Before the special Motown Memories show last Friday night at The Jazz Foundation, I sat down with the club’s creators, Jorge Dau and Gabriel Velasquez, to find out a little more about Vallarta’s newest jazz venue. Located across from Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon, this newly built club is on the 2nd story with a breathtaking view of the boardwalk and the ocean.
The club’s owners explained that they originally wanted to bring a ‘Jazz Festival’ to Puerto Vallarta like the world famous Riveria Maya Jazz Festival. In the end they decided that a jazz club would be a better alternative. They see the club’s mission as promoting jazz along with other genres of music to both visitors and locals, alike. They describe The Jazz Foundation as a forum, a restaurant, a bar, a classroom and a stage all wrapped up into one amazing venue with MUSIC as the STAR!
With free entertanment scheduled every night, you can expect this recently opened jazz club to continue to gain in popularity. With a simple, yet stylish decor, a full bar, Louisiana style cuisine and a fabulous location, what’s-not-to-like about this great new venue? I certainly can’t think of anything!
Every Monday night, the club features local artists and talents. Tuesdays have a World Music theme. Wednesdays feature a jam session with jazz and blues and musical improv. Thursdays have a Party/Dance/Funk theme. On Fridays, the cool jazz quintet, Things I Feel, with Cuban and Mexican jazz musicians, performs. Saturday nights the house band, The Jazz Foundation Band entertains at the club. And on Sunday nights there’s a classic rock and blues theme. Special events are also offered and will be announced on ‘The Jazz Foundation’ facebook page or website at jazzpv.com.
Jazz music every night at the Jazz Foundation Puerto Vallarta
Last Friday night, The Jazz Foundation featured one of my favorite entertainers, international recording artist and singer, Dwight Blake. Dwight performed his Memories of Motown show to an absolutely packed (standing room only) crowd.
As Dwight opened the show, he immediately connected with the audience as he sang the classic, “Let’s Stay Together.” He continued with many songs from all the great Motown artists like, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, The Temptations and Barry White. Dwight’s smooth, sexy style along with his incredible vocals, had the audience singing, dancing and swaying to some of the BEST MUSIC ever written!
He delivered a fantastic version of “My Girl” and then moved on to the Stevie Wonder, favorites, “You Can Feel It All Over” and “Superstition.” He had us on our feet dancing, when he sang Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally.” With sexy numbers like, “Let’s Get It On” and the Barry’s White classic, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love,” Dwight got the couples in the audience slow dancing. He then delivered some upbeat numbers like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and the Ray Charles favorite, “I Feel Good.”
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As he finished his second set, the audience cheered for an ENCORE! Dwight then ended his performance with “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch.” There was a large table of guests visiting from Detroit who enthusiastically mentioned how much they loved the show. That’s quite a compliment from folks who live in the’ birthplace’ of the Motown Sound!
Dwight was on a plane the next morning to Argentina where he has more shows scheduled. He’s sure to be back at The Jazz Foundation again in the future, so keep posted for more updates.
To discover more about The Jazz Foundation go to: www.jazzpv.com or find them on facebook. The Jazz Foundation is located about one block south of McDonald’s on the Malecon (Calle Allende #116, Puerto Vallarta Centro). Tel # 322-113-0295.
When we’re back next year, we must check this place out!