Thursday marks the halfway point of the inaugural season of Jazz at Domus Fare, which has become something of a local phenomenon this past year. The series, created by the Fredonia Jazz Society, brings together SUNY Fredonia faculty musicians and music lovers in the community for an evening that is part entertainment, part feast, and all joy. In fact, it may just be the fastest selling ticket in town.

A sell-out performance, the Nov. 1 evening of Jazz at Domus Fare drew listeners from throughout northern Chautauqua County who enjoyed music by the Nick Weiser Trio, as well as a Parisian-themed menu by Fredonia eatery Domus Fare.

The audience’s experience included traditional jazz standards, as well as familiar favorites, like Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and Sammy Davis Jr.’s “The Candy Man.”

In artistic director Nick Weiser’s words, “Great music is great music,” an idea that has allowed the Kansas native to live simultaneously in the worlds of both contemporary pop music and jazz, the pop music of the early 20th century. “It’s important to keep it relevant,” said Weiser of his approach. “Some of the younger listeners don’t necessarily connect with the older jazz standards; it’s a different generation.”

Submitted Photo Drummer Greg Evans of Ithaca will be joining the Nick Weiser Trio as a guest performer at Jazz at Domus Fare on Thursday night.

Indeed, up until recent years, many jazz music fans were alive when musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong performed in the 1930s and 1940s. As that generation of listeners dwindles, a new generation takes its place. Jazz pioneers of the first half of the 20th century may not have a place on America’s Top 40 today, but their musical influence remains and is exactly what Weiser and his trio recognize in their performances. Seemingly incongruent combinations are that much more intriguing, and are, importantly, opportunities for creativity. Interpretation, improv and even mash-ups of jazz standards with newer hits by artists such as Lorde are just some of the ways that Weiser creates a fresh approach to a genre that is now hitting the century mark.

Not only does the Fredonia Jazz Society bridge the gap between older and younger generations of listeners, but also between the college and the greater community in which it exists. Weiser, a former faculty member of Ithaca College, has seen firsthand how music can bring members of the community together with the college, as he was part of a trio that performs regularly at the Argos Inn in Ithaca.

Weiser is pleased that one of his former trio members and founder of the group, Greg Evans, will be joining Jazz at Domus Fare on Thursday night. “Greg plays to a room of people better than anyone I know,” Weiser said of his fellow musician and close friend. The drummer continues to play with the Argos Inn trio, and Weiser is excited to introduce him on Thursday night. “Greg always has the pulse on the room,” Weiser reflected. “It’s a gift to be in tune with the audience like that.”

Evans joining the Nick Weiser Trio on Thursday allows percussionist and SUNY Fredonia music instructor Alec Dube to play his primary instrument, the vibraphone, which is new for Jazz at Domus Fare listeners. The trio also includes Kieran Hanlon, assistant professor of double bass and jazz at SUNY Fredonia, who is performing on Thursday fresh from Fredonia’s Bass Fest, which he hosted at the college on Sunday.

Karl Boelter, president of the Fredonia Jazz Society board of directors and retired SUNY Fredonia School of Music director, is thrilled with the community’s response. “I love to see the room full of people engaged in listening and enjoying these first-rate performances,” he said. “It truly excites me that we can support excellent musicians, collect together audiences that appreciate them, and bring a burst of excitement into the village on these nights.”

This Thursday is the third performance of Jazz at Domus Fare, and once again there are two shows from which to choose: 5:30 and 8 p.m. Boelter said that currently, the 8 p.m. show has greater availability and a small number of tickets will be held at the door. Tickets for Thursday may also be purchased online at fredoniajazzsociety.com, or a two-event (half season) package can be purchased for Thursday’s show and the final performance of the season on Thursday, April 25.

Past Jazz at Domus Fare menus have included a New Orleans theme in September and a Parisian theme in November. Domus Fare co-owner and chef Isaac Borgstrom is excited to share Thursday night’s menu, which features an Italian theme and entrees such as Tortellini Bolognese, lobster ravioli, pesto chicken with roasted potatoes and a vegan risotto entree. A beer and wine menu with many local offerings will be available on Thursday night, too.

The pairing of delicious food and live music food has worked well for Jazz at Domus Fare and is planned to continue at the restaurant next season, Boelter hinted. For news and updates from the Fredonia Jazz Society, visit fredoniajazzsociety.com.