Not that Boston lacks great dedicated venues for live jazz (hello, Scullers, Regattabar, Ryles, and others), but lately local restaurants have been stepping up the competition, programming their own weekly jazz nights. On Wednesday evenings, head downstairs to the Cava Lounge at Ivy Restaurant (49 Temple Place, Boston, 617.451.1416) for "A Night in the French Quarter," which features a mix of area jazz groups. (The music is piped throughout the restaurant, so diners can enjoy the tunes too.) Torch Tuesdays at the Foundation Lounge (500 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.859.9900) feature Jeanie Flynn and the Strays, with other local artists sitting in from time to time; over in Brookline, the Fireplace (1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, 617.975.1900) has jazz from 9:30 p.m. to midnight every Wednesday and Thursday. And there are three more weeks to catch Jazz Wednesdays at UpStairs on the Square (91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, 617.864.1933), running in the Monday Club Bar through August. Miles would be proud.
