Music Café returns to Soldiers’ Theatre

By Laura KreiderJanuary 21, 2023

Music Café returns to Soldiers’ Theatre
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – VICENZA, Italy - Barry Robinson, music director, right, plays his bass alongside other musicians, while checking the sound system for the first edition of Music Café Jan. 22, 2023. The monthly event returns to Soldiers’ Theatre after a two-year break for the pandemic. (Photo Credit: Laura Kreider) VIEW ORIGINAL
Music Café returns to Soldiers’ Theatre
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – VICENZA, Italy - Barry Robinson, music director, right, tests some equipment during a rehearsal while preparing for the first edition of Music Café at Soldiers’ Theatre Jan. 22, 2023 after a two-year break for the pandemic. Robinson’s outlook of Music Café is that it is a mixture of Americans and Italians collaborating on different music, and a relaxing place to enjoy music. (Photo Credit: Laura Kreider) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICENZA, Italy - “We’re excited to be able to bring back Music Café,” said Jerry Brees, Entertainment Director at U. S. Army Garrison Italy Soldiers’ Theatre, “It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy amazing music.”

The event, which has been very popular for a decade for both audiences and musicians will restart Jan. 22, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., and will be the first one after the pandemic.

Music Director Barry Robinson, coordinator of the monthly event, recalled that Music Café started in January 2010 and continued for 95 consecutive editions, until it had to stop just after its 10-year anniversary in January 2020.

Music Café returns to Soldiers’ Theatre
VICENZA, Italy - Music Director Barry Robinson introduces the 10th anniversary of Music Café at Soldiers’ Theatre on Caserma Ederle Jan. 17, 2020. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, the monthly event will restart Jan. 22, 2023. (Photo Credit: Laura Kreider) VIEW ORIGINAL

“When I started Music Café I wasn’t sure how to address the audience, but I stood and said to myself ‘I play it off the cuff.’ And, since then, there is no script, and, improvising along with the musicians who come, makes every event unique,” he said.

For Robinson, Music Café is an “open stage night” where participants sign up and put their names on the list when they arrive.

“They don’t need to write what they will perform, only let me know if they may need other musicians to accompany them. Then, they can practice in the other room near the lobby before their performance,” he said.

Music Café returns to Soldiers’ Theatre
VICENZA, Italy - Barry Robinson, music director tests some equipment during a rehearsal while preparing for the first edition of Music Café. The monthly event will return to Soldiers’ Theatre Jan. 22, 2023, after a two-year break for the pandemic. (Photo Credit: Laura Kreider) VIEW ORIGINAL

Robinson’s outlook of Music Café is that it is a mixture of Americans and Italians collaborating on different music, and a relaxing place to enjoy music.

“Here, you learn techniques that make you a better musician. And, if you are a first-time performer or have never performed live in front of an audience, this is the best place to start because the audience is always friendly and encouraging; it’s never an intimidating environment,” he said.

Throughout all the editions, he met many musicians. One of them, Simone Rossetto, an Italian saxophone player, has known Robinson since 2017.

“On a musical level, I am very in tune with him. Barry’s [Robinson] playing reminds me of the 70’s style, my childhood,” he added.

Music Café returns to Soldiers’ Theatre
VICENZA, Italy - Simone Rossetto, an Italian saxophone player, left, plays with other Italian musicians, while checking the sound system for the first edition of Music Café Jan. 22, 2023. The monthly event returns to Soldiers’ Theatre after a two-year break for the pandemic.

“I’ve always loved jam sessions,” said Rossetto. “I never missed this appointment especially for its pleasant atmosphere and for the great opportunity to meet other musicians I know. I hope it will keep going on.” (Photo Credit: Laura Kreider)
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Rossetto is very glad this monthly event is now back.

“I’ve always loved jam sessions,” he continued. “I never missed this appointment especially for its pleasant atmosphere and for the great opportunity to meet other musicians I know. I hope it will keep going on.”

For those interested in joining jam sessions and appreciate live music every month visit Soldiers’ Theatre on Caserma Ederle or call DSN 646-4781 or 0444-71 4781.