Monday was the one year anniversary of the grand opening of the Savoy Jazz Club. One year ago, Bill Mondegreen and I had a dream of opening a "real" jazz club in SL. Bill built the club and really did most of the early work, along with Jenda, who put together staff and organized us some. We started off with four regular gigs and a few live acts now and then, including Joaquin Gustav and Anakin Gallacher. As time went by, we added some blues to the mix, and I picked up another night, as well.
Our events had attendance that went up and down. Sometimes I would spin for five people and the next week would bring 15. Judging from experience, I knew that we needed to remain consistent though, and just stay the course we had set. Our philosophy was that the Savoy was to be about the music, and not just any music, but jazz and blues. I've only asked two things of the DJs that have come to work at The Savoy: play blues and jazz (but allow yourself some freedom within those genres,) and to play the music they love. Okay, I lied. There was a third "suggestion," and that was to have fun. My philosophy has been, that if we play the music we love, our passion will show through and like minded people will find us. I'm happy to say, that has happened.
Monday was a resounding success and a whole lot of fun, at least for me. Our events started at noon and ran til Hy finally ran out of gas somewhere close to 11pm. The only sad notes for me was that Bill was out of town and could not attend, and I could not make contact with Chi in time to set her a time to sing.
I'm pressed for time right now, so I can't get into details, but suffice it to say, all the DJ's had inspired playlists, and the crowd certainly echoed that. Nina Brandenburg sang at 7pm and, well, she is our songbird. I have to admit, I was very partial to her setlist that night, because it was all jazz! Her performance was superb, as usual.
I am just so honored to be working with these amazing individuals and hope that we can keep doing this for a long, long time. Thank you all, Savoy patrons and my fellow DJ's, hosts and musicians alike. Let's keep the music alive!
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Crighton, it has been one amazing year and Monday night was over the top. I wanted so bad to be there till the bitter end, but my eyes had a different idea.
ReplyDeleteI once said I would never work at The Savoy. I am pleased to say that I have honored that statement, sort of. So I host for you on Wednesday nights and BigD on Sunday mornings, I don't consider it work. I have a blast ever time I am there. Even when the crowd keeps us going till the wee hours and then Bill waltzes in and steals the stream and we keep on going. It is never work.
The music is the best. The DJs are extraordinary. You and Bill have done a marvelous job. Here's to celebrating again next year.
Oh yeah, where are the happy snappies of the celebration?
ReplyDeleteI didn't have time yesterday for doing the pics, but I should be able to get them today or tomorrow. :-)
ReplyDeleteCheers to Year 1 and many many more to come! You have worked so hard and yet you have fostered an incredible team of DJs and hosts and patrons that all see the Savoy as a place to look to come home to. It is exciting to think about the things Bill has in store for the next year and I think you should just bask for at least a few minutes in what an amazing success you have built. Congratulations Mr. Johin!
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