My buddy Jay ain’t a Florida boy. He’s from Cleveland. But he’s a bad ass dude- plays trumpet, teaches his ass off, and is almost always the best dressed guy in the room. So, despite my prejudices in favor of our fair state, I listened when he spoke about music in Jacksonville. Prior to our conversation I was confused by the naysayers. If Jax is not giving you enough music, then you must not be paying attention. We have great local bands from Fjord Explorer to Four Families to Antique Animals to Slickwater. But Jay brought up a good point about Jacksonville’s local music- we don’t have a particularly robust jazz scene. UNF has a renowned jazz program, and there are a few places around town to see really good music, but you can’t necessarily find something every night the way you can with Americana or Rock influenced tunes.
As a musician, Jay also has his finger on the pulse of what jazz scene we do have. So little arm twisting was necessary when he said that Casbah, one of the coolest spots around, has really good live jazz every Sunday night. I know, Sunday night is tough. You want to start the week off strong and have potentially indulged on Friday and/or Saturday. I had the same reservations before actually giving it a shot at a time that was convenient for me (i.e. one that did not include work the next day). What actually happened was that I went into the next day inspired and re-energized; and the same held true after subsequent trips.
Casbah itself is worth the trip- with its outstanding Mediterranean fare (try the stuffed grape leaves or makdous- “baby eggplants pickled and marinated in olive oil and garlic, stuffed with walnuts and roasted red peppers, and topped with walnuts”) and charming Avondale location. Add oustanding live jazz and you have a Sunday night hang that I was almost reluctant to write about for fear of increasing competition for a table.
Jacksonville has some really good live jazz; it just may take a little digging to find. And, I have found that going to a show like those at Casbah will get you plugged into other opportunities- thus increasing awareness of what is out there and encouraging local places to book more jazz acts. Only good things can come from more jazz in Jax – except for maybe an uptick in slightly hungover employees. Most of us will pay that small price for more enriched lives and a healthier community.
floridabout 