Farewell To Ryles Jazz Club

Farewell To Ryles Jazz Club

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Yoko Miwa (p), Sean Farias (b), Scott Goulding (d). Photo by Jay Tee.

Yoko Miwa (p), Sean Farias (b), Scott Goulding (d). Photo by Jay Tee.

I was still a student at Berklee when I started playing with the Ryles Jazz Orchestra; leader Frank Vardaros asked me to play with him on his Sunday brunch gig. When he left town he gave me the gig, when eventually increased from once a month to twice.

The second and fourth Sundays at Ryles Jazz Brunch have been the home for the Yoko Miwa Trio for the past 15+ years, our longest-running residency. The majority of those years we would perform Friday night, Saturday night, then sleep a few hours and head over to play brunch at Ryles. We were exhausted sometimes but as soon as I would touch the piano I always received a surge of energy and the music would always just flow. The room has a feel and a special sound. I’ve become good friends with its Yamaha piano after so many years and I’m going to miss it dearly.

Photo by Jay Tee.

Photo by Jay Tee.

The brunch was always well attended with appreciative audiences and lots of regulars whom I’ve been seeing twice per month for many years. We are all sad that Ryles is closing after more than 40 years of operation. It’s an institution in this city and it’s going to leave a void that will be hard to fill.

I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to Gary Mitchell and Aimee Baum; not only for giving me the opportunity but also for always believing in me, being so supportive and allowing me to be myself. Thank you also to the wonderful staff at Ryles — it’s been an honor and a pleasure getting to know all of you. The Yoko Miwa Trio will perform our last Ryles brunch on Sunday, June 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. I know it’s going to be bittersweet but i hope you will all come to share the moment with us.

Much love,
Yoko

(Here’s more information about the closure of the club.)

Photo by Jay Tee.

Photo by Jay Tee.

ryles3

10 Responses

  1. Kaoru Koide says:
    June 13, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    I really wish I could be there on 24th！
    Ryles has been one of my heavenly places since 1986．Wishing successful concert Yoko san！

    Reply
  2. Kimberly Stephens says:
    June 14, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    Sundays will not be the same without Ryles. My son found his love of music here. I echo your sentiments and hope another spot opens to fill this gaping hole. Best of luck in all you do.

    Reply
  3. Joe Abraham says:
    June 14, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    Many tuneful memories of Sunday brunch at Ryles. Thanks Yoko!

    Reply
  4. phil crutchfield & Nina Avergun says:
    June 14, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    We also sad that RYLES is closing plus missing you performing there as well thankfully we will be able to follow your performances elsewhere

    Reply
  5. Rob says:
    June 14, 2018 at 6:05 pm

    So unhappy that I will be out of town on June 24.

    Rob

    Reply

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