South Texas summers can be hard to handle, but what Artpace is doing Friday night should make it a little easier. It’s a music series that pits hot summer nights against cool, live jazz.
“Nothing could be better on a summer night," said Arpace’s Francesca Rattray. And what she’s talking about is The Hardbop Project, music inspired by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, playing live on the third floor rooftop of Artpace.
“All of our exhibition studios will be open," said Rattray. "So we invite people who will be coming on Friday night to take a look at our summer artist-in-residence exhibition, which is upright now. And also our Hudson Showroom which is featuring right now Vincent Valdez."
It all kicks off at 8 p.m., the band starts playing at 9. It’s $10 a head, but if you’re an Artpace member it costs you nothing.
“Our rooftop is a great place to cool off in the summer, a nice breeze blowing up there and a great view of downtown,” Rattray said.
It’s all a part of Artpace’s occasional Rooftop Jazz Series, which brings people together in an artful setting. Food and drink are also a part of the festivities, as Rattray explained.
“We’re going to have ale provided by Blue Moon Brewery, some deserts from Joseph’s Bakery, appetizers from Tailgate Bistro that will be free on the roof, and also their food truck will be on the street,” she said.
Artpace is a contemporary art museum, and on Friday night, they’re combining that art with jazz music.
“We are an urban experience for people to come downtown, experience the art at a great rooftop location overlooking the city," Rattray said. "It should be jazzy!”
- For more on the Rooftop Jazz Series visit: www.artpace.org
