Jazzmatazz
To Young Yi, jazz is the most important thing in life. She’s the owner of Jazz Minds Art & Cafe, a new spot on Kapi’olani Boulevard nestled in between the strip clubs and porno shops that the area is better known for. So in contrast, that’s probably why she decided to make the month-old venue look a bit like her home–complete with her personal collection of jazz art, a glass cabinet with personal trinkets in it, an eight-track player complete with the cartridges, and hokey knick-knacks that line the rustic brick walls. According to Yi, the club is her heart and soul, and she invites anyone who appreciates jazz inside with open arms.
On one recent Saturday night in town, Jazz Minds was going off. The featured act was Rolando Sanchez and his band Salsa Hawaii, and in front of the stage were talented couples twirling around doing the salsa, looking as though they were auditioning for Dancing With The Stars. A couple of nights later, the stage featured be-bop from Simunye. And it’s like that six nights a week, a different live act playing sounds that range from classic and big band to progressive and minimal.
The one thing that’s consistent is the crowd. As the city’s only dedicated daily venue for jazz, aficionados are flocking here to get their fix. They range from young to old. And whether they are checking out the cool modern sounds of New Jass Quartet or dancing to Latin vibes on the small dance floor, they are always impeccably dressed and have a cool, sophisticated air about them. It’s a little bit of a contrast to the homey, take-off-your-shoes-and-relax decor, but it all works since it’s a place where jazz heads can get together and indulge in their musical passion.
Jazz Minds isn’t the typical smoky jazz club–the fresh air certainly helps one appreciate the food that’s offered on the big menu. It’s full-on Korean style–kalbi, BBQ chicken, pupu. The food is pretty good and authentic, and it makes you wonder if it’s Young’s mother at work behind the stove.
As a venue for up-and-coming jazz musicians to showcase their talent on a regular basis, Jazz Minds is a blessing in a city that prides itself on musical diversity. So whether it’s fiery salsa dancing or simply chill music to kick back and relax to, if jazz echoes the beat of your heart, consider Jazz Minds your new home away from home.
For music listings, check out [www.jazzmindshi.com].
Jazz Minds Art & Cafe
address:1661 Kapi’olani Blvd, 945-0800
Dress Code: Something spiffy because it’s a club, but also comfortable because it’s meant to be a home.
Soundtrack: From big band and be-bop to Salsa and minimalist. If it’s jazzy, it’s played here, live.
Sightings: Rolando Sanchez, anyone who’s anyone in the local jazz scene.
Signature drinks: Cosmopolitans and Manhattans always seem to blend well with the music’s cool, sophisticated vibe. Or maybe a beer to wash down the Korean food.
