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The Jazz in the Park All-Stars are featured
YOUNGSTOWN
An easy-going, laid-back crowd, toes tapping and heads nodding in time to the easy-listening jazz at the Sunday Jazz Jamm Session at Downtown Circle, is growing by the week.
The first Jazz Jamm four Sundays ago attracted about 10 people. On the third Sunday, Dec. 13, about 40 were there to listen to the music and socialize.
Last night’s crowd easily outnumbered that.
One of the Jazz Jamm fans is Trina Davenport of Warren, who has been at Downtown Circle four Sundays running.
“There is a friendly atmosphere, the food is great and the music is fantastic,” said Davenport, assistant director of nursing at Warren’s Washington Square Healthcare Center.
“I like the live-music aspect – it’s a true jam session,” said Davenport, who urged the community to come out and support its local artists.
The house band, called the Jazz in the Park All-Stars by its leader, Jeff Green, features guitarist Rick Ward and Green on saxophone and wind synthesizer, which performed outside at the Jazz in the Park summer series at the B&O Station.
Word is getting around about the Sunday Jazz Jamm, said Green, who in partnership with Al ADi, owner of Downtown Circle at 116 Federal Plaza West, brought the jazz inside at the recently opened patio, lounge and hookah bar in the back of the store.
The space includes a full-service bar, a fireplace, booths and televisions. It lets people sit down, relax and socialize, Adi said when it opened.
The Jazz Jamm runs from 6 to 10 p.m., and musicians, instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome.
There is great interest in jazz music in the area and great local talent, said Green, who is lead singer of The Sensations and was named Male Vocalist of 2014 by the Youngstown Music Awards.
Jazz is special, free-style music that musicians interpret through their talent, he said.
Jazz is a personal thing, whether playing or listening, said Green.
“It is soulish music ... it comes from the heart,” he said.
“We need to fill this place up. It is a beautiful atmosphere, a fun time and a great diverse community experience,” said Green of the Sunday Jazz Jamm.