Underground Jazz Resurfaces in SA

Underground jazz jam sessions make a resurgence on the San Antonio music scene for the month of July. Starting Thursday, July 9, Studio 509 will play host to jazz band jam sessions that are open to the public every Thursday night from 10 pm to 1 am.

Studio 509, a relatively unpublicized, unknown local hangout, has long been THE scene for all things underground in the SA music world. It is no surprise that the establishment has decided to improve its cool quotient by adding a jazz jam session to its lineup.

Sara Dawson, manager for 509, indicates a strong response so far. “Since we don’t advertise very much, word of mouth has been quite impressive in our big, small town. Those that know how to get here have been stopping by all week with questions and requests to play at certain times but it is basically on a first come, first serve basis.”

A local jazz musician, who requested to remain anonymous, sits nearby attempting to tune his rhythm guitar. He expresses relief at 509’s decision to include the “forgotten jazz musician.” He goes on to say, “Finally a forum for the solo musicians to get out and play with others – and maybe band together and create art. That’s how all the greats did it.”

There has been a recent drought in clubs that premiered the jazz musician until now. "Studio 509 is like a breath of fresh air," Ashley Feraude, jazz DJ at Trinity University. "There are many places in town where you can go to hear jazz but they don't entirely embody the gritty, smelly basement click spot that is common in genuine jazz clubs. 509 is a cool place and will more than likely bring in some really great musicians. If only for a month."

For more information, stop by studio 509 located at 509 San Pedro Ave., between the hours of 10 pm and 1 am. There is a charge of $5 at the door.