10:00am | Max Viltz is one of those individuals that everyone immediately loves. She’s a successful local business person, having run Village Treasures for many years, and serves on the Board of the Arts Council for Long Beach. She’s tirelessly optimistic, and always looking for new and creative ways to support arts and culture in the City. Thus, it was no surprise to me to hear that, after a brief stint booking Jazz at The Seabird Jazz Lounge on Broadway, she’s now starting a weekly Thursday night Jazz show at The Basement Lounge, located on the South West corner of Linden and Broadway.
“The focus is on straight-ahead jazz,” Max said, “however, there will be some contemporary jazz, or smooth jazz, as well as blues, R&B, and neo soul.”
The Basement Lounge has, for the last several years, established an upscale vibe. “That’s one of the reasons,” explained Max, “that I believe the Basement Lounge is a perfect place for this type of music.”
For the maiden voyage, she’s tapped local Jazz royalty.
“For the opening night,” Max said, “I am very excited to be presenting the Al Williams Jazz Society, featuring vocalist Barbara Morrison.”
Al Williams, who I interviewed back in July, is an amazing instrumentalist (drums) and composer, but is perhaps best known for the long lived and well loved Long Beach Jazz Festival, which he founded and still runs.
Barbara Morrison has garnered international acclaim for her dynamic stage presence, her charming manner and, obviously, her gorgeous voice.
In the coming weeks, Max has lined up an impressive schedule. “We have Alvin Hayes, Jr.,” continued Max, “Jeff Robinson, The Damon Rentie Quintet, The Amin El Blues Collective, Andrew Gouche, and The Dale Black Qunitet confirmed so far.”
Doors open at 8 PM, and there’s an admission charge of $10. Parking is available on the street, and in the City’s $5 lot on the North West corner of Elm and Broadway. The address is 149 Linden Avenue, and the venue’s phone number is 562-901-9090.