Forget about the rest of the world as you immerse yourself in some soulful jazz at Musiikki on Monday nights.
Minutes from Springer Market Square, Musiikki Cafe & Whiskey Bar hosts The Mourning Doves, a funky jazz trio every Monday from 8-11 p.m. For students looking to explore jazz, this is a great place to start exploring Kingston’s vibrant jazz scene. I’d never listened to live jazz, so on Nov. 10, I decided to check out Musiikii and get cozy with some tunes. Attending the performance proved to be an excellent decision. The band, with their incredible chemistry, precise coordination, and pure love for music created a warm, intimate, and fun experience for everyone who came to watch.
The Mourning Doves is made up of four band members: lead singer Tyson Sullivan, pianist Spencer Evans, his son and bass player Oscar Evans, and drummer Justin Veri. On Nov. 10, Veri wasn’t present; Oscar Evans played the trumpet while guest performer Michael Broadhead covered for him on bass.
Having never experienced live jazz before, the performance was far more captivating than expected. Although it took a few songs to adjust to the style, the energy and passion of the performers quickly swirled me into it. Their enjoyment on stage made the entire experience engaging and unforgettable for everyone in the audience.
“There’s a rich history of jazz in Kingston,” Spencer Evans said in an interview with The Journal. He added that although Kingston may have fewer jazz musicians than cities like Toronto, Montreal, or Ottawa, “we’re Kingston proud!”
The Mourning Doves are part of Kingston’s jazz tradition, created four years ago. “There was a [band performing at a] Monday night jazz gig [at Musiikki] that both of us were part of,” Evans said. After that group disbanded, The Mourning Doves “picked up the pieces,” according to Evans.
Support for the group has picked up pace among a diverse range of Kingstonians. The mixed audience, coming in and out to watch the performance, was filled with people old and young, couples and singles, students and locals; all coming together to enjoy light, fun, engaging music. Sullivan’s ability to use his voice as an instrument, mixed with Evans’s use of the trumpet strongly captivated the audience’s attention, electrifying the intimate space of the concert.
For students interested in exploring the jazz scene further, “Reach out to the [Kingston] Jazz Society; our musician’s union would be more than happy to start connecting people,” Sullivan said in an interview with The Journal.
The music’s stillness made this performance a great alternative for people who enjoy concerts for the music but don’t love the crowd due to its stillness. The vibrant music filled the space instead of shouting and lots of bodies, creating room for conversation and intimacy.
Musiikki is the perfect venue for this contemplative music. The space is narrow but intimate, creating a warm and welcoming environment for its guests. Given that the place is both a café and a bar, the possibilities for future study sessions turned into bar nights are endless.
The Mourning Doves was the perfect way to begin my week. As the weather turns chillier, I’ll no doubt seek warmth in their music again soon.
Tags
Art, jazz, Live Music, Musiikki, The Mourning Doves
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