Jazz May Fade Out At the Smithsonian
Projected Loss Threatens Friday Cafe

By Jacqueline Trescott
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 6, 2007

The Smithsonian Jazz Cafe could vanish as early as June 29.

The cafe materializes every Friday evening at the National Museum of Natural History, where the cafeteria tables are covered with white linens, the lights are dimmed and the sounds of milling tourists are replaced by the strains of the alto sax.

The Jazz Cafe was started six years ago for the tourists as well as local jazz fans. It helped give the museum a nightlife. Supporters say it is an exceptional evening that started free and is still a bargain with the current $10 cover charge.

The cafe operates under the umbrella of Smithsonian Business Ventures. SBV, which oversees the profit-making divisions of the Smithsonian, such as the cafes, theaters and gift shops, told the cafe organizers that the jazz operation could lose $94,000 this year and therefore could have to close this summer. SBV told the organizers not to book any acts after June.

"They do not share profit-and-loss statements with me but my understanding is that the cafe was profitable in years past," says Randall Kremer, the museum's public relations director. His office books acts for the Jazz Cafe.

"The cafe was never judged solely on the basis of its profitability," Kremer says. "It was recognized for its contribution to the cultural fabric of Washington, D.C., and for its ability to bring in new and diverse audiences to the museum."

Donald C. Wilson, a consultant who works with nonprofit groups, has been a supporter from the beginning.

"What is really interesting is it is a rare place that is a meeting ground for all types of Washingtonians," he says. "Every color, every age, every income strata. It is one of the best investments the Smithsonian makes."

According to Kremer, the programs attract 250 to 350 people. A party for tenor saxophonist Buck Hill's 80th birthday recently drew 500 people, the largest crowd to date. Other performers have included pianist Arturo O'Farrill, slide guitarist J. Geils, flutist Ali Ryerson and guitarist Russell Malone. Tonight, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and the Statesmen of Jazz are scheduled to appear.

SBV has a $40,000 annual budget to pay the musicians, Kremer says. That is supplemented by gifts and funds from other institution offices, such as the Smithsonian Women's Committee and the Smithsonian Latino Center.

The cafe brings in money from the cover charge, a buffet and drinks. A spokesman for SBV said the office could not provide detailed numbers, so it wasn't clear why the cafe is in the red.

The Smithsonian's emphasis on jazz goes back to its recordings of early jazz bands. It also sponsors the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, founded in 1990, and Jazz Appreciation Month, now in its sixth year.

"These are concerts of excellent music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere," said John Edward Hasse, curator of American music at the National Museum of American History. Hasse organizes the Jazz Appreciation events in April but is not connected with the Jazz Cafe. "It is good for the Smithsonian because it is an outstanding public program and public service. It builds goodwill and good publicity through the broadcasts on XM Satellite Radio and WPFW."

Live jazz is having a renaissance in Washington, with the Kennedy Center, Music Center at Strathmore, Library of Congress, George Mason Center for the Arts and Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center bringing in international names. And clubs, such as Blues Alley and Twins, regularly book established and up-and-coming performers.

There is a place for live music at a museum, says Larry Appelbaum, a jazz specialist at the Library of Congress and host of "The Sound of Surprise" on WPFW.

"It's great that the Smithsonian has Duke Ellington's scores and Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet, but jazz is also a living art form and it's best experienced live," he says. "The loss of the Jazz Cafe would be a serious blow, not just for jazz fans and musicians but for the cultural life of this city."