The speakeasies of the '20s required an inside knowledge of their location
and a password to gain entry. Now the Southland has its own 21st century
jazz version -- the Vic. It's hidden in Santa Monica's Victorian Collection
on Main Street, accessible only via a back door (don't expect to get past
the guard without the password), and it offers appealing programs of
first-rate jazz.
Up the stairs is a lovely, Victorian-style dining room, with a stage area
positioned in front of a beautiful cherry and oak wall piece. With the soft
lighting and intimate ambience, it's an engaging setting in which to hear
jazz.
But there's the rub. The Vic is a kind of private jazz club, only open on
Thursday nights. Access is gained through networking, with owner Ray Slayton emphasizing that he wants the room to have the atmosphere of a gathering of friends. How to become part of that gathering? Log on to
http://www.thevicforjazz.com. Next on the Vic's schedule: pianist Mike
Melvoin's trio, Thursday, with sets at 8 and 10 p.m.
Don Heckman, LA Times
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