Miss Jacqueline Jones – Analog Artist Digital World

On January 7th, I went to the Monday Night Jazz Jam at Terrace 390 (390 N. Orange Ave. Orlando). Saxophonists, Trumpet players and trombonists lines the wall as I entered. Each in turn would step in for an improvised solo when the moment felt right. The Monday Night Jazz Jam features numerous
TOP Musicians and Vocalists.

There’s nothing like it in Central Florida. The place was packed. I decided to just lean against the wall along with the musicians. Several of the musicians knew me so I felt at ease. Miss Jacqueline Jones stepped up to the mic and won the crowd over with her silky voice.

Yvonne Coleman who organized the event acknowledged all the talented musicians and even gave me a shout out. Tip jar donations benefited Dimarci Services, Inc. This non-profit organization helps to promote empowerment to individuals overcoming addiction and mental health challenges and adverse situations which interfere with productive life styles. They also provide community outreach and transitional, sober housing.

As it turned out, Terrace 390 was sold to new owners after this evening’s performance. The new owners want to continue the event but they weren’t certain that new staff, menu, etc.
would be in place for such a large group. The Monday Night Jazz Jams will be on a short hiatus, and will resume in February. The New Owners of Terrace 390 are making some nice enhancements and will be ready to start on Monday, Feb. 18th. After that
we’ll resume our regular schedule of the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every
month. They have a GREAT MENU with special food and drink pricing. No
Cover!

“Music is what feelings sound like.”
-Author Unknown

I’ve been feeling disconnected from friends and family lately, so on Monday night I decided I needed to treat myself to a sweet taste of jazz at the Grand Bohemian downtown (325 South Orange Avenue.) Jazz is performed every Monday night starting at 8pm, and there is no cover. A collection jar is kept out and any tips go towards the needy in the community. When I entered the bar, Yvonne Coleman, who organizes the jazz jams, gave me a warm welcoming hug. She is such an amazing champion of my work. Between sets she introduced me to the crowd. I ordered a Blue Moon and got to work.

The performers I sketched were Joey Pegram on the drums, Joseph Jebanni on the sax and Don Black on the keyboard. The spontaneous flowing riffs swept over me and caused the lines of my sketch to dance and vibrate. I didn’t have to second guess or worry, the music allowed the lines to flow with simple spontaneous joy. Miss Jacqueline Jones got up to sing. As the sax screamed it’s pleasure, her body vibrated electrically to the sound. Several minutes passed as the sax continued its joyous conversation. The crowd shouted back and Jacqueline shook harder. The place erupted. This was my first time seeing her perform and I wish I had caught her in a sketch. I am sure I will be seeing her again. Outside a firetruck pulled up in front of the hotel. Its red lights flashed in time to the music which flowed unhindered.

A performance of “Feels so Good” had me swaying to the beat my spirit lifted. Dr. Otto Gomez stepped in and livened the performance with his awesome trumpet playing. One of the final songs of the evening was, “This Masquerade.” I was completely lost in the moment. I left after this set, my sketch complete. The beat stayed with me affecting my walk back to the truck. I didn’t turn on the radio on the drive home, instead I hummed and tapped my foot to the beat that was stuck in my head and like a heart beat wouldn’t stop. When life offers no resolutions, jazz is my anchor and joy.