Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Introducing the Upper West Side’s summertime pop-up cabaret: The Underground at Jaffe Drive, open from June 24–August 2. Designed by Tony Award-winning costume and set designer Clint Ramos, The Underground is a literal underground performance spot—hidden below Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza—that intentionally evokes the Bohemian history of downtown NYC counterculture. Stop by on Wednesdays for stand-up comedy, booked by comedian Suzette Simon of NY Laughs; check back on Saturdays for spoken word and poetry nights, curated by Lincoln Center Poet-in-Residence Mahogany L. Browne; and beat the Sunday Scaries with free world-class music presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

General Admission

Enjoy FREE events at The Underground with first-come, first-served General Admission. Advance reservations are not required; just show up and enjoy! Learn more »

Upcoming events at The Underground

June 24 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

S3 Underground: Seen. Sound. Scribe.

Lincoln Center Presents

June 24 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Lincoln Center's poet-in-residence Mahogany L. Browne curates evenings of politically conscious conversation, poetry, and literary readings.

June 25 at 6:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Jazz Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
Jazz at Lincoln Center

June 25 at 6:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

A handpicked selection of rising stars and venerable instrumentalists delight audiences at this pop-up bar and stage.

June 28 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Comedy Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
NY Laughs

June 28 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Get ready to laugh with rising comedians from across the city at Lincoln Center's literally underground pop-up stage for stand-up.

July 01 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

S3 Underground: Seen. Sound. Scribe.

Lincoln Center Presents

July 01 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Lincoln Center's poet-in-residence Mahogany L. Browne curates evenings of politically conscious conversation, poetry, and literary readings.

July 02 at 6:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Jazz Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
Jazz at Lincoln Center

July 02 at 6:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

A handpicked selection of rising stars and venerable instrumentalists delight audiences at this pop-up bar and stage.

July 05 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Comedy Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
NY Laughs

July 05 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Get ready to laugh with rising comedians from across the city at Lincoln Center's literally underground pop-up stage for stand-up.

July 09 at 6:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Jazz Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
Jazz at Lincoln Center

July 09 at 6:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

A handpicked selection of rising stars and venerable instrumentalists delight audiences at this pop-up bar and stage.

July 15 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

S3 Underground: Seen. Sound. Scribe.

Lincoln Center Presents

July 15 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Lincoln Center's poet-in-residence Mahogany L. Browne curates evenings of politically conscious conversation, poetry, and literary readings.

July 16 at 6:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Jazz Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
Jazz at Lincoln Center

July 16 at 6:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

A handpicked selection of rising stars and venerable instrumentalists delight audiences at this pop-up bar and stage.

July 26 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Comedy Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
NY Laughs

July 26 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Get ready to laugh with rising comedians from across the city at Lincoln Center's literally underground pop-up stage for stand-up.

July 29 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

S3 Underground: Seen. Sound. Scribe.

Lincoln Center Presents

July 29 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Lincoln Center's poet-in-residence Mahogany L. Browne curates evenings of politically conscious conversation, poetry, and literary readings.

July 30 at 6:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Jazz Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
Jazz at Lincoln Center

July 30 at 6:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

A handpicked selection of rising stars and venerable instrumentalists delight audiences at this pop-up bar and stage.

August 02 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Underground Jazz, Jokes, and Poetry

Comedy Underground

Lincoln Center Presents
NY Laughs

August 02 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Get ready to laugh with rising comedians from across the city at Lincoln Center's literally underground pop-up stage for stand-up.

Explore more

About Summer for the City

The city’s ultimate New York festival features hundreds of events and thousands of artists in celebration of the vibrant cultural communities of NYC. Learn more »

Accessibility

Our approach to accessibility mirrors our commitment to transform performing arts spaces to be more inclusive of our audiences’ identities and access needs by design, not as an afterthought or add-on. Learn more »

Plan your visit

For the Summer for the City campus map, accessibility, venues, dining, ticketing, and parking, click here »

Full Summer for the City calendar

Check out hundreds of outdoor and indoor events and performances for all ages, including social dance, music, dance, theater, film, and participatory workshops. View full calendar »