On Thursday, April 5, the Dautaj Restaurant in Warwick kicked off their monthly jazz series, which will take place the first Thursday of each month. The event is open to the public and to all musicians interested in playing jazz.
The first event turned out to be a great success, according to Ray Townley, music event coordinator at the Dautaj. “We were really pleased to see so many jazz musicians show up throughout the Hudson Valley to perform. I was very pleased with the turn-out. We can grow this into a much larger monthly outing.” Townley and the Dautaj Restaurant have been steadfast supporters of live music, offering a Friday and Saturday music line-up, in addition to this new series.
Warwick resident Jeff Ciampa, who plays guitar, and drummer Bob Meyer helped coordinate the event. Dave Edwards, a former Warwick resident now residing in Greenwich Ct., showed up to support the effort. A multi-instrumental musician who plays professionally, he said, “It was great to see younger players and students of jazz playing together. That’s how you learn. We all come up that way.” Pianist Andy Ezrin, who plays with Chris Botti, Dave Smith, who plays piano with the New York Swing Exchange, sax player Bill Evans, and drum greats Adam Nussbaum and Richie Morales were also in attendance as was Hudson Valley Jazz Festival producer and drummer Steve Rubin who added, “Jeff and Bob did a fine job of inviting and integrating the several musicians who came down to sit in. It was a great evening, the perfect backdrop as we get ready for the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival in August."
For more information about the The Dautaj and their music line-up, visit their website at www.thedautaj.com. The next event is Thursday, May 2, from 7:30 – 11:00 p.m. Contact Bob Meyer if interested in performing: 201-966-6239.