Gettin’ Jazzy with It

Michael Frey and Rodney Munnings

Just before the recent holiday weekend, I got an e-mail from the nice folks at Rhumbar, inviting me to come and check-out the scene at their new “Jazz under the Stars” promotion, on Tuesday nights.  To be perfectly frank, I thought to myself “I’ll go, I’ll check it out, and that’ll be that.” I mean, it’s not like I had a bunch of other things to do on a Tuesday, in that awkward nether-time between dinner and clubbing.

The patio of Rhumbar at The Mirage

A few things about Rhumbar: its décor is perfectly suited for its locale, situated as it is in the shadows of the Mirage volcano and waterfall, in a lush environment that is close enough to the Strip to see the lights and cars, yet far enough removed not to be disturbed by the noise.  Comfortable couches set into little groupings allow for parties of all sizes to gather on a patio where cigar smoking is not only tolerated, but is encouraged.  And while the menu at Rhumbar doesn’t contain food, BLT Burger across the hall is more than happy to deliver their tasty fare to you, on the patio.  Additionally, the precipitation given off by the waterfall makes for a nice cool and misty breeze that dissipates the ferocious heat.

TKNY basks in the glow of the sweet, sweet music

My friend Tiffany Kay was in town to merchandise her company’s “booth” at the Couture 2010 show (it’s referred to as a “booth” but Scott Kay encompasses the entire La Tâche Ballroom at Wynn | Encore); so after catching-up over dinner at Switch at Encore, we headed to The Mirage.  Anyhow, Tiffany (whom Jacob has dubbed “TKNY”) was kind of grumbling about how she couldn’t believe I was dragging her off the property, how tired she was, etc., but as soon as we got to Rhumbar, she absolutely lit up.  It’s just got that very upbeat and happy vibe going for it.  The bar wasn’t particularly busy, but she perked-up the very second she walked-in.  Then, we walked out onto the patio and it was hopping!

Bobby Barnes serenades us

No sooner had we sat down with proprietor, Michael Frey, than the band returned from their break.  While I’m not a huge jazz aficionado, I love a great vocalist with some character who can turn out a standard or three, so I was delighted with the musical stylings of Bobby Barnes and the Merchants of Jazz.  Bandleader Barnes is not only a great singer, and at 78 an absolute charmer, but the man plays a great horn (in this case, every variety of saxophone).  Now, Tiffany – like most New Yorkers I know – is a bit jaded.  Well, my man Bobby took care of that, tout de suite, lemme tell ya!

Bobby Barnes dances with Tiffany Kay

Tiffany was smiling so hard that her cheeks must’ve hurt, clapping and screaming after each song, dancing in front of the band, jumping-up and kissing Bobby when he walked through the crowd on the patio.  I mean, her voice got so high that it verged on squeaking (and TKNY just isn’t a squeaky kind of gal…).

Bobby Barnes

And about that music; Bobby Barnes and the Merchants of Jazz regaled the audience with a whole spectrum of jazz, including r&b, soul, swing, blues, and funk.  Some of those I felt the band nailed especially nicely were “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock, “Summertime” by George Gershwin, “Close to You” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, “Bye, Bye Blackbird” by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon, “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills, “Big Leg Woman” by Muddy Waters, and Etta James’ signature song, “At Last” by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren (for which a fabulous friend of the band who was in the audience, came and sat-in with them and performed the vocals).

Nicole Ruvo at Rhumbar

Later, we were joined by Nicole Ruvo and her Moët Hennessy peeps, Trent Fraser (Brand Director, Dom Pérignon USA) and Clement Reid (Moët Hennessy's newly minted Director of Nightlife for Las Vegas).  At this point, naturally, I switched from the particularly tasty coconut mojitos I’d been drinking, and started sipping DP (quelle surprise, right?).  Not that I’m complaining, mind you...

When all was said and done, I was left wondering who first to tell of my new Tuesday night pre-funk venue – until I realized, I’ll just tell you!

Jazz under the Stars 
Rhumbar at The Mirage 
Tuesday Evenings

Get into it!