Austin has welcomed a new jazzy addition as Nica, a full-time jazz bar, officially opened its doors on September 18. Located off Fourth Street, the venue embodies the intimate vibe reminiscent of the Rat Pack and the lively clubs that defined the Jazz Age in early 20th-century America.
Designed by the visionary team behind prominent local venues like the Elephant Room and Parker Jazz Club, Nica aims to create a casual yet immersive jazz listening experience. Operating director Aaron Frescas expressed his desire for the establishment to engage all the senses, echoing the allure of the speakeasies that once thrived during jazz’s golden era.
Nica boasts live jazz performances five nights a week, complemented by a menu inspired by prohibition-era cocktails. Kris Kimura, one of the minds behind the club, noted that Nica represents a revival of the jazz scene from the ‘30s and ‘40s, a time when the genre dominated American popular music.
Having desired to open a vintage jazz bar in Austin for years, Kimura finally found the opportunity to create Nica following an unexpected eviction in early 2025. Teaming up with Frescas, the duo dedicated several months to turning their vision into reality.
“It’s like you step through a portal almost into a different time,” Frescas remarked, highlighting the bar’s unique atmosphere.
As one of only a handful of specialized jazz clubs in Austin, Nica offers a new option between the more focused listening experiences at Monks Jazz Club and Parker Jazz Club, and the laid-back vibe at the Elephant Room. Kimura emphasizes that Nica is designed for everyone—encouraging guests to enjoy the music without feeling pressure to listen intently.
“I don’t want anyone to ever feel obligated to listen at Nica,” he stated. “I want people to come in and enjoy the music. If they want to listen, fantastic.”
A familiar face in the local jazz scene, Kimura started his journey playing saxophone at the legendary Monday night jam sessions at the Elephant Room in the late 1990s. Now, as a self-proclaimed “elder statesman” in the community, he is thrilled by the interest and enthusiasm surrounding his new club.
“I am tragically unhip, and I’ve never been a part of the ‘what is cool now’ scene. The people that are coming into Nica—that’s what they are,” he joked.
Each week, Kimura plans to feature local student groups to perform alongside established musicians. Recently, a Texas State group took the stage on a Thursday evening, reinforcing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of jazz talent.
“It doesn’t matter who’s playing as long as the music is good,” Kimura added, highlighting the club’s focus on quality music.
Performing regularly himself, Kimura leads his quartet, which he formed in 1997. Pianist Ryan Davis noted the distinctive setting of Nica, explaining that it allows for creative risks within a more relaxed atmosphere.
The bar is named after Pannonica Rothschild, a jazz patron of the ‘40s who supported vanguard musicians like Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker. The venue’s design includes references to her legacy, merging modern creativity with classical homage.
“You’ve got the guys who want to create a new tradition and you’ve got the guys that pay homage to the old traditions,” Kimura reflected. “I’m of the latter. I want to pay homage to all of my heroes.”
image source from：thedailytexan
