The Observer, November 18, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11
Nighttown offers hot jazz in a cool scene
Case certainly offers many glimpses into the social experiences of the past through the history, art, and classics departments. However, where does a student go when he or she wants to experience the creative freedom to which low-priced alcohol and cigarette cartons likely contribute? One such establishment near campus has been serving up raw jazz and national acts for thepast 40 years.Located on Cedar Hill, Nighttown, named after the Dublin Red-Light District in James Joyce's daedal novel Ulysses, has a history as large as its bar selection. Italian panels, French retro posters, Spanish portraiture, Irish mixed drinks, Dutch landscapes, American jazz, and gorgeous British waitresses adorn the walls, halls, and bars (there are two). I met with the club's promoter Jim Wadsworth, of JWP, who handles all of the booking, sound, and stage of Nighttown. In this blue-collar town, it is amazing to me that jazz, a continuum of breaking social mores and reminiscent of women riding the subway topless, has such a wide rigorous following. Wadsworth explains that with all the support that Nighttown receives from the local surrounding community, including Case's own WRUW, Nighttown has been a favorite for years. In fact, many of the patrons live less than five minutes away and make Nighttown a staple of their diet.The show, though, was one of the "special events" that Wadsworth coordinates, which means that it could be a flavor of any musical talent, including, but not limited to, free-form jam band jazz. This evening I enjoyed a harmonious country folk guitar duo named Freebo and Photoglo. While they were not up my alley in terms of my standard repertoire, I could dig their vibes nonetheless. So the question we are left with is simple, what could possibly make this oneiric and swinging bar any better? Student discounts. Wadsworth subtly gave me the hint that those with valid student ID would receive 50 percent off the cover price: anywhere from ten bucks up to a solid thirty-five. At this point, there is nothing holding me back from finding a date and having an evening of an urbane repast. Nothing.
