Historic Old Town establishment hosts new Saturday night jazz series
By Dave Fidlin | SDUN Reporter
Since joining forces more than three years ago, a trio of jazz musicians is showcasing their talents at a variety of venues throughout San Diego. Recently, they have perched at one of the city’s oldest establishments.
In December 2012, members of jazz ensemble The Full House Band began performing Saturday nights at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant in Old Town, for a regular event aptly titled Cosmo Jazz Showcase.
Each week, the trio – Bruce Cameron on trumpet, Ted Williams on bass and Mark Augustin on guitar – perform with a select, local vocalist. The maneuver, the trio said, freshens up each week’s set and assures audiences a performance will not be replicated from one week to the next.
Recent guest vocalists include Jimmer Bolden, Sacha Boutros, Janet Hammer and Andrea Sperling.
In the past, The Full House Band frequently performed outdoors, but a number of attributes at the historic Cosmopolitan facility piqued Cameron’s curiosity. Performing indoors, he said, has benefits, particularly during the rainy winter months.
At the moment, the weekly jazz show is held in the historic Grand Sala. But in the months ahead, plans call for the series to move outdoors to the orchard patio, where musicians will play beneath the stars amid warmer temperatures.
The relationship between The Full House Band and the Cosmopolitan began with a mutual love of jazz. Catherine Miller, who runs the establishment with fellow proprietor Tom Withers, were attending a similar event at Spaghetteria in Little Italy, called Sunday Night Jazz Jam. There, they had the chance to get to know the trio.
“We got to talking, and when the idea was presented I thought to myself, ‘This could work,’” Cameron said about staging their own jazz night. “Once we got everything going, I realized what a great opportunity this could be. It’s gone very well so far.”
Attendance during the first few weeks of the jazz showcase was a trickle, but with each ensuing week, Cameron said a growing number of people have been stopping in.
“All we needed was a little patience,” he said. “It’s been picking up quite a bit.”
Miller and Withers opened the Cosmopolitan in July 2010 after an extensive remodeling projected that spanned three-and-a-half years. Miller said careful attention was put into maintaining the original character of the facility, which dates to 1827.
Since its reincarnation, Miller said music has been an important focal point at the Cosmopolitan, alongside the variety of entrees, appetizers and desserts that are served.
In addition to the Cosmo Jazz Showcase, the establishment will also host three other performers in February: vocalist David Mosby on Saturday, Feb. 2, saxophonist Kyle Myers on Feb. 9, and vocalist Michela Dalla Pozza on Feb. 16 and 23. All shows start at 7:30 p.m.
Miller said the timeless tunes are one way of keeping in touch with the Cosmopolitan’s deep roots. When the facility was founded 186 years ago, owners touted it as a high-end stop for travelers, and music was offered in abundance as a form of entertainment.
“We brought music back, and it’s gone quite well,” Miller said. “We’ve had artists with a wide repertoire.”
Cameron said he has enjoyed performing regularly in a venue with immense history, but he also is quick to point out he enjoys performing anywhere.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of performing with other people,” he said. “I really appreciate being around creative people. When you have the kind of team work situation we have [with The Full House Band], you learn to rely on one another and support one another with the performances.”
AT A GLANCE
WHO: The Full House Band with rotating local vocalists each week
WHAT: Cosmo Jazz Showcase
WHEN: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturdays
WHERE: Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, 2660 Calhoun St. (Old Town)
ADMISSION: $5 at the door
INFORMATION: 619-297-1874, oldtowncosmopolitan.com
