U V V U V V V V i -v w -W -W 6B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend Magazine - Thursday, April 1, 2004 The Michigan Daily - Weekend Magi AND ALL THAT JAJ ANN ARBOR JAZZ SCENE: NO REASON TO PLAY TH B y Andrew Horowitz Daily Arts Writer Photos by Mike Hulsebus Daily Staff Photographer With its proximity to Detroit and an abundance of neighborhood talent, Ann Arbor has developed a fervent jazz scene. From clubs to concert halls, University con- certs to festivals, the Ann Arbor jazz scene repeatedly attracts first-rate talents and fresh new faces. Affordable and accessible, it's a wonder most students take it for granted. The club scene centers on two main venues: the Bird of Paradise and the Firefly Club. The Bird of Paradise is located on Main Street, identifiable for its fluorescent saxophone. The Bird, founded by bassist Ron Brooks, has hosted local and national acts for nearly 20 years. Situated in a basement, the Bird's large space is simple and chic, with gray walls, black vinyl stools and elegant candlelight. "We're not your typical club; we're about maintaining the art and culture (of jazz). We bring in only the best names in music," manager Baye Perry said. Perry recom- mends Friday or Saturday nights for newcomers - the weekend usually offers world-class musicians. The schedule fluctuates, but owner Brooks is a constant pres- ence with his piano trio on Thursday nights. Around the corner on South Ashley Street, The Firefly Club offers a more intimate alternative to the 200- capacity Bird. The ambience is cozy, with its cheerful purple walls and framed posters of past performers. Although touring musicians are less prevelant, when the Firefly does get out-of-towners, they are usually worth seeing. And the best part is, with its semi-tucked away location, its not difficult to see someone who'd sell-out in New York up close and personal without advance tickets. On Sunday nights (at the only 19-and-over weekly event), the old-fashioned but hot Rhythm Kings perform, followed by the eclectic klezmer group Into the Frey- lakh. Paul Keller's 15-piece big band performs Monday nights, Keller's Ensemble plays Wednesdays and Thurs- days feature Latin band Los Gatos with free salsa dance lessons. "Live music is the best ... There's nothing like the energy exchange of live music," owner Susan Char- tan said. If you're looking for more of a conversation-conducive atmosphere, check out Goodnite Gracie Jazz and Martini Bar. Goodnite Gracie, located under D'Amato's Italian restaurant, offers couches and soft lighting in a '40s style bar. Manager Terry Martin says, "It's not just about the music; it's about the scene too ... the music's important but it's not the focal point." With no cover charge, it's a great place to experience an eclectic array of live jazz (except Tuesday nights, when a live DJ spins techno). And, as Mar- tin said, "If you don't like the music one night, then you can come back another night." Aside from the clubs, there's a couple of other venues worth mentioning. The Kerrytown Concert House, along the brick-laden Kerrytown district, is a mecca for the avant-garde. Hosting unique concerts in a living room setting, the House attracts some of the best performers in the world. From the exciting, cutting-edge October festi- val Edgefest to performances from names like Dave Douglas and Misha Mengelberg, the Kerrytown Concert House is not to be overlooked. While the Ark is primarily known as a folk club, every once in a while it attracts big-name jazz artists. This weekend it hosts the seventh-annual Mr. B's Blues & Boogie Piano Celebration, which features two nights of big-name performers, including Cyrus Chestnut, Barry Harris and Bob Seeley. There's so much jazz in Ann Arbor that it isn't feasible to mention everything. The Music school's Department of Jazz and Improvisation Studies has an established, actively performing faculty and a plethora of rising talent. The Uni- versity Musical Society is dependable for repeatedly bring- ing in the best and most exciting. The annual Ann Arbor Jazz and Blues Festival, Steve Rush's Canterbury House jazz sermons, and increasingly rare jazz-friendly record stores like Schoolkid's Records (In Exile) and Encore Recordings also boast a wide variety of jazz music. In the end, it's all about the music. As Perry of the Bird of Paradise states, "Jazz is something that plays on your emotions and speaks to your soul rather than just being entertaining." The Ann Arbor jazz scene is a great place to be adventurous and experience a little bit of everything - take advantage of it. - Daily Arts Writer Jiwon Lee contributed to this article. Above: Goodnite Gracie Jazz and Martini Bar offers more than just jazz; the club hosts DJs and other musicians as well. Below: Though the Firefly Club is smaller than some of the other venues, its cozy atmosphere still draws patrons. Far Right: The Bird of Paradise utilizes its simplicity to welcome jazz lovers from all over the community.