The signs of spring on the North Shore bring more than warm breezes and the return of the ospreys. Jazz music will once again be filling the air as The Jazz Loft’s Swing Into Swing Festival 2025 returns from March 18 to 22, not only boosting everyone’s spirits but also at local businesses. There will be an assortment of opportunities to hear live Jazz music throughout the community at five local restaurants in the Stony Brook/East Setauket area.

Local restaurants featuring live jazz include: Bliss, located at 766 Route 25A in East Setauket; Elaine’s, located at 316 Main Street in East Setauket; The Country House, located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook; Madiran, located at 209 Route 25A in East Setauket; and Schnitzels, located at 77 Main Street in Stony Brook. 

“We are excited to be part of the Jazz Loft’s Swing into Spring event,” said Elaine Micali,  owner of Elaine’s in East Setauket. “It’s a great way to spread a little Jazz throughout the Three Village community!” 

“I believe that the annual Swing into Spring is something to which the community looks forward to,” said Madiran owner and Sommelier Jacqueline Malenda. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to expose our friends and neighbors to such tremendously talented local musicians. It’s how I began a monthly gig with The Jazz Loft a few years ago, and I’m so happy that I have!”

“The Jazz Loft is a gem in our community,” said Jane Taylor, Executive Director of The Three Village Chamber of Commerce. “The quality of the performances are outstanding and we are fortunate to have The Jazz Loft in our backyard with its quality musicians, while also sharing with the community the history of Jazz, and how it has influenced our culture. I would encourage all to take advantage of the upcoming Swing into Spring Festival.”

The five-day music festival will also feature concert performances at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook including a Community Jazz Night with Carl Safina, Rod Borrie and John Ronconi on March 18; Bakithi Kumalo Ensemble on March 20;  the Mitch Marcus Quintet on March 21 and Frank Vignola and his Birdland Quintet on March 22. 

Funding for the Festival comes in part from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright.

“Music has the power to draw people out and bring people together,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “I am always excited each year to bring music with the Swing into Spring festival throughout the Three Village community. I am so proud to partner with our community businesses. It’s a great feeling to see our restaurants bustling with people, and filled with the sound of live Jazz.”

Schedule of Events:

Tuesday March 18:

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Community Jazz Night: Rod Borrie & Free Range, Carl Safina & Moment’s Notice, John Ronconi & Cafe Society

$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE

Bliss (6-8PM):

Steve Salerno, guitar, John Marshall, tenor saxophone

Elaine’s (6-8PM):

Tom Manuel, cornet, Phil Rinaldi, piano

Madiran (6-8PM):

Dean Johnson, bass, Al Marino, guitar

 

Wednesday March 19:

Madiran (6-8PM):

Phil Rinaldi, piano, Mark Wade, bass

Bliss (6-8PM):

Steve Salerno, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet

Elaine’s (6-8PM):

Kevin Clark, guitar, Chris Donohue, tenor saxophone

The Country House (6-8PM):

The Jazz Loft Trio

Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano, Darrell Smith, drums

The Jazz Loft (4-5:30PM):

Improvisation & Jam Session Techniques Workshop

Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano Tom Manuel, cornet, Darrell Smith, drums

$10 All

The Jazz Loft: (7-9:30PM)

Jam Session / The Keenan Zach Trio

$10, $5 at 8PM

Thursday March 20:

Country House (6-8PM):

Mala Waldron, piano

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Bakithi Kumalo Ensemble

Bakithi Kumalo, bass, Miho Nobuzane, piano/vocal, Kate Curran, vocal, Dylan Kries, saxophone, Ray Marchica, drums

 Friday March 21:

Country House (6-8PM):

Rich Iacona, piano, Tom Manuel, cornet

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Mitch Marcus Quintet

Mitch Marcus, tenor saxophone, Evan Francis, alto saxophone/flute, Jeff Miles, guitar, Peter Brendler, bass, Jerad Lippi, drums

$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE

 

Saturday March 22:

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Frank Vignola Birdland Quartet

Frank Vignola, guitar, Ted Rosenthal, piano, Alex Raderman, drums, Gary Mazzaroppi, bass

$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE

Schnitzels (5-7PM)

Vinny Raniolo, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet

 

All tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets

For more information call 631-751-1895.