Spring Break
New Location, same old jazz
Sara Gregory
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: The Edge
- Page 1 of 1
While jazz at The Secret Garden restaurant is nothing new, crowds for such music programs have grown exponentially since the eatery relocated to a new location on the Macomb's Square.
These days, musical performances at the Secret Garden have become a hot ticket. Passersby and students alike gravitate to the restaurant's new digs to chat, do homework or just listen to some classic jazz.
I was definitely one of those homework bookies that would sit in the corner at the old location and do homework until it closed. It's just so much more relaxing than the stuffy library; I'm not that type of a learner, and I'm sure most of you aren't either.
Each jazz combo has at least two horn players and a three-piece rhythm section; all the musicians are students at Western Illinois University. Each combo has a different style and a different skill level.
The combos provide background music for customers to chill out to, and the musicians' abilities to make up melodies on the spot are amazing. A lot of people jamming at "open mic" nights and bars with other bands can be traced back to this jazz program. Pretty cool, and what a small world.
The jazz department at Western began with only two combos and four big bands, but the focus has clearly shifted since then as Western now has two big bands and four combos. There are some different opinions on that change, but one thing is clear: Improvisation is going well at Western.
Stop by any Thursday or Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Secret Garden on the Square to catch up with a friend, your homework or some jazz. You'll look intellectual, meet some cool jazz folks and probably end up trying some delicious pie. Seriously, The Garden's dessert menu is out of this world.
Too busy? No big deal. This isn't a limited time offer. Combos begin a few weeks into each semester, so check it out next year if the end of this year is kicking your ass with term papers.
This is the only place in Macomb besides Chandler's that offers live music with your food, so take advantage of it and support your fellow students.
Plus, it's the only place to look like you're chic as you do your homework in public … stay jazzy Macomb.
These days, musical performances at the Secret Garden have become a hot ticket. Passersby and students alike gravitate to the restaurant's new digs to chat, do homework or just listen to some classic jazz.
I was definitely one of those homework bookies that would sit in the corner at the old location and do homework until it closed. It's just so much more relaxing than the stuffy library; I'm not that type of a learner, and I'm sure most of you aren't either.
Each jazz combo has at least two horn players and a three-piece rhythm section; all the musicians are students at Western Illinois University. Each combo has a different style and a different skill level.
The combos provide background music for customers to chill out to, and the musicians' abilities to make up melodies on the spot are amazing. A lot of people jamming at "open mic" nights and bars with other bands can be traced back to this jazz program. Pretty cool, and what a small world.
The jazz department at Western began with only two combos and four big bands, but the focus has clearly shifted since then as Western now has two big bands and four combos. There are some different opinions on that change, but one thing is clear: Improvisation is going well at Western.
Stop by any Thursday or Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Secret Garden on the Square to catch up with a friend, your homework or some jazz. You'll look intellectual, meet some cool jazz folks and probably end up trying some delicious pie. Seriously, The Garden's dessert menu is out of this world.
Too busy? No big deal. This isn't a limited time offer. Combos begin a few weeks into each semester, so check it out next year if the end of this year is kicking your ass with term papers.
This is the only place in Macomb besides Chandler's that offers live music with your food, so take advantage of it and support your fellow students.
Plus, it's the only place to look like you're chic as you do your homework in public … stay jazzy Macomb.
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