Best Club for Local Acts

Though being able to sit on a musician's lap as he plays does not necessarily a great live local-music venue make, fantastic sound and a hospitable atmosphere do (we're talking about a city that is not Los Angeles or New York and where local musicians need that friendly face to turn to for work). Cezanne is the place. Under the artistic stewardship of local pianist Bob Henschen, the tiny hideaway has become a bunker for Houston's jazz pros. From the legendary late piano virtuoso Dave Catney to Malcom Pinson and his Jazz Warriors, every hep cat to ever shake his head in time to that big beat in the sky has occupied this club's warm wood room. Its good vibe and desire to celebrate Houston music are exceptional in a town of clubs whose booking agents believe only Austin acts draw crowds.