Why Seeing Chris Botti at Jimmy’s Jazz Club Was the Best Yet

There’s something special about seeing a favorite artist live, and for us, that’s Chris Botti. What started years ago with the purchase of one CD (yes, we’re old school like that) has turned into a bit of an obsession. His shows are always a mix of incredible music, stories, and humor, plus he has a way of showcasing the talent of the artists who perform alongside him.

This summer, we saw him for the third time, but for the first time in the U.S., at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in downtown Portsmouth, NH. And let me just say, it was the best venue yet. My husband actually gets the credit for this date night. He spotted the tickets as soon as they went on sale and secretly bought them, planning a surprise. A couple of weeks later, I stumbled across the listing and said, “Hey, we should go see Chris Botti again.” Little did I know, the plan was already set.

Jimmy’s itself is a gem. Intimate, lively, and designed for music lovers, the acoustics are phenomenal, the seating is cozy, and the vibe makes you feel like you’re part of something special. We went to the late show and skipped dinner service, opting instead for mocktails. I ordered the Pomegranate Dream (pineapple, pomegranate, and Earl Grey simple syrup) served in a martini glass - it was fun and refreshing.

The show was a full house with a lively audience that was just as engaged as the band. Chris Botti knows how to connect, blending his trumpet mastery with storytelling and humor. One of the highlights of the night was their performance of What a Wonderful World. Every performer joined in, the drummer’s solo was incredible, and the entire audience sang along while waving phone flashlights like old-school lighters. It was one of those goosebump, can’t-forget moments.

This wasn’t our first Chris Botti adventure. We first saw him in 2015 at the Shenzhen Concert Hall in China, which still feels surreal! We somehow managed to buy tickets, navigate a foreign city we'd only been living in for a few months, and not get lost along the way. The second time was in Hong Kong in 2018 at the Cultural Centre overlooking Victoria Harbour - much easier place to navigate. Both performances were amazing, but this one at Jimmy’s topped them. The intimate seating, historic building, and perfect acoustics made it unforgettable.

Where should we see him next??