Tyler Gee
Special to In Motion
For almost two years now Miguel Nin has been putting on live jazz at his Daytona Cigar Club in hopes of reviving what he sees as culturally important music.
“I believe the music is key,” he said, explaining the key to his success among many locals.
“It’s all about the atmosphere. I also think it has to do with the people I work with. We’re surrounded by people with the same mentality. We all want the same exact thing and that’s to keep the music alive in Daytona,” he proclaimed passionately.
The Daytona Cigar Club is a spacious lounge located on downtown Beach Street and Magnolia Avenue, right in the heart of what some consider the “art district.” It opened in October of 2016 and in that short amount of time has attracted a solid group of enthusiasts from around the metropolitan area. It’s a lively place to spend a few hours or to have a relaxing night out with your friends, but Nin’s hopes for his business go much further than a simple cigar shop.
To him, “Absolutely jazz is the root of all music and we shouldn’t forget that tradition. People forgot how jazz is American culture, it goes right along with burgers and fries. I bring American culture in here, an important culture I don’t think people should forget.”
Long touted as America’s only original art form, jazz seems to be on the upswing, especially among students.
Ian Kane is a local jazz guitarist who has lived here his entire life and is supportive of Nin’s business saying.
“I think what Miguel is trying to do is vital for the growth of our local culture,” he said.
On why this type or style of music could potentially be so important, Ian explained that, “What makes jazz in particular important to keep alive is its obligation to history. You cannot detach the music from the history that created it. Where it’s came from and where it continues to go is as much a part of the experience as the instruments being played”
Daytona State College student Maya Kamath, 19, says that she and her friends occasionally listen to jazz, but had never known of any live venues in town. “If I had known that we had something like this in town I would’ve definitely brought my friends there.”
Another indication of jazz’s resurgence is WUCF-FM 89.9, which has been broadcast out of Orlando since 1978. In recent years, it has become part of the University of Central Florida’s public education program and it remains the highest-rated, dedicated jazz station in the region, reinforcing the continued demand for jazz-styled music.
Unfortunately, the signal cannot be picked up in northern Volusia County, but through the magic of the Internet, listeners can tune in at http://www.wucf.org/listen/ Another popular jazz program is hosted by Marion County band leader Gene Martin at http://thegenemartinshow.com/
Nin’s hopes his small weekly jazz revival is just the beginning. “I wish that I could have jazz, every night of the week. Not just Friday night. And not only just jazz, also have salsa, Caribbean type music, all other types of music, that’s what I’d love to be able to do someday.”
Right now, one of his main goals is to bring in the younger crowd.
“Everybody comes out here listens to the jazz playing, no matter what age group they’re in and they love it. What I promote is a relaxing atmosphere, not just relaxing but a fun and relaxing atmosphere that does not exclude any age group. People who are college age, as well as guys in their 70s, can come in here and all get together and all enjoy the same thing. Very few places in Daytona are that open to this age range.”
The Daytona Cigar Club is located at 200 S Beach St, Daytona Beach and features live jazz every Friday night from 7:30 to 10:00 pm.
Back on campus, the Daytona State College Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Abe Alam, is opening its ranks to community members who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, drums or assorted percussion instruments. Rehearsals begin for another season on Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 7 to 9:50 p.m. on DSC’s Daytona Beach Campus, Jeanne M. Goddard Center.
The jazz ensemble focuses on contemporary compositions and arrangements for the big band format and provides a challenging and enriching experience for the student, amateur and professional alike. The group is open to all who can read music. There are typically two to three performances per semester and some may be off campus at various local venues. Regular weekly rehearsals are scheduled throughout the year on Wednesday evenings. There are no fees associated with participation except for those who are seeking college credit.
Contact Peter Waidelich at 386- 506-4690 or Peter.Waidelich@DaytonaState.edu.