Our 31st straight monthly Red Cross Blood drive held at Post 399 on Tuesday, January 17th had over 67 donors!  We thank the donors and community for their strong support.  The American Red Cross is facing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply can affect our local hospitals. Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant. VFW Post 399 is hosting our next blood drive next month on Tuesday, February 21st, 1-6pm.  For an appointment, please visit www.redcrossblood.org – use sponsor code: VFWWestport or call 1-800-733-2767.

Melissa Newman Jazz Singer Melissa Newman with Tony Lombardozzi, Phil Bowler, and Arti Dixon Thursday, Jan 19 Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399) 465 Riverside Ave, Westport sets at 7:30 pm and 8:45 pm $15 cover (203) 227-6796 Featuring a new hot menu from Chef Derek Furino dinner from 7:00 PM Reservations strongly suggested JazzatThePost@gmail.com Melissa Newman Vocals Tony Lombardozzi Guitar Phil Bowler  Bass Arti Dixson Drums Join us for a cool evening of hot jazz at Westport’s  home for Jazz! Melissa is a natural talent, and really makes every song she sings her very own. With a band like this, the evening is sure to be way over the top! RESERVE NOW FEATURED ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Melissa Newman had a lucrative career singing jingles for companies like AT&T and Chevrolet, Locally she has  performed at the Blue Lemon, Tengda, and Harvest in Westport, with guitarist Tony Lombardozzi and bassist Phil Bowler. Melissa also makes, shows and sells ceramic and porcelain sculpture. Two of her pieces were featured in the 2012 Hamptons Show House. She lives in Westport with her husband and two sons. Melissa Newman live! Upcoming  performances at jazz at the Post Jan 25 – Sarah Jane Cion featuring Mike Camacho, Peter Brendler, and Greg Wall Feb 2 – Brian Marsella! Feb 9-  Mark Berman Feb 16 – Janice Friedman Feb 23 – Henry Hey/Yuriy Galkin

This Week! Chris Coogan meets the Jazz Rabbi featuring Boots Maleson and Jim Royle Thursday, Jan 12 Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399) 465 Riverside Ave, Westport (203)-227-6796 sets at 7:30 pm and 8:45 pm $15 cover Reservations strongly suggested  JazzatThePost@gmail.com Featuring a new hot menu from Chef Derek Furino dinner from 7:00 PM Chris Coogan Piano Greg Wall Tenor & Soprano Sax Boots Maleson  Bass Jim Royle Drums Pianist Chris Coogan has been one of the most popular performers in our area for many years, and for good reason: He “plays great”! Chris grew up here, and has chosen to make Fairfield County his home, as well as his home base for his many faceted misc career. He is a world class jazz pianist, a sensitive and in demand accompanist for singers, a powerhouse Gospel pianist, choir director and bandleader, a highly effective and inspiring educator, and general all around good guy. The Jazz Rabbi met Chris shortly after moving to Westport almost 10 years ago, and realized they were cut from the same cloth. They share a deep spiritual attachment to American music that digs deep into its roots and extends onwards and upwards from there. Be sure to reserve early to the best table. RESERVE NOW FEATURED ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Chris Coogan has been called by The New York Times, “a masterful pianist.” Coogan’s credits include serving as music director for the jazz guitarist Sal Salvador. He has played with a range of musicians  including Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Paul Shaffer, Harold Danko, Phoebe Snow, Jose Feliciano, and  Bette Midler, Coogan has performed at Manhattan’s Blue Note and Birdland and at the Montreaux Jazz Festival. Saxophonist Greg Wall, dubbed the “Jazz Rabbi” by the New York Times, has performed his music around the world, including performances at major international festivals like the North Sea, Pori, Vienne and Montreal Jazz festivals, as well as top New York venues like Carnegie Hall, the Village Vanguard, and the Stone. He serves as artistic director of Westport based JazzFC and performs weekly with some of the best musicians in Jazz today.  He has released numerous recordings on KnitFac Records and John Zorn’s Tzadik label as a leader co-leader and ensemble member.  In addition to his musical activities  Greg is the Rabbi of Beit Chaverim Synagogue in Westport. Chris Coogan Jazz Rabbi Greg Wall Upcoming  performances at Jazz at the Post Jan 19 – Melissa Newman Quartet Jan 26- Sarah Jane Cion Feb 2- Brian Marsella! Feb 9 – TBA Feb 16 – Janice Friedman Feb 23 – Henry Hey/Yuriy Galnick