210 Patrons Enjoying Saturday Morning Jazz
Do you enjoy music or having a good time? Enjoy food and good company? I know a place where you can find it.
For some weeks I have been hearing rumblings of fun times and good music coming from the Saturday morning gathering of musicians and music fans at 210 in downtown Visalia (210 Center Street). Last Saturday I was able to break free from work and experience it myself – and I plan to return soon!. Of course, camera in hand, I took some photos.
Musicians, singers and dancers (some from the audience) making music together.
I have not done any proper journalistic investigation on how this all started, but I gather the very talented man behind the piano, Richard Garoogian, has gathered some friends to play a variety of jazz each Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to Noon. And the talent is tremendous! Did I mention, this musical event is FREE too. (Apologies up front that I could not stay longer and get the names of everyone).
I liked that Richard gave stories of how some of the music/lyrics were created from the artists he has rubbed elbows with over his career.
Jazz on the Flute
Jazz on the Harmonica
Add some delightful singing
Larry on the Bass
Singing with both musicians and audience participation
A little Soft Shoe next to a Barista doing Tap Dancing
When I took this next photo, it was with the idea of showing the yummy goodies to eat at 210 – and the person eating it had character.
Eating one of 210’s delicious pastries
Then I watched as he grabbed the microphone and belted out a number of hits. Clearly “New York Dave” has done this many times before.
“New York Dave” belting out the hits
A little Latin Dancing to Beethoven’s Für Elise – probably my most favorite creative piece of music for the day
Once upon a time in another life, I dabbled at the piano. When I was young my Aunt Sue played magnificently Beethoven’s Für Elise in our home and over a long time I pecked away at it until I had memorized it. So I was surprised when Richard starts playing the traditional piece on the piano and soon it magically morphs into a Latin Tango, yet you could still recognize Für Elise in it. Magnificent! Wished I had shot video of it to capture the music.
I had a delightful time and cannot wait to return to more musical enjoyment. Hope you stop by 210 on a Saturday morning and take it all in. Bring your appetite too – the food is good.
146 more photos of this morning posted here: Cup of Jazz
Ron Ludekens 2-13-13
