Che’s Puts Piano

Players in a Jam

Island piano jamming is back.

The next Piano Night at Che’s Lounge is on Tuesday, July 7. David Stanwood will be there playing his Livingroom Improvisations; Maitland Edey playing Stride piano in the style of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson and others; Peter Maclean with his classic jazz pieces; Paul Thurlow playing original percussive style piano; and Adam Lipsky (pictured) playing original compositions and improvisations. Other pianists are bound to show up, too.

The new twice-monthly Che’s event has its roots in the Two Piano Jams that were presented by David Stanwood at the Wintertide Coffeehouse in the 1980s. In those days as many as 15 pianists would play, invariably ending in a boogie-woogie finale. Music-lovers will wax on about one jam long ago at the youth hostel, when eight pianists were playing simultaneously on four pianos with a driving boogie beat.

The Che’s Piano Nights are produced by Mr. Stanwood, who has been tuning and restoring pianos on the Vineyard for 30 years at his Lambert’s Cove piano shop. He’s looking for “closet pianists,” amateurs or professionals, anyone who can offer even one piece of any style. The spirit is of sharing with the audience. Interested pianists can call 508-693-1583 or e-mail stanwood@tiac.net. Che’s Lounge is on Main street in Vineyard Haven.