Visitors will get to see how the Gadsden Museum of Art is evolving during its fifth annual Night of Jazz on Feb. 17.
During the evening — which starts at 6 p.m. at the museum, located at 515 Broad St. in Gadsden — attendees will enjoy a jazz trio performance, eat food catered by Tre Ragazzi and check out art in the galleries. They’ll also get to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum, which curator Ray Wetzel said is meant to give patrons a look at how the museum is changing.
“If you came to Night of Jazz last year, you saw what the museum looked like. You can see this year where your money went to,” Wetzel said.
Improvements include two new galleries, one of which is nearly complete on the first floor in the space where historical items once sat. The other will feature artwork from students throughout Etowah County. The museum has also been cleaned up, Wetzel said, with new paint upstairs.
Musicians Arnold Montgomery, Andy Nevala and Thomas McCutchen will perform what Montgomery called a mix of straight-ahead jazz, bebop and some funk. Montgomery said that he wanted an opportunity to expose local audiences to jazz, and the museum show seemed like the perfect way to do it.
“I just want people to appreciate jazz for what it is, and I love the venue,” he said.
McCutchen and Nevala are both JSU music professors, while Montgomery builds hand-made saxophone mouthpieces locally. Wetzel said that while the trio will get together for the GMA event, they’re not a regular act that one might see around town. Instead, they’re a one-night-only attraction.
“It’s a night of special music you can’t experience if you sit at home,” Wetzel said.
Art will be on sale during the evening, including pieces from the museum’s archives. Wetzel said that most pieces will be marked under $50. There will also be a silent auction, with prizes including donations from local stores and restaurants. Funding from ticket sales and the auctions will help purchase uniform display cases, new lighting and build on the museum’s art outreach programs for schools.
Guests will also get to see the museum’s current exhibits, including local photographer Lexie Bush’s “The Ring Road,” Dave Thomas’ “There Are No Kings Here” and Melissa Tubbs’ “Celebration and Preservation.” Thomas’ work, kept on the second floor, is especially striking, with boldly-colored paintings made mostly with the artist’s thumbprints.
Wetzel stressed that though the evening is close to Valentine’s Day — and even makes for a nice date night — singles are welcome to attend, and the night is meant to be a casual, fun evening, even without a date.
Tickets to the event are $30 per person or $50 per couple. Eight-person tables are $200. Tickets can be purchased at the museum in advance. Those who aren’t able to attend can still make donations to the museum. Call 256-546-7365 for more information.