By Katie Potzick
The Jazz Factory is a virtual diamond in the rough in Louisville’s nighttime entertainment scene. Despite being touted by the Courier-Journal as “Louisville’s premiere venue for live jazz,” this great downtown music spot is still relatively unknown on campus. For the few students in the know, however, it has become a favorite weekend haunt.
The Jazz Factory is located in the basement of Glassworks on Market Street, and provides not only world class jazz but a full dinner menu and club like atmosphere. Every week from Tuesday to Saturday there are two sets of live jazz at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. There is an eclectic range of jazz preformed from traditional to a young and energetic variation on “Mad World,” the theme from “Donnie Darko” by Gary Jules. Different styles of jazz are played on different nights and vary from Latin to contemporary and beyond.
Isable Krome, a Jazz Factory employee, said that no matter the night, “You can always count on great music.” The venue is even a frequent host to the U of L jazz ensemble and several U of L jazz professors.
The Jazz Factory offers a welcome alternative to more stereotypical college hangouts like Tailgater’s with the ambience and lighting making it a good spot to relax with an intimate group of friends or the perfect spot to take a date. Sophomore theatre arts major Colby Ballowe could only offer rave reviews about the Jazz Factory.
“I’ve been to the Jazz Factory and the experience was great. I went on the night they had the U of L jazz band playing. They were phenomenal, my god, one of the saxophonists… I thought I was hearing Coltrane, and it was free. You walk down the stairs, all the lights are dimmed and everyone is sitting with a drink in their hand. The band plays and totally adds to the vibe. Think jazz night club in the 1940s, Miles Davis and the band playing. Think ‘cool’ right here in Louisville,” said Ballowe.
The next month offers some good opportunities for curious first timers to check out the Jazz Factory. On Oct. 25, the U of L jazz ensemble II will be playing, and on Nov. 3 world-renowned jazz musician Moe Allison will be doing two shows.
From noteworthy jazz to free appetizers on Friday nights, the Jazz Factory provides a night out that will satisfy all your senses. For information regarding ticket prices and show times check out: http://www.jazzfactory.us.
