Not unlike the speakeasys of the Prohibition days, where a store front gave way to back room entertainment, Henry Wong?s An Die Musik LIVE! is a 21st- century establishment of unexpected musical surprises. On Monday nights, the Peabody Jazz Quartet plays traditional and contemporary selections.
“We set up in the bar area on the other side of the CD store,” said Jeff Chang, the quartet?s saxaphone player, “and we start the evening with jazz standards, like Miles Davis. Then we go on to our original repertoire.”
Not a bad gig, by his own admission, for four Peabody students. And Chang, along with several other groups of performers, have Henry Wong to thank for the opportunity.
In business for 10 years, Wong?s store specializes in a huge selection of classical and jazz CDs and DVDs.
He will special order whatever is not in his stock. Wong, with background in bio chemistry, admits to “a strong passion to preserve classical music and jazz for the younger generation and the entire community.”
In addition to his downstairs entertainmment area, he takes live performance to another intimate level in what he calls his “comfortable setting” on the building?s second floor. Here, about 75 armchairs are placed around the room in such a fashion that allows for the musicians and the audience to share the music in an intimate, non-threatening space.
Kevin Leese, a regular patron, loves the upstairs atmosphere and the Victorian high-back chairs. “It feels like I?m in someone?s living room,” he said.
“It?s important to pamper your audiences,” said Wong, who also books acts including classical guitar and piano recitals.
“The music scene is really friendly here in Baltimore,” said Jeff Chang, noting that in Boston where he previously studied, there is a great deal of competition and little or no chance of finding steady work in an atmosphere like An Die Musik?s. He and his group, comprised of Devin Arne on guitar, Blake Meister on bass, and Shareef Taher at the drums, look forward to a long engagement in Henry Wong?s music store.
Peabody Jazz Quartet
The Peabody Jazz Quartet appears at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
» Venue: An die Musik, 409 North Charles St., Baltimore
» Tickets: $8 general admission, $5 students and seniors
» Info: 888-221-6170 or
410-385-2638
