MLK District
The MLK District traces its roots to "Big Nine," once a center of a nightclub district comparable to Memphis' Beale Street, and that history still shapes what music happens here. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a cultural center, museum, and performing arts space that preserves the history of American jazz, blues, and its derivatives through musical and educational programming, including the annual Big 9 Music Fest, a celebration of music and culture honoring Bessie Smith's legacy with live performances. The venue pairs gallery spaces with an intimate performance hall, hosting concerts, comedy, lectures, and cultural celebrations. JJ's Bohemia, at 231 E. MLK Blvd., is the district's primary punk rock room and has been "Chattanooga's favorite weird little venue since 2006." Considered a music institution on the boulevard, it draws local bands and consistently puts together strong line-ups. Jazzanooga, founded in 2011 as a citywide celebration of jazz, draws on Chattanooga's jazz heritage and runs regular performances in its downtown space alongside music education programs. Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. operates a craft taproom at 431 E. MLK Blvd. and hosts events in its space on the boulevard.
Venues4
- Bessie Smith Cultural Center200 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga
- Hutton & Smith Brewing Co.431 E M L King Blvd #120, Chattanooga
- Jazzanooga Arts SPACE401 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga
- JJ's Bohemia231 E M L King Blvd #4106, Chattanooga
