Owned by brothers, Robert and Benjamin Bynum, Zanzibar Blue first opened in 1990 on 11th Street in Washington Square West. In 1996, the club moved to the Bellevue on the Avenue of the Arts, where it played host to jazz and blues greats, including Nancy Wilson, Lou Rawls, Grover Washington, Jr., Jimmy Scott, Shirley Horn, Ahmad Jamal, Steve Tyrell, Chick Corea, Arturo Sandoval and Chuck Mangione.
Smooth jazz radio station WJJZ broadcast Sunday brunches from Philadelphia’s premier jazz club. Zanzibar Blue closed on April 29, 2007.
All That Philly Jazz 
I was a “regular” at Zanzibar Blue when Ben and his brother managed the place on 11th Street. Zanzibar was “the” spot for great food, great jazz and even nicer people. Ben was “always” a gracious host and would routinely send over a bottle of champagne when I would arrive with my guest…. I simply loved this spot and could be found there “every” Friday…. they don’t make spots like Zanzibar anymore…. Philly hasn’t been the same for me since. Great memories and experiences at this place!!!