Everyone is welcomed to channel their inner rock star and hop on stage during Open Jam sessions nights hosted at Jay D Birds on the Water Bar and Grill, 19240 SE Hwy 42, Weirsdale.
The reoccurring open music nights are currently held on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., but will be moving to Thursdays from 6 to 10 p.m. at the venue located on the Ocklawaha River after thanksgiving. Being on the water allows the venue to be accessed by boat or folks can make a true star’s entrance and arrive by seaplane.
The goal of the Open Jam sessions is to welcome different bands to the stage to host the show and back any audience members want to perform.
“This is a great way for us to get to know the local talent and expose them to the venue. It’s also a way we can audition local bands who want to perform here,” said Shawn Estep, one of the owners of the restaurant.
“We can get them in front of our audience and learn if they would be a great fit in the future. We have a strong desire to get to know the market.”The music style changes from week to week depending on the audience and band, but Estep said there is a strong audience appreciation for classic rock, as well as 80s and 90s rock band music.“But the Open Jams can bring out various sounds from country, blues, rock and more,” Estep said.
One band that’s made consistent appearances on the Jay D Birds stage is Fairwinds, a Tampa-based band specializing in country, rock, and easy listening styles.
With a 42-year career as a musician, Fairwinds multi-instrumentalist Eddie Lazarski said he enjoys doing open jam sessions because it gives him the chance to meet a lot of new musicians just starting out.
“I enjoy listening to new talent and getting to jam with lots of great people,” Lazarski said.Along with Fairwinds, Jay D Birds on the Water brings in regional and national artists to headline shows — including Joe Reid & Heartland performing on Nov. 30 or Jeff Vitolo & The Quarter Mile Rebels set to perform on Dec. 28.
“We really want host shows that are diverse,” Estep said, “and showcase all kinds of talented musicians.”
For the venue owners, the ambience of the bar and grill is just as important as the live entertainment. The outdoor area glows at night thanks to the trees wrapped with colorful IP65 lights and disco balls hanging from the stage.
“We wanted it to feel like it’s an extension of our backyard. It’s honestly magical here with the music and lights,” Estep said. “There is nothing like this in Marion County. It’s well worth the trip.”
He added that part of the venue’s attractiveness is what makes it distinct.
“The venue is absolutely gorgeous. From the lights, food and friendly staff, I joke that it’s an oasis on the swamp,” Lazarski said with a big grin.
The next Open Jam sessions will is set for Dec. 5, with a night of tunes mashing up of blues and classic rock.
For more information about the bar and grill, visit jaydbirds.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
