It started with a phone call 25 years ago. One of Mike Scott's friends wasexcited about a new genre of music called smooth jazz. What followed was a quarter century love affair. First a radio show — the long-running Mike Scott Jazz Show on 1230 WCWA — then promoting concerts, now — for the last year — operating 151 On The Water. Formerly Murphy's — a renowned jazz joint with
a pleasant touch of grit — 151 looks alittle different (the stage has moved to create more space) but the beautiful building on the river remains a gem of a space.
At 151’s one-year anniversary Scott thinks he has found a groove; changing the genre of music, based on the day, to keep his crowds diverse and the music fresh.
“We do smooth jazz on Tuesdays, acoustic music (open mics) on Wednesdays, blues on
Thursdays and top 40 on the weekends,” says Scott. “With different acts foreveryday, you have a chance to draw different groups of people.”
Although he keeps his selection eclectic, his true passion still lies in smooth jazz. He was a DJ specializing in R&B and funk when his friend
introduced him to it all those years ago.
And that’s when the radio show started, followed quickly by concert promotions. He brought Najee and Alex Bungnon to Toledo — both of which sold out. And, currently he's working on a few big projects. Although 151 has designated music genres for each night, nothing is set in stone — Scott is in the process of bringing some bigger projects in (including an offer for Average White Band), not only in smooth jazz, but reggae, funk and even comedy.
151 also boasts a kitchen with two all-star chefs (Clinton Kelly, formerly of Georgios and Sylvester Robinson,
formerly of Maumee Chop House), which Scott says is helpful in terms of the
music because the menu is inventive and varied. In terms of price and quality, 151 provides the best of both worlds — you can grab a sandwich at lunch for under $10 and at night you can enjoy a gourmet meal of steaks, pasta, salads and plenty of appetizers.
“They come for the food and stay for the music,” Scott said.
Upcoming Events
Fri., & Sat., May 18 & 19
Boffo
Tues., May 22 & 29
CJ & Company
Wed., May 23
Accoustic Magic
Thurs., May 24 & 31
The Good, The Bad & The Blues
Fri., & Sat., May 25 & 26 DESIRE
Wed., May 30
Start High School Jazz Band