The thing about jazz is that you can hear the standards time and again, but you’ll never hear the song performed twice the same way. In some circles, jazz has been heralded as an intellectual, sophisticated type of music that
The thing about jazz is that you can hear the standards time and again, but you’ll never hear the song performed twice the same way.
In some circles, jazz has been heralded as an intellectual, sophisticated type of music that appeals to mature audiences, who appreciate the traditional tunes as well as the improvisational styles that challenge mainstream music. But jazz offers flavors and interest for everyone.
This is likely the reason that on Kaua‘i, two upscale venues feature jazz. One venue is at the St. Regis Bar and Grill in Princeville on the North Shore, and one is on the South Shore in Stevenson’s Library at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i in Po‘ipu.
These establishments offer dining and listening in elegant surroundings, creating an ambiance perfect for jazz. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?
At Stevenson’s Library, the musical offerings are devoted to jazz four nights a week. Mondays, Neena plays tunes from Dave Brubeck, Antonio Carlos Jobim and other eclectic jazz composers. The music starts at 8 p.m. and the sushi bar is open until 9 p.m.; however, patrons can order from a separate menu until closing.
Tuesdays feature Michael Ruff, Kauai’s Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, who performs in a trio that takes you from jazz classics to his own huge library of original compositions.
Thursdays and Saturdays at Stevenson’s Library, you can hear the Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet featuring tunes from contemporary artists such as Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Grover Washington and the like. This band is fusion-esque with a lot of soul.
On Fridays, the same band morphs into Aloha Rhythms and features the pop, blues and jazz stylings of Miss Cindy Jackson.
Aloha Rhythms takes it from Sarah Vaughn to Ella over to Carly and on to Amy Winehouse, and then to Beyoncé and beyond. This group will get you up and dancing.
On the North Shore, Rick Avelone plays jazz piano on Fridays and is joined Saturday nights by bassist Trey Thompson. Their repertoire is from the jazz legends of Mile Davis, Bill Evans and John Coltrane delivered in a living room environment overlooking Hanalei Bay.
On Sunday afternoons, they are joined by Sara Thompson on guitar and vocals and Tony Rodarte on drums to fill out the TreySara Jazz Quartet. Music is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
It’s all here. It’s all great. The settings are superb, and you can enjoy jazz often!
For more information about Steven’s Library in the Grand Hyatt, call 742-1234.
For more information about St. Regis Bar and Grill in Princeville, call 826-9644.
