“I’ve waited most of my adult musical life for a real listening room in Jacksonville, FL and The Bluejay is IT! An absolute joy to go to shows here but even more of a joy to play one!”
-JJ GREY, JJ Grey & Mofro
“After just one performance at the Blue Jay Listening Room, I can feel that the owner/creator Cara Murphy is passionate and serious about her relaxing Oasis. I have played many venues through the years that have tried and failed to get the feeling that Cara has managed to create in this comfortable, musical place! In these times of ‘hurry, hurry’, it is very difficult to find an atmosphere of true belief in the power of music to lead us somewhere solid and gratifying, Cara has given Jacksonville exactly that.”
-TOMMY TALTON, Cowboy, Gregg Allman Band
I grew up playing music in Jacksonville, Florida and I eventually moved to New York City. From there I played stages all over the world including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Cannes Film Festival in France and The Glastonbury Festival in England. I toured with Woodstock legend Richie Havens and I’ve led groups of my own – Swamp Cabbage, The Nudes and The Unlawful Assembly. I say from experience that The Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach, Florida could hold its own in any of the world’s major cities by these four significant measures – The owner Cara has impeccable taste and attends dynamically to aesthetic detail. Cara’s passion for music circulates and is embodied by her attentive and courteous team. Cara respects musicians (exemplified by both a great sound system and green room) and conveys upon musicians and their fans gratitude and warm hospitality.
-WALTER PARKS, singer-songwriter, BMI
“I have been to Blue Jay several times and experienced it from both the view of the performer as well as the patron. I can say, without hesitation, that this room is one of the best in the country from either perspective. As a patron, I have had the privilege of hearing some of my favorite artists in the most beautiful setting. The mood inside Blue Jay invites you to get comfortable and truly appreciate the art that is being created. As a performer, I have felt the energy that lives in this room and in my experience, it is unmatched. It is the perfect blend of artist and enthusiast. Many of my musician friends have played here and every single one of them has left with the same feeling…that Blue Jay is something special, and I couldn’t agree more.”
-MELODY TRUCKS, Melody Trucks Band, Brother & Sister
“There are very few rooms that are able to conjure the truly magical moments between artists and audiences the way the Blue Jay Listening Room does. Cara has done an unparalleled job of creating a unique space in northeast Florida that makes artists, fans, locals, visitors and all feel not only welcome - but that they are together experiencing something special.
To have created this space and not only welcomed acclaimed artists from far and wide but also fostered and supported the local music community, Cara and the Blue Jay are true champions of the art of live music and all that it embodies.
It is venues like the Blue Jay and the work that Cara does to support both traveling artists and local musicians, that has become not only the most critical in our industry but also the people and places we should fight the hardest to support and grow.
Having been a touring artist for many years as well as a promoter and producer of shows in many rooms over the years, I can say that the Blue Jay Listening Room is world class in all aspects.
The world needs more rooms like the Blue Jay and more people like Cara who are always doing right things to support artists and constantly striving to better the music community, the art, the experience and ultimately to make the world a better place to live. “
-RYAN MURPHY, Formerly - Director/GM - St Augustine Amp, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Sing Out Loud, Gentlemen of the Road, St Aug 450th, Harvest of Hope Fest, The FEST
Currently - Managing Director - ORION Amphitheatre, Huntsville Venue Group / tvg Hospitality
“The Blue Jay Listening Room is a new generation of a once dying breed of signature music venues in the nation. Its fusion of retro throwback decor and state-of-the-art sound technology make it one of the coolest intimate venues in the country. The interactive layout of the room helps bridge the gap between performer and listener and creates a unique experience for both. In addition to the effervescent vibe of the room, the staff is one of the most hospitable and hard working groups in the biz. They are the extension of the room and contribute to the thriving pulse of Blue Jay. It’s one of my favorite rooms to play, hands down.”
-KYLE JENNINGS, recording artist-Nashville, TN
“Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville is the most beautiful room I’ve ever played.”
-KALEIGH BAKER, singer-songwriter
“Last night at Blue Jay Listening Room, I had one of my top 5 shows I've ever played. When you have 3 hours of ATTENTIVE listening, the exchange is undeniable. That night will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
-NICHOLAS EDWARD WILLIAMS, singer-songwriter
“The Blue Jay Listening Room is a unicorn of music venues. Cara has shined this diamond into a setting where the artist and listener can make music, art and magic, collectively. The sound. The vibe. The smiles. The vintage couches. This is where you want to be where music is being made.”