INDIANAPOLIS — For the first weekend in more than seven months, the Jazz Kitchen in Broad Ripple is back open, after closing early in the pandemic. Now guests are in their chairs and musicians back on stage.
"We're just trying to get back into it. You know, it's been a long seven-five, eight months and you know, just trying to make a go of it. We know that there's a lot of folks that want to see the music and enjoy the food, get out and then obviously do it safely," said David Allee, owner of the Jazz Kitchen.
Doing it safely has been top of mind while the doors of the Jazz Kitchen were closed. With no customers inside, the Jazz Kitchen had to be re-imagined to work in a pandemic. Inside now you'll find touchless faucets, sanitizing stations, staff getting health screenings and temperature checks, on top of a new "flexible" floor plan to allow for social distancing. After opening this week with limited capacity, customers can clearly see a difference.
"We were very fortunate over the last two nights of shows that we've had, everyone has had their mask on. They've complimented us on how many times they see the staff wiping down doors and handles and things of that nature," said Allee.
If the Jazz Kitchen's new COVID precautions aren't enough for you, but you still want to hear jazz music, there's a solution for that too, with the virtual Jazz Fest which also launches this weekend. The free shows are streamed online with any donations going to educational programs and musicians who haven't had much work all year.
"Musicians have been affected and impacted, probably the first people affected by this pandemic and the last people probably to return to some normalcy," said Rob Dixon a professional saxaphone player.
Whether online or in person, Indy jazz scene is ready to entertain and keep you safe.
"We certainly want to see you back here, but we want you to do it when you're ready," said Allee.
With limited seating available inside the Jazz Kitchen, you'll need to reserve your seat in advance at
https://www.thejazzkitchen.com/
The other online concerts will be available for free online at IndyJazzFest.net.
