Underground Jazz

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important—the stated purpose of events at the Elks Neighborhood Kitchen is to showcase this place and its unique atmosphere and history to guests. Members of the James L. Crawford Elks Lodge #322 and Daisy Chain Temple #212, I.B.P.O.E. of W., are often sitting around the bar and may engage you in conversation.

The ceiling over the bar is shiny black plastic with cylindrical red and white lights protruding—straight out the 1960s. There are also booths behind and to the left of the musicians if you want to talk, or you can sit outside on the club’s big porch. Choose a seat, and then go back up the stairs, turn left into the kitchen, place your food order with the cooks themselves, and pay. The food is reviewed on p. 52 so let me just say that the fried chicken is the best I’ve had since I left the South.

Then go back to your seat (they’ll bring the food to you), settle in, and listen to the music. Most Friday nights bring the Tim Haldeman Trio, often with players sitting in; a recent evening brought a visiting Hammond organist. The jazz concerts have the vital feel of a scene that players want to be part of. There’s live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 to 10, with blues and funk sometimes as well as jazz. (Later in the evening there are dance shows with a DJ.)