Jazz Night at the Pit Stop

If you don’t know about the in Oak Bluffs, then it’s time we got you up to date. The space opened this past year and is an all-ages performance venue that hosts concerts, open mics, film screenings and more. This summer, they’ve added a Jazz Night to their roster that takes place every Sunday. Last night, the doors opened at 7:30 for the Jeremy Berlin Quartet with special guests Mike Cesati and Eric Johnson. Event coordinator Adam Lipsky was eager for people to arrive. "These guys are really great," he said.

Lipsky sat at the ticket bench and explained that it's hard to start a jazz venue on Martha's Vineyard. "We're just trying to bring a jazz scene to the island."

Band member, Jeremy Berlin, explained, "Eric and I have a jazz duo that goes on all year long at the Off-Shore Ale,” he said. Berlin is grateful to The Pit Stop for starting a regular Sunday Night Jazz performance. It’s hard to find a place to play jazz on the Island. These guys are doing a great service by trying to get a regular consistent thing here going on."

The performance had an extremely relaxed yet professional vibe. Since the group members have been playing jazz since childhood, the songs came naturally. At the same time, their talent was showcased during individual solos.

Berlin explained, "This is kind of an impromptu gig...we aren't going to try anything too fancy. I'm just looking forward to connecting with these guys."

The band definitely connected, not only with each other, but with the audience as well. Islander Lily Morris was enjoying the concert. " I like a lot of the music here, but this is my first time for jazz on Sundays."

The band played classic songs by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, and Caper and Washington.

Jazz Night takes place at the on Sunday evenings. Doors open at 7:30. $18/$9 for students and members.