March 28, 2024

Bovi's Tavern Remains Closed. Famous Jazz Club is Quiet

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In somewhat of a mystery, the long time 'locals' bar and famous Jazz club in East Providence's "six corners" has been closed for several weeks. Emails and calls to members of the Bovi family have not been answered, but a club spokesperson did tell a Boston news blog that although closed for now, the club expects to reopen in the new year. Bovi's went on to say that they don't have a date to re-open yet. A visit to Bovi's on Taunton Avenue revealed doors shut tight and mail stacked up in the front door handle as late as December 28th. A glimpse through the windows showed a still-stocked bar and glasses, etc. on the bar. A neighboring businessman said he had seen no activity in recent days at the club.

Tavern owners had not filed for a renewal of its liquor license when it expired on December 1st, 2015. Bovi's has not contacted city officials with their intent. Not hearing back from Bovi's, the city sent officials to the club in person but they, too, found a closed establishment with no one present. As it stands now, Bovi's cannot reopen until it applies again for its liquor license and pays any fees owed. Rumors of tax troubles have circulated in city circles but the business is "not in arrears in tangible taxes," and could reopen once they square away the license. It is not readily known if the business owes any back property taxes, "but that wouldn't keep them closed," acknowledged city officials. Tax records show that the property at 287 Taunton Avenue is owned by John J. Bovi and was built in 1927. The 2015 city valuation for the building and land is $240,200. John Bovi has owned the property since 1977.

The area of East Providence known as six corners, now has at least three previously popular businesses closed. Across the street from Bovi's is the now closed Copy World printing and almost adjacent to Bovi's is the closed Horton's Sea Food restaurant. Over a year ago Horton's Sea Food owner Brian Coogan argued with city officials over business regulations and Horton's has been closed since. The once popular seafood restaurant has a 2015 valuation of $190,600. It lists current owners as '809 Broadway Associates, LLC'. Horton's problems began when the restaurant was interested in purchasing the Bovi's property and legal matters were never resolved.

Bovi's Tavern caters to locals who stop by daily and for live bands on the weekends. Its most famous claim may be the Bovi contribution to the jazz scene in Rhode Island and indeed, nationally. For close to 50 years the club sponsored a jazz night on Monday evenings. Right up until recently, jazz fans from all over the region would come to Bovi's on Mondays and listen to professional jazz. For most of those years it was the famous Duke Belaire Jazz Band that played to loyal big band and jazz fans. Jazz clubs and special music genre clubs are especially hard to maintain financially and many in New England have closed. This may have contributed to Bovi's decline.

It is deemed a great tradition that Bovi's featured jazz on every Monday night since 1969. That was the first year that jazz great Duke Belaire and his 16 piece orchestra would take over Bovi's on Mondays. Duke Belaire and many talented musicians such as Art Pelosi (tenor sax), Mike Renzi (piano), Zolman “Porky” Cohen (trombone), Dick Johnson (alto sax) and Lou Colombo (trumpet); and later, younger players including Scott Hamilton (tenor and baritone saxes), Paul O’Day (piano), the great R.I. legend Clay Osborne (vocals), Greg Wardson (piano) and Hal Crook to mention some (RI Music Hall of Fame). Even Johnny Carson's band leader, Doc Severinsen made a couple of appearances at Bovi's.

After Duke Belaire retired in 1999, John Bovi brought in John Allmark and his celebrated 16 piece updated Jazz Orchestra. The Allmark band is a bit more progressive and modern than Belaire but still maintains that Bovi's and Belaire Jazz tradition. The Allmark band (JAJO) played right up until the Bovi's doors were closed tight. The Allmark Orchestra is hoping to find a new venue for its fans. "Although there is still no official word yet, it seems that Bovi's Tavern most likely will not be reopening. The good news is there's a plan in place for JAJO to start up Monday nights in a new venue starting in January," said the orchestra's Facebook spokesperson.

"On April 20, 2015, Duke Belaire was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame by John Allmark in a ceremony held at Bovi’s Tavern before a performance by the big band. Tavern owner John Bovi received a special citation in recognition of his commitment to keeping the big band sound alive," said a statement from the RI Music Hall of Fame. John Allmark is a talented trumpeter and can be seen occasionally at the 133 Club on Warren Avenue in East Providence. Allmark will join in with the popular Mac Odom band which performs at the 133 Club on Thursday nights. Allmark will bring along a couple of his jazz musicians making for a crowd pleasing night of music.

The Duke Belaire Orchestra and now the John Allmark group is seen as the longest continuing run big band in the United States. For this reason and more, there are many music fans hoping that Bovi's Tavern will make a comeback. The Bovi family hasn't blown out the last candle

yet.

the author can be reached at: bobrodericks@gmail.com

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