels like stepping into a storied Lower Manhattan bar with a rich past. The space features a bar and a dinner menu, inviting guests to enjoy food and drinks while listening. Shows often run late into the night, with sets starting around 11 PM and continuing until 2 AM, creating a relaxed yet focused listening environment where the music takes center attention. The venue hosts a range of artists, from roots blues to jazz, with performances that feel personal and engaging, drawing you close to the musicians. The room’s walls and layout reflect its long history, making it a place where the past and present of New York’s music scene meet. Expect an evening of attentive listening, good company, and a well-curated musical experience.