If you love jazz, or crave electrifying performances, you missed out on last Friday night when the Jim Gasior Trio kicked off the “Hot Nights Cool Jazz” happy hour series at The Bass Museum of Art. But, don’t worry. The series continues with a lineup of equally stunning South Florida jazz greats. (See below.)

Dressed in all black, the Jim Gasior Trio mesmerized and electrified the audience with cool jazz in a fabulous space that was jam-packed with art and jazz lovers alike. The museum’s performance space, framed by a kaleidoscope of colorful paintings, bathed the audience in a pinkish-orange glow as the sun set. It looked as if the audience was set ablaze, which was appropriate, because the room was on musical fire. The crowd buzzed with energy as heads nodded in synchronicity—even a jazz novice like me felt the communication cord that connects us all through music. The unexpected jolts and variety of rhythms inherent in jazz mirrors our hectic lives—the weaving in and out of traffic—en route to our final destination.

If last Friday is any indication about the future, the upcoming “Hot Nights Cool Jazz” performances should be just as  hot. Don’t miss this ongoing series on select Fridays throughout September at The Bass Museum of Art. Upcoming performances include South Florida jazz favorites Mike Gerber Trio on Friday, September 10^th and John Yarling & Cut In/Cut Out on Friday, September 24^th. Arrive early. The space fills up fast.

7-9pm Friday, September 10^th and September 24^th at The Bass Museum of Art, 2121 Park Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139; Tickets are free to members and $10 for non-members. Call 305-673-7530.