(DECATUR, Ga.)–As we drove up to the weekly Oakhurst neighborhood jazz night between the Solarium and Scout Oakhurst on Thursday, September 25, the sound of the Matt Wauchope Trio playing rhythmic melodies to a crowd of around 150 families, community members, and jazz enthusiasts filled the air. The scene was full of life, the markings of a true community hidden in the details: a family of bikes leaning up against a nearby tree, a picnic blanket with freshly poured wine glasses abandoned in favor of dancing together as the sun set, and teenage boys playing basketball in a nearby driveway.
The band played from 7:00 to 9:00, pausing throughout to shout out the dance moves of particularly expressive children. At one point in the night, the keyboardist invited several kids up to the makeshift stage to improvise on the keys. Declan, the first child invited, who looked to be about 5 years old, took a timid approach, plucking away at keys along to the beat of the others on stage. The girl who raced up to follow his performance opted for a more violent approach, slamming down on the keys with reckless abandon. Despite the differences in their style, both lived up to the keyboardist’s promise that no matter what they did, it would sound good. As the children returned to their posts, the venue broke into fond applause. Fondness truly was the theme of the night: some were there to experience the musical talent, while many simply took this as an opportunity to catch up with their neighbors, share stories about their children going back to school, and enjoy the nice weather before fall turns to winter.
Taylor Star, a young mother from nearby Kirkwood, said that she has been bringing her children to this event for two years, allowing them to get a taste for the arts in a fun and community-focused way.
According to the friendly volunteers tabling, who were overjoyed by the curiosity of me and my photographer, these jazz nights have been taking place every Thursday in September and April since 2003, though this is the last one that will be run by the neighborhood association. This April, the neighboring Solarium, which has long served as the venue for the event, will take over the operations. The Solarium, a non-profit managed by the Community Center of South Decatur, provides event spaces, education, and funding to many local non-profits and charities around the city. The building itself also has a deep history with the community, created in 1915 to serve as a hospital for children with polio who could not afford other care. The Community Center of South Decatur only occupies the west wing, but the entire building is filled with beautiful architecture and rich history.
On the other side of the crowd of filled folding chairs and blankets stood the restaurant Scout Oakhurst. After carefully avoiding giggling children and stray toys, I made my way to the dining patio. I was accompanied by fellow jazz night attendees looking to place a to-go order. The restaurant is itself a neighborhood staple, and on nights like this, its outdoor eating area is full of patrons looking to catch some of the music.
Less than a 5-minute drive, or a beautiful 20-minute walk, from Agnes Scott’s campus, Oakhurst Jazz nights are a fantastic (and college student budget-approved) way to spend a Thursday night. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the music, release your inner child and dance with your friends, or have a nice dinner with a wonderful backdrop of music, laughter, and fresh air, this free event is a wonderful experience.
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