Jazz Cabaret At Monti’s Backdoor
A Short History of JAMN Jazz ProductionsJAMN Jazz Productions was formed in spring of 2007 by Tempe businessmenn and community volunteers Stu Siefer, Roy Hoyt, and Woody Wilson–with the idea of advancing their common interest of restoring Mill Avenue's reputation as a major center of live music, especially jazz. Longtime friends and business associates Michael Monti and Eddie Goitia agreed to give it a try in the catering room of their famous historic steak house, Monti's La Casa Vieja. The room was redubbed "Monti's Back Door" and with some upgraded lighting, seating and signage it took on the persona of a back-alley urban jazz club. The first season ran on Monday nights from fall of 2007 through summer of 2008 and featured Phoenix's premier jazz musicians and vocalist including former Count Basie lead vocalist Dennis Rowland, Phoenix jazz favorites Margo and Francine Reed and Chicago jazz star Judy Roberts to mention a few. The venture proved successful, and attendance at Monti's Back Door exceeded expectations, gathering standing room only performances. In its' first year, the series was so appreciated by Downtown Temp Community, Tempe's downtown business association, that JAMN Jazz Productions was awarded a prestigious MADEE Award that year. |
