Jazz musicians make Warwick a destination for music

Warwick, N.Y. — Jazz is alive, well and growing in Warwick. Each week The Dautaj (www.thedautaj.com) has live music on Friday nights. Local jazz artists are often featured. The month began with The Skye Jazz Trio, led by Warwick drummer, Steve Rubin. The John Simon Trio will perform on Oct. 9 and trumpeter Rick Savage brings his quartet to Dautaj on Oct. 16. In addition to the Dautaj, Warwick Village has numerous other jazz venues. The Music in the Courtyard Series this summer featured a variety of players including Warwick saxophonist Bob Rosen and guitarist Mike Jackson with their respective groups. The Eclectic Eye, Grappa Restaurant, La Petite Cuisine, Style Counsel and Bill Iurato of Peck’s Liquors support that series. The Village Green has seen two big bands, The NY Swing Exchange and Dick Wells. Warwick resident bassist Mark Egan, pianist Andy Ezrin and local drummer Mike Hickey have all participated. The Baby Grand Book Store, along with its College of Poetry and varied workshops, has presented several jazz shows, promoted by George Nitti, and continues to be a significant force in promoting music. The Peach Grove Inn bed and breakfast has a music series that begins in January and features local jazz. Coquito’s on Forrester Ave. has presented some top names in Latin jazz including Dave Valentin and has begun to feature prominently in this growing local music scene. Warwick Grove has a music series and looks to feature jazz on occasion, as will the new Albert Wisner Public Library. Planned for next fall will be the first Warwick Jazz Festival, which will run from Friday to Sunday with local jazz artists performing at The Baby Grand, The Dautaj, The Peach Grove Inn and other locations yet to be secured. Warwick’s Tuscan Café may soon be part of the growing jazz scene, in addition to its support of other music.