Text size:

Coffee shop perks up at night for jazz jam

By Sheila Burt | Special to the Tribune

March 13, 2009

Once a month, high school student Derrick Tate finds himself at Caribou Coffee in Homewood, but not to while away the time by sipping lattes. The 18-year-old is working toward his future by jamming with other musicians.

On the first Friday of every month, the coffee shop on 183rd Street is transformed into a jazz club, with like-minded music lovers improvising their way through the night.

"It brings jazz back up to the surface. It brings out the true-loving jazz people … to actually see it and feel it," said session drummer Grant Niebergall.

Jazz night at Caribou started last April when Kim Schumacher, who manages the store, approached longtime customer Chris Ussery about coordinating a live music open mic. Ussery, an adjunct music instructor at Prairie State College, heads the school's music production program and works with several students and professional musicians in the jazz community. Schumacher made a proposition: You come in and play once a month, and we'll donate 20 percent of the evening's proceeds to the school.

So Ussery got some musicians together, and, through word of mouth, more and more started showing up, along with the crowds.

"We were looking to be involved in our community," Schumacher said. She estimates that between 40 and 60 people attend the sessions, which bring in $300 to $400 for Prairie State's music program.

Tate, a senior at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, plays alto saxophone. He can be seen jamming and improvising with anyone from professional musicians to middle school students.

"Music is what I want to do as a career," said the Country Club Hills resident. "It's actually literally what I live for."

Ussery said when young musicians first showed up, they played things they knew, but the approach has changed.

"They play things that just run through their heads, and that's what jazz is all about. If you know one microsecond before you play, what you're going to play, then that's not jazz."

That freedom keeps Ty Staehlin, a freshman at Homewood-Flossmoor, coming to jazz nights to play his trombone.

"I just like the fact that it's an open mic, and pretty much you can play whatever you want," he said. "It's a very laid back and casual experience."

One jazz night in March, a rotating group of 10 musicians, including an 11-year-old, played music alternating in tempo and volume. With no empty seats in sight, several customers stood by the coffee bar, swaying to the music and holding their drinks.

The setup gives students the chance to learn while performing with professional musicians like Niebergall.

"I think it's great for the community to be able to see the next generation coming up. I used to be their age and I never gave up," he said.

Customer Michael Miller, who lives in Homewood, was impressed by the improvisation.

"They play very well together," he said. "I wasn't expecting this many musicians either."

Miller, 35, grew up listening to jazz and owns Yesterday's Jazz Barber Shop in Homewood. He heard about the sessions after stopping in Caribou and even brought his family.

Proceeds go to a general music fund which will help with the school's growing music programs, Ussery said.

"I think that it's a great cause," Schumacher said. "A lot of music departments in high schools and colleges start to get dropped when money gets tight, and I think it's important to be involved in those type of things."

Since the jazz nights have become popular, Schumacher said she hopes to book other types of bands for open Friday and Saturday nights. She also hopes to display the work of art students.

Even in a down economy, Schumacher considers jazz nights an inexpensive night out.

"Where else can you go?" she said. "My most expensive drink is $4.80 for an evening of entertainment and a lot of personal interaction. There are a lot people you can meet and really just have a good time."