extreme culture

FEBRUARY at Heidis Jazz Club

By PAM HARBAUGH

If you’re looking for great jazz, you’ve got to make a bee-line to Heidi’s Jazz Club.

Last Friday it was the one and only RICHIE COLE. His gig there was sorta typical for the jazz world. Heidi was engaged in a casual telephone conversation with him and found out that he was visiting friends in the area.

“He said he was leaving on Sunday and I said ‘So you can play at Heidi’s ‘ on Friday,” she said. “I was kidding, but he said ‘Why not?’ I nearly fell off my chair. It’s a big name, you know.”

Indeed, Richie Cole’s career has taken him from the Buddy Rich Big Band, the Lionel Hampton Big Band and the Doc Severinsen Big Band.

Richie Cole

He’s performed with the Manhattan Transfer, Tom Waits, Boots Randolph and Nancy Wilson, just to name a few. You might have seen him at the Village Vanguard or Carnegie Hall or heard him on one of his many releases with his own band, Alto Madness Orchestra.

This is not to be missed. And what a sweet spot to enjoy jazz. There’s nothing else quite like Heidi’s Jazz Club. A great bar, terrific menu prepared by La Chaine chef Eddie Deleuil.

Simone Kopmajer

And this is just the beginning of what appears to be a great February: BRUCE KATZ, award winning blues pianist who was a member of the Allman Brothers performs at Heidi’s Feb. 9; international jazz star SIMON KOPMAJER performs with TERRY MYERS Feb. 23 and 24.

Bruce katz

“February and March are especially good because it’s so good up north and they’re all touring Florida,” Heidi said. “I know their itinerary so I know who comes through.”

And it’s also a great spot for Valentine’s Day. Special dinner and entertainment line up for that features pianist Mark Hubrouk with Steve Kirshner and Friends and a four course meal. $53. Whadda deal!

Heidi’s Jazz Club is at 7 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL. Call 321-783-4559, visit heidisjazzclub.com or click on their ad.