live music

Monster Big Band

4.6

Details

Prepare to have your socks thoroughly swung off when Monster Big Band storms the historic basement at 315 Congress Ave for a night of brass, swagger, and seriously big sound.

This 18-piece powerhouse isn’t your grandparent’s sleepy jazz outfit. Monster Big Band tears through a wild songbook that bounces from Sinatra smoothness to Ella elegance, then veers straight into Black Sabbath riffs and Buddy Rich-style drum fury. It’s part jazz concert, part time machine, and part rock show wrapped in a wall of horns.

Feel the thunder of a full big band in an intimate, low-lit basement setting where every trumpet blast and sax solo hits you right in the groove.
Hear familiar classics reimagined alongside deep-cut arrangements that keep both jazz lovers and curious newcomers grinning all night.
Watch top-shelf Austin musicians lock in together, trading solos, building massive crescendos, and proving why this band has become a monthly must-see.
Soak in the old-school jazz-club vibes—tables, chatter, clinking glasses, and that electric hush right before the band kicks off another tune.

Whether you’re a die-hard big band aficionado or just big-band-curious, this is the kind of show that turns a random weeknight into a story you’ll be telling for a while. Monster Big Band doesn’t just play the room—they practically blow the walls down and leave you wanting an encore before the first set is even over.

Grab some friends, head underground, and let the Monster Big Band soundtrack your night with everything from velvet crooner vibes to heavy-hitting, horn-driven mayhem.

Venue Details

The Elephant Room, nestled in the basement of the historic Swift Building on Congress Avenue, is an iconic destination for Austin’s jazz aficionados. Since 1991, this intimate underground club has offered guests a quintessential jazz experience, featuring dim lighting, limited seating, and an unmatched ambience for live performances.

Recognized as one of the top jazz venues both nationally and internationally, the Elephant Room draws an array of local legends and national acts. The club’s nightly live music showcases diverse jazz styles—from big bands to small ensembles—making it a central pillar of Austin’s vibrant music scene.

Open seven days a week with live jazz every evening
Cover charges vary: $5 Sunday-Monday, $7 Tuesday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Saturday (no cover before 8pm)
Guests must be 21 and up
All seating is first-come, first-served—reservations are not available
Atmosphere is cozy and candlelit, highlighting the club’s longstanding jazz legacy with autographed memorabilia
Skilled bartenders and attentive staff ensure a stellar cocktail and service experience

Beyond its music, the Elephant Room is rich in character, occupying a unique basement space once used for storing mastodon bones discovered during nearby construction. Today, it stands as a beloved Austin institution where music lovers gather for world-class jazz and expertly crafted drinks in a relaxed, welcoming environment.