Live jazz, a relaxed ambiance and a spicy Bloody Mary all for about the same price as a movie and popcorn'talk about a great alternative for a night out on the town. Gilly's, a local jazz spot, is located on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson streets, only a five minute ride from campus.

Owner Jerry Gillotti has been bringing jazz greats such as Tony Bennett and Herbie Hancock to Dayton since 1972. He was recently honored by the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music for his more than 30 years of dedication to bringing great jazz to Ohio. The university awarded him with the William Lawless Jones Award, which is named in memory of Lt. Col. William Lawless Jones, (Ret.), a military intelligence officer, professor and jazz historian.

Gillotti, a UD graduate himself, was warm and welcoming upon my first visit to Gilly's to watch 21-year-old piano prodigy Taylor Eigsti. He stood behind the wooden bar as he talked, fixing drinks for the trickle of audience members that were starting to fill up the club.

Soft jazz music played in the background of the dimly lit, large open room that housed a nice size stage and seating for more than 150. The crowd of about 75 ranged from college students to older couples and everyone in between.

Everyone seemed to know Gillotti, and the friendly atmosphere is what you would expect in a small town of a few hundred. Some patrons gathered at tables chatting and ordering drinks, while others chose the rows of stadium like seating in back. There was not a bad seat in the house. My $10 ticket already seemed quite worth the price, but I was curious if Eigsti would live up to the hype.

He looked like a normal 21-year-old to me, as he told me a bit about the U.S. tour he was completing. Dayton was his second to last stop before leaving for Europe to play at the London Jazz Festival and Switzerland Piano Festival during the next several weeks.

Eigsti lived up to his reputation, playing a set that ranged from a peaceful West Side Story piece, to a funky arrangement of John Coltrane's music. He was accompanied by a bassist and a drummer, and together the trio's sound was a splendid mix of contemporary jazz. Eigisti is signed under Concord Records and his newest CD 'Lucky to Be Me,' promises to be a fresh take on classical originals and jazz standards. On the album he incorporates funk, hip-hop and swing into classic composition.

Gilly's offers reasonably priced shows on weekend nights mostly, but the schedule varies and some weekday performances are scheduled. New for the club, starting this November, they will be having $2 Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. every week. The contemporary jazz trio Little Giant will play each week, with only a $2 cover and $2 Miller Hi-Lifes all night.

If you are looking to experience some of the culture Dayton has to offer, need a break from the typical bar scene or simply love music, check out what Gilly's has to offer. Dress is business causal. Food is not served except for occasional appetizers and potato chip baskets. The club is also proud of its non-smoking policy, which Gillotti imposed a few years ago because of health concerns. A schedule of upcoming shows can be seen at http://www.hometown.aol.com/gillyjazz.myhompage/business.html.