This Thursday and Saturday night, Chayz Lounge on Meeting Street celebrates an auspicious occasion. The club, opened by DJ and jazz afficionado Chaye Alexander, celebrates its seventh anniversary, and these two parties are going to be something special, especially for fans of contemporary and classic jazz.

For both shows, the anniversary celebration includes saxophonist David Glymph and vocalist Brittany Turnipseed with the crack band of Rod Foster & Company. The set list includes favorites and classic tunes by Brandy, Bobby Brown, Chaka Khan, Jill Scott, Tevin Campbell, Stevie Wonder, Grover Washington, Jr., Marvin Gaye, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson, Cameo, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Michael Jackson and more.

The seventh anniversary celebration is certainly a big deal but shows like that are actually what Chayz Lounge has specialized in since opening in 2017, and they’ve been remarkably consistent during these seven years. Chayz has shows every Friday and Saturday night, bringing some of the best local and national jazz talent in the country to their stage.

For some, the biggest names on the list of performers who have performed at Chayz are the most notable. Grammy-nominated saxophonist Candy Dulfer has played there, as has fellow Grammy nominee and vocalist Anthony David. And guitarist NILS, who has landed more than 15 hits on the contemporary jazz charts, has graced the Chayz stage as well.

But you can get just as much enjoyment from the local artists who perform regularly at Chayz. You can see dazzling acts like the danceable variety band The Groove Masters, beloved local singer Beth Inabinett, conductor Dick Goodwin’s mighty big band, trumpeter and bandleader Mark Rapp and many more.

What’s more, Chayz has worked to maintain a sophisticated and safe atmosphere. Dressy attire is required, a code of conduct is in place and their events typically have an elegant feel, even while the players onstage dig deep into jazz and soul grooves.

Interestingly enough, Chayz Lounge began with a radio show. Owner Chaye Alexander began her career as a radio personality in New York City. During her years on air, Chaye won the hearts of listeners with her musical eclecticism and warm, charismatic demeanor. The success of her radio broadcast lead to Chaye launch the television show, “Have U Heard,” where she presented emerging talents, as well as entertainment luminaries, such as TLC, Boyz II Men, Eric Benet and many others.

With her signature relaxed, conversational interview style, Chaye gained recognition within and outside the media industry for offering an honest portrayal of her guests. The show lasted for three seasons and was aired by stations in 13 cities across the United States.

But Alexander had a bigger vision; an intimate brick-and-mortar space where jazz fans could experience the best live performances. After initially opening a space in the backroom of a restaurant before moving to 607 Meeting St. in 2019.

Since then, other venues have come and gone, but Chayz remains a mainstay of Lexington’s music scene. Why not check out one of the anniversary shows this week and find out why?