You know that feeling when a night out exceeds every expectation and leaves you floating on cloud nine for days? That’s exactly what happened when my husband surprised me with PJ Morton tickets at The Blue Note. What started as another date night turned into pure magic, complete with surprise recognitions, tablemates who became stars, and enough French onion soup to warm our souls.
Our Love Affair with The Blue Note
The Blue Note isn’t just any venue for us; it’s become our musical sanctuary. We’ve made our way to this intimate Greenwich Village jazz club several times now, sometimes with our best friends for double date nights, and each visit reminds us why live music hits differently when you’re practically close enough to see the artist’s heartbeat.
Our Blue Note journey has taken us through some incredible performances. We’ve swayed to Christian Scott (now Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah), gotten lost in Robert Glasper’s keys, and now we can add another unforgettable PJ Morton show to our collection. There’s something about this venue that makes every performance feel personal. Maybe it’s the way they pack you in like sardines, or how the low lighting creates a cocoon of intimacy that you can’t replicate in larger venues.
The last time I saw PJ perform was on Black Friday in New Orleans at the Orpheum Theater, and honey, that show was absolutely transcendent. So when that Blue Note date popped up in my iCal—my husband’s not-so-subtle way of surprising me—I knew we were in for something special.
Why PJ Morton Speaks to Our Souls
Let me tell you why PJ Morton isn’t just another artist on our playlist. He’s become the soundtrack to our marriage. His music feels real in a world where everything seems manufactured. You can hear his church upbringing weaving through every note, every lyric, every breath he takes on stage. It’s music with a message, music that makes you feel something deep in your chest.
My husband clearly knows me well because those tickets appeared without any fanfare, trusting that I’d want to be there. And of course, I did. PJ’s sound has this way of making you remember why you fell in love with music in the first place—and if you’re lucky enough to be there with your person, why you fell in love with them too.
But here’s where the night got really magical. After their performance, while my husband was attending to something, PJ’s bass player, Brian Cockerham, gave me that look—you know the one where someone recognizes you but can’t quite place where you’re from. Then it clicked. “New Orleans, right?” he asked. “First row?” I practically lit up. “Yes! We’ll see you in November!” There’s something beautiful about music creating these full-circle moments, connecting experiences across cities and time.
When Strangers Become Family
The Blue Note doesn’t mess around when it comes to seating—they will absolutely pack you in there, but somehow it never feels cramped, just cozy. While my husband was parking (the eternal NYC struggle), I snagged us spots on the upper level with perfect stage views. That’s when two women, originally seated elsewhere, spotted the space at our table and asked to join for a better view.
These ladies were having their own girls’ day, bonding over their shared love of gospel music and PJ Morton. One of them sang in her church choir, and let me tell you, when PJ asked the audience to help with “Say So,” she absolutely demolished it. I’m talking gave-me-chills, why-is n’t-she-recording-albums level vocals.
The pure joy on her face as she kept mouthing “I can’t believe this” and “Oh my God!” while performing with PJ reminded me why I love live music so much. It breaks down walls, turns strangers into friends, and creates these unrepeatable moments that become stories you tell for years.
PJ treated us to all our favorites that night—”Say So” obviously, but also “How Deep is Your Love,” “First Began,” and “Found You.” My husband and I found ourselves in our own little bubble, catching eyes across the table, singing to each other, holding hands like teenagers. I was singing so enthusiastically that other attendees complimented me on the way out. Music will make you forget yourself in the best possible way.
The Full Blue Note Experience
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning your own Blue Note date night: there’s a $20 per person food and drink minimum for table seating.
My husband and I both went straight for their French onion soup; it has become our Blue Note tradition, and for good reason. Rich, cheesy, perfectly balanced, it’s comfort food that somehow feels elevated enough for a luxury date night. I also tried the tuna tartare, which was just okay if I’m being honest. It came without tortillas or plantain chips, which felt like a missed opportunity.
For drinks, my husband stuck with red wine while I treated myself to the Baby Grand, their take on an Old Fashioned. It was smooth enough that I had two, which probably contributed to my enthusiastic singing later in the evening.
The food and drink experience is what separates The Blue Note from your average concert venue. It’s not just about hearing great music; it’s about creating a complete sensory experience that makes the whole night feel more luxurious and intentional.
The Beauty in the Bump
Sometimes the most beautiful moments aren’t the ones we plan or curate for social media. They’re the quiet glances with your partner during a song that means something to both of you. They’re the spontaneous connections with strangers who become part of your story.
This night reminded me that luxury isn’t always about the price tag or the Instagram moment; sometimes it’s about showing up fully present for experiences that feed your soul. It’s about making space in your busy life for the things that matter: good music, good food, and the person you choose to share it all with.
The bump in this journey wasn’t a challenge to overcome, but rather the unexpected magic that happens when you stay open to surprise. If you know me, you know that I hate surprises! From calendar notifications that turn into perfect date nights, to bass players who remember your face, to strangers who become part of your evening’s soundtrack, these are the bumps that make life beautiful. Sometimes the best luxury is simply being present for the magic that’s happening right in front of you.
What’s your favorite artist to see live, or what’s your go-to venue for a date night? Drop a comment or tag me @beautyandthebumpnyc in your next concert-night selfie.