Avant Savants

Native Floridian joint Alligator Alley (1321 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park) is known for a couple of things: (1) Its gladesman-style take on Cajun cooking and its bitchin’ selection of microbrews; and (2) a nearly endless stream of mind-expanding jazz, blues, and fusion music that wafts through the tiny bar night in, night out. If there’s a greater combination of belly-patting happiness and expertly-crafted jam band noodleage, then we’ve yet to find it. And for fans of that sort of thing (show me a Joe who isn’t!), catching tunes at the Alley just got one bit cooler. That’s because a host of local musicians – including the immaculate jammers, the Bendy-Pastorius Project – will be congregating at the Alley on Thursdays for an Avant Garde Improv Workshop and Jam Session that’s not to be missed. These jam-tastic vets will share their knowledge of improvising jazz, funk, and experimental beats with the waiting public by way of demonstrations and collective improvisation. The congas start thumping at 9 p.m., and there’s no cover. Call 954-771-2220, or visit www.alligatoralleyflorida.com.
Thursdays, 2007