Blush Hosts Hot Sax

Photo taken by Weslie Langton

On Monday nights at 7:30, local jazz musicians go to Blush to play music for both themselves and the public to enjoy. One of the musicians you can find playing there is Chinime Orjinta. He has been playing the saxophone for 10 years and is pursuing a major in jazz studies and music education here at UMD.

“I love jazz because it is a great expression of oneself, and it is one of the hardest skills to learn,” Orjinta said.

Jazz is a very complicated and intimate art form. Upon walking in, it almost feels like interrupting. Seeing the musicians so in sync with each other makes them look like they are in a world of their own.

Blush is located in downtown Duluth. It is an art gallery, music venue and bar.

The atmosphere at blush is, well, jazzy. The room is solely lit by colorful spotlights. There is some seating at the bar and a few tables. In the small room, the band acts as a centerpiece. 

The band plays lots of jazz classics you know and love with a sprinkle of some other songs you may not have heard of. Every few songs they switch out musicians. Listeners get a chance to hear from many different people all in one night. You won’t always see the same musicians every week. Whoever shows up with their instrument can go ahead and play.

Monday night jazz is not a new event, and it looks like it is here to stay. Orjinta shared that this has already been going on for a couple years now. 

“I think Monday night jazz will continue in years to come. There are a lot of upcoming musicians who want to keep the jazz tradition alive,” Orjinta said.

Going to this event supports both the arts and a local business. Admission is free, and the musicians are beyond talented. Blush also keeps it safe by offering hand sanitizer and free masks at the door.

“People should attend this event to become more aware of the jazz scene and see some live music during a pandemic,” Orjinta said. Monday night jazz can be seen live at 7:30 at Blush, 18 N 1st Ave W, Duluth, MN 55802. You must be at least 21 years of age to enter.