Free Monday Nights: Howard Williams Jazz Orchestra, The Garage NYC

Monday is apparently muso's night off, and here in Manhattan some of the best Broadway musicians get together and jam "for fun". The 16-piece (looks a lot bigger from the wings!) Howard Williams Orchestra plays Monday nites 7-10pm at The Garage - a really cool and jazzy multi-tiered space.

Roger, whose brother pays the double bass in the band, says it has been a tradition at the space for 15 years.

"My brother carpools in from Philly, every Monday. If musicians can't make it, they have to find a stand in."

So fun it may be, but this is serious. I'm not actually a fan of this kind of jazz, but hearing and seeing it live like this has a presence and power that is hard to convey. I've been quite a few times, so I take that back - I guess I am a fan.

There is food, but the menu is somewhat pricey unless you stick to a fairly quesadilla or salad for around $10-15.

There's no cover, but please support musicians and businesses like this by being a good consumer and tipper if you visit.

http://www.garagerest.com
99 7th Ave SOUTH (not 7th Ave), near Christopher St, with a subway stop a block away.