NEALfest Jazz Jam

The origin story of live music at Transfer Pizzeria Cafe begins with Neal Chandek, a quintessential jazzer who was in his element on-stage and faced many personal challenges off. Neal was a hustler and a tireless promoter, and convinced co-owner Russell Rossetto to start a weekly jazz night on Tuesdays. From 2008 until the pandemic put a stop to things in 2020, every Tuesday featured The Transfer House Band, a core trio along with a vibrant scene of singers, sit-ins and music aficionados of all ages and persuasions.
Neal did not survive the pandemic, and neither did The Transfer House Band, but what remains is the spirit of those nights and a myriad of musical relationships that emerged.
Neal used to put together an extraordinary jam session on the last Tuesday of June every year to “blow up” his birthday and bring together his musical family. We continue this tradition with NEALfest. Neal student/protege/band mate, the trumpeter Joel Lehman, has carried the torch for Neal in organizing this evening of good ole hanging out and jamming. Joining us this evening in some form or fashion are: Joel Lehman, Dennis Ferminech, Dwayne Williams, Bony Benavides, Sam Steffke, Victor Reid, Artrell LaFlore, Patrick Burton, Victor Campbell, Tony Jefferson, Jim Shoberg, Isaac Repinski, Russell Rossetto and more...
Reservations are recommended. We will NOT be able to accommodate everyone in the front room for this event, we apologize in advance. Please be understanding.
Bar and counter seats are first-come, first served. They will fill up, so please arrive early if you don’t mind a backless counter stool or a high bar chair.