San Diego’s jazz fans have much to celebrate these days with both wonderful new artists and venues emerging regularly. Indeed, while according to published reports interest in jazz has declined nationally, that is not the case locally, thanks to mentoring program from trumpeter Gilbert Catellanos “Young Lion” program as well as music director JP Balmat’s programs at Mission Bay High School. Several local clubs have begun to highlight the genre as well, with the latest spot to embrace jazz on a regular basis is Tio Leo’s, who will be hosting a weekly event, every Wednesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. According to promoter RosaLea Schiavone, the reasons for the new jazz night is succinct. “Frank Scuito, the owner of Tio Leo’s is a jazz pianist,” she explained. “He has wanted this for a long time, this was his vision.” Plans are for the night to run indefinitely. “We are trying to build it and right now we are booking it through the end of the year. We are in hopes of it continuing into next year. As long as it is supported it will continue,” she said. “San Diego does have a thriving Jazz community, this is a vehicle for us to reach out to jazz enthusiasts and to those that aren’t really familiar with jazz,” she said. “We want to help them get in or stay in touch with the very rich pool of world class jazz talent that we have here, so we offer up something for both the well-seasoned and the up and coming listener.” Schiavone does have one goal in mind. “We hope for people to understand that our jazz community is just as viable as other large cities,” she said. “Once that recognition is established we will be a point of destination for touring jazz musicians, as well as for tourists that travel to a city because of the viability and vitality of the music”.
While performers will vary from week to week, Schiavone notes there will be one regular performer. “Leonard Patton is the constant in our booking equation,” she said. “Leonard will be bringing well sought after local favorites and introducing us to artists whom we may not have had the pleasure of experiencing yet. “We may also host the occasional touring artist on those one-off nights that they may have when they breeze through town. In the meantime, Leonard performs with all the artists that grace our stage.” The next show will happen Oct. 31, with Patton joined by Sue Palmer for a “Jazz-oween” affair. “My favorite thing about these shows is listening to the different interpretations of the classic jazz standards by the various artists performing with Leonard. It’s always nice being introduced to new to me talent as well.”
For her part, Schiavone is enthusiastic about the shows and hopes they can expand local performers reach. “The importance of getting the word out about these and other performances can’t be understated,” she said. “It is important to support the live music that you love. You can’t understate the importance of the music enthusiasts,” she mused. “Without their support all of those that grace a stage may as well be singing in the shower.” Tuesday Night Jazz: Every Wednesday at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7 p.m. 21 and up. www.tioleos.com