Every second and fourth Friday of the month, the Mexican joint Muñecas Downtown transforms from its usual restaurant setting into a lively space filled with jazz.
What began as an occasional event has become a recurring favorite night for customers who seek good food, a comfortable atmosphere and live music by the two-person local group “Jazz Life,” alongside a changing slate of special guests.
The restaurant fills up for the event, which normally takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. For many customers, the live music is a key attraction that motivates them to return. The Jan. 9 performance, which featured special guest guitarist Spencer Hofert, was no exception.
Theresa Martin, a retiree and restaurant customer, decided to go out for the first time in a while on Jan. 9 so she could enjoy the jazz night.
“The young man playing the guitar, Spencer, is super gifted and talented, so that's another reason that got me out here, and the music is great,” Martin said.
For her, jazz transforms the dining atmosphere. The event took place inside the restaurant near the bar, where the space filled with people eating Mexican dishes or having drinks while listening to the music.
On Jan. 9, some nodded along from their tables, and applause followed at the end of each set. The performance shifted between relaxed and more upbeat jazz, creating an environment where guests could enjoy the music without it overpowering conversation.
More restaurants should invest in live music, Martin added, saying these kinds of events make Muñecas special.
“We are supporting the arts and musicians, and it’s entertainment,” she said. “When you have good food and good music, it doesn't get much better than that.”
The impact is also clear from the kitchen.
Vincent Cretella, the 35-year-old night kitchen manager, said Jazz Night used to occur less frequently, but that changed after management noticed the increased public response.
“We just picked up the pace because we realized that our customers really enjoy coming out and seeing the live music,” he said.
Cretella said the goal is to create “a more comfortable atmosphere" that inspires people to come out, and he emphasized the importance of supporting local musicians.
The Jazz Life group is based around keyboardist Howard Wapner and bassist Rafael Abdalla, a Brazilian musician and winner of two DownBeat Magazine student prizes for his album “Alafia.”
For Wapner, 67, playing in a restaurant allows for a unique connection.
“In the restaurant setting, it's the kind of music that people can pay attention to or not pay attention to,” he said. “I hope it eases their troubles and makes them forget about all the troubles and enjoy the moment.”
For him, jazz has no end. He enjoys that the genre is both challenging and fun, he said.
In addition to its core two members, Jazz Life always features a rotating guest artist when it plays at Muñecas. Guitarist Spencer Hofert joined Wapner and Abdalla on Jan. 9, filling the restaurant with soft, soulful jazz.
Terri Skiles, a 70-year-old retiree, has known Hofert since she was a child. She attended the event to watch him perform and enjoy good food.
“I have known the guitar player since he was a little boy,” she said. “I have watched him and his talent grow, and I know that whatever he attaches to is gonna be a wonderful time.”
The next Jazz Life will take place at Muñecas Downtown Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
Contact Ornella Moreno at omoreno@alligator.org. Follow her on X @ornellamorenom.
