The Drewids: Non-Review

I must admit that I was really looking forward to checking out The Drewids at Boney's Music Lounge tonight (Saturday May 30.) The quartet, led by bassist Drew Emer, had played the club once before and I really enjoyed the interplay of guitar, bass,, drums and saxophone. This time around, the saxophonist had another gig and Emer invited flautist Jamie Baum (pictured) to join him, guitarist Mike Baggetta and drummer Evan Howard (another last-minute replacement) for the 3-set gig.

Arriving at 10 p.m. after leaving the track at Woodrow Wilson Middle School (where the American Cancer Society "Relay for Life" was in full stride), I discovered the band packing up, the leader fuming and everyone else puzzled (including the 12-15 people in the audience who had really enjoyed the first set.) I won't repeat what Drew Emer said (many expletives) but the gist is owner Ted Tine asked them to stop playing and leave. Had someone complained? Don't know. Was the music too loud? I doubt it (especially with the flute.) The band had played the Lounge before and had a great time, drawing a decent crowd.

I got the chance to catch up with Ms. Baum and Mike Baggetta before they drove off; both said the first set had been pretty good (first time these 4 people had played together) and the audience response quite positive. As the musicians loaded their instruments into the car, several people came up and asked if the music was done. When told that the quartet had been asked to desist, the potential customers shrugged their shoulders and turned away.

Yes, the musicians were paid (the full amount) but one fears for the fate of live jazz at this establishment. The blues shows do pretty well and I've been to several jazz gig that had decent attendance. Hopefully, this was an aberration but I, for one, was disappointed not to hear these 4 fine musicians play.