Monday Night Jazz Jam

Monday Night Jazz Jam was founded by the late pianist Billy Hall. This event has provided Great entertainment and supported numerous charities since 2008. The event happens on Monday nights at the New Mingo’s Restaurant, 100 South Eola Avenue Orlando FL, in Downtown Orlando.
Networking happens between 7 and 8pm and the Jam runs from 8 to 11pm. Several TOP Musicians and Vocalists including
Joseph Jevanni on the keys, Don Black on the Sax,
Jacqueline Jones-on vocals. The evening is hosted by Yvonne Coleman of Jazzy103.com

I arrived early and got a table near where the performers would set up.  The drums were piled in and set up. The drummer asked if he could borrow my table for a second. He rolled his drum sticks on the table I assume to get a feel for their balance. Yvonne welcomed me. When the music fired up, the place came alive.  I ordered a drink and settled into the sketch.

I sketched through the first set and finished up during the second set. Different musicians rotated in throughout the evening. There were plenty of singers who rotated in as well. There is an undeniable energy to these Monday night Jams. I didn’t stay until the end. Once the sketch was finished, I headed home.

Monday Night Jazz Jam

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