It's getting colder and it seems staying in is steadily trumping going out. But we're having none of it. There's no way we're letting go of nights out, they're just getting cosier and jazzier.

Here are some of the many jazz venues around the country to kick the blues to the curb.

In Cape Town some of the top jazz spots include the Green Dolphin, Kennedy's Cigar bar and Winchester Mansions.

For one of the best jazz outings, the Green Dolphin at the V&A Waterfront reigns supreme. With fresh performances everyday, there's no reason why you should spend the winter nights indoors. Performers range from established jazz stars, to edgy outfits only the most hardened jazz lovers would recognise. It certainly is refreshing for those new to the scene.
P.S. They have oxtail soup on the menu, enough said.

With a name like Kennedy's Cigar Bar, sophisticated tastes are expected. This plush setting is one of the oldest jazz bars in the city and it pulls serious rank when it comes to dapper clientele. There's an upstairs restaurant with a piano where you can make requests. But the jazz performances remain at the cigar bar, Monday to Saturday. Do us a favour; try the crocodile on the menu.

Sometimes when you're all snuggled up under the covers on a cold Sunday morning you might erroneously conclude nothing will ever compare. But Jazz at Winchester Mansions comes dangerously close and trumps when it's a hotel room you're holing up in. Why the trump card? Delectable hot and cold breakfast buffets, sparkling wine along with the Sunday papers…all of this while being serenaded by the city's top jazz artists in a lush, romantic courtyard.

In Jozi some of the crown jazz spots include Bassline, the Blues room and Horror Café.

Divided into two venues, Bassline offers two distinct opportunities. First there's the Event venue. It's more suited for big occasions that pull large crowds. But at this point we're in love with the Intimate venue. True to its name, the Bassline Intimate venue is cosy and offers great live Afro-jazz performances, Monday to Friday nights.

The Blues Room regularly hosts live jazz performances. While it does still have a whiff of the old Melville Bassline it's got different elements thrown in. Now you can also expect comedy gigs and other variants of entertainment to go with your relaxed night out.

Despite the name, there's nothing horrific about the Horror Café. It's not your typical chilled jazz bar. It's a mish-mash of Afro-jazz, reggae, poetry, comedy and African beats all culminating in an enviable, hip with the young urban hangout. It's open from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Off to Durban, and yes, there's a jazz scene over there. It's not paltry and miserable it's, in 90s cool speak, hip and happening. Some of the top notch venues include The Rainbow Restaurant and Jazz Club, and the Upstage Jazz Café.

The Rainbow Restaurant and Jazz club has been around since the 80s. It carries its daring history - first music venue of its kind open to all races in KZN's Pinetown- but definitely not the look of the time. Performances are regular and sponsored, so look out for free drinks. There are also concerts held on the last Sunday of the month.

The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate at the Upstage Jazz Café. The music is chilled and local. There's dinner to go with your lazy but vibey experience. Bring a friend and join Durban's cool jazz enthusiasts.

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