As the sun sets on the Tennessee River, shadowy figures carrying bulky black cases file into the doors of a local theatre. Armed with horns, guitars and trumpets, these sly musicians prepare to unleash their unique blend of jazz, blues and swing onto the waiting crowd. The scene is repeated every Monday night as the Chattanooga Monday Night Jazz Band packs into the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
The 16-piece orchestra is well-known around town. The band began performing together in 1994 at several downtown locations, and then settled down in East Brainerd at the Tropicana Room housed inside the Chattanooga Billiards Club East. Recently, they opened a Nightfall concert and have been playing at the Theatre since September. "It’s a great opportunity for new folks and die-hard fans to come together," said Mike Salter, drummer and band spokesperson. "People want something to do on Monday nights and where better than downtown?"
The band’s new downtown location is quite a change. The performance does not take place on a raised stage separated from the crowd but in the main lobby of the theatre. It provides both the band and patrons a grand view of the river. And for the dancers in the crowd, there is ample space to practice moves. "The band could have set-up in the auditorium but it just seemed so formal." said Jeffrey Brown, producing director of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Although the atmosphere is laid-back, the music is nothing but professional grade. The members of the Monday Night Jazz band are working musicians. Separately and together they have played such Chattanooga venues as Southside Jazz Junction and Rhythm and Brews and are used as studio musicians. "Monday nights are their rehearsal time, they just all get together and jam." said Carrie Waite, events coordinator for the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
The Southside Jazz Junction hosted many of the members and several were on hand to play the final song at the Main Street venue. The closure of the Jazz Junction also limits the Jazz Band’s venues. "If you want to hear top quality jazz, Monday nights at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre is now your best option." said one jazz fan.
"It is bittersweet for us," said Stephanie Bever, marketing director for CTC. "We are thrilled to have the band here on Mondays, but the loss of the Jazz Junction is a dent in the cultural structure of Chattanooga."
For Salter, it means much more. "We want to keep the tradition [of jazz] alive. We can’t let this music die."
The Monday Night Jazz Band plays every Monday nights except for select dates, due to prior commitments at the theatre. Doors open at 7 p.m. and admission is $3. Call the Chattanooga Theatre Centre box office for more information, 267-8534.