Velvet Nights

By Lisa Duncan

By day, Producer Liz Cole helps bring the hit television series Tracker to life. By night, she slips behind the microphone and into a world of jazz, storytelling, and song.

The glamorous Los Angeles vocalist arrived in our Eden by the Sea last Saturday for a one-night-only appearance at The Grand on State, joined by her partner, acclaimed drummer Aaron Serfaty, celebrated pianist Otmaro Ruíz, and Santa Barbara bass virtuoso David Piltch.

“This room feels so different! Fresh faces, a fresh audience – that’s always exciting.” Cole shared before taking the stage.

Serfaty and Ruíz, both Venezuelan-born musicians and longtime faculty members at USC’s Thornton School of Music, have shared stages, friendships, and musical adventures for more than two decades. Their chemistry was unmistakable.

Meanwhile, our tony town is fortunate to call David Piltch its own. The internationally acclaimed bassist has performed with Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, and Randy Newman – a musical résumé that reads like a Who’s Who of contemporary music.

Of course, every good secret needs a proper hiding place.

Tucked discreetly beside the Granada Theatre in the heart of the Theater District, The Grand on State already feels like the sort of place insiders hesitate to mention for fear it may soon be impossible to get a table.

The intimate club is the vision of Brian Mann and Jenna Berg, who have created Santa Barbara’s long-missing late-night jazz destination.

For Liz, it was love at first sight.

“The feeling when you walk inside – the jewel colors, the atmosphere – it’s such a gem!” she said.

Wrapped in rich velvet curtains, velvet banquettes, and candlelight, the room feels worlds away from the high street bustle outside.

As cocktails flowed and the final notes drifted from the Steinway into the evening air, it became clear that something special is happening downtown.

“The sound is beautiful, and the people are lovely!” Cole observed.

After Saturday night, one suspects Liz was right – the sound was indeed beautiful, the people were lovely, and her velvety vocals lingered long after the final note.