JAM: June/July 2003 Issue: Q&A with Beena Brandsgard

BEENA BRANDSGARD

JAM talks with the new owner of Jardine's about operating one of Kansas City's most important jazz clubs... and the chance journey that brought her to the Midwest from half a world away.

JAM: For an owner of one of KC's most prominent jazz clubs, you have a fascinating, and rather unlikely background. Can you give us a summary?
BB: I was born in Mavelikera, India, in the State of Kerala, and my parents were doctors. My late father was a heart surgeon and my mother was a pediatrician who practiced as a pharmacist. I was raised in the southwestern coastal resort town of Goa, I attended British boarding schools through elementary and high school, and I graduated from Gandhi University in Cochin with a degree in physics. In 1988, I applied for a masters program at the University of Moscow and the University of Houston, hoping to be accepted by Moscow. However, Houston came forward first, so I accepted as I had family there. As things have turned out, I sure am glad the University of Moscow never called!

JAM: As a child growing up in India, what kind of music did you listen to? Any jazz?
BB: No, I didn't hear any jazz. Mostly Indian music, and a lot of classical music at the concerts we attended. The other way I learned about music was through dance.

JAM: You were a dancer?
BB: Yes, in school, until I was about 15. I was exposed to many different kinds of music through dance. But it wasn't until I came to America that I first learned about things like blues music, which led to my interest in jazz. And now I have become such a big jazz fan!

JAM: Did you hear any American pop music in India?
BB: Yes! Santana... The Beatles... I went to a British school, so I had friends who were from all over, like Germany and England. That's how I heard about The Beatles. I listened to Michael Jackson (smiles) which was weird! But it was because my friends had it. I also learned about other kinds of music from going to the movies. India was big on movies.

JAM: When it comes to popular Indian music, one name that will always come to mind is Ravi Shankar...
BB: Big. Really big. Everybody knew who he was. And he was an important influence for The Beatles!

JAM: But your real jazz and blues education began in KC...
BB: Yes. After I came here in 1989 a friend of mine was always going to the Grand Emporium, so I hung out there a lot... like five nights a week! Then pretty soon I got into jazz when I started working at Jardine's.

JAM: Why did you move to Kansas City?
BB: After attending the University of Houston, I moved to Kansas City to begin another masters program in physics. It was also then that I entered the restaurant world and I've been involved in that ever since. I worked at several different establishments and was hired at Jardine's in 1994. I started as a waitress and became the general manager in 1996. I've been involved in all aspects of the business including the hiring of the staff and the booking of musicians, so when I had the chance to buy Jardine's earlier this year, I had a broad knowledge of the business from which to launch my career as owner.

JAM: Is there any kind of organized or even "underground" jazz scene in your native country today?
BB: Not that I know of. But now that I'm so into jazz, all my friends in India are curious about it. So I send them CDs!JAM: You could be, like, a Special Jazz Emissary!BB: There you go! That's right!

JAM: With your background in physics, did you ever aspire to go into a related field fulltime?
BB: No, I did not. As I said, my parents were both doctors, and that is what they wanted me to be, too. But growing up around that, I really wanted to do something different. And when I moved here, it was: "Now I do what I want to do!" That was hard for my parents at first, so I continued with what they wanted me to do for a while -- which was fine. I love my parents for my upbringing -- the strict rules, following the guidelines. I know that has made me a better person with a strong work ethic.

JAM: But basically, once you got 10,000 miles away from home, all bets were off!
BB: All bets were off, that's right! As recently as two years ago, I thought, "Maybe I will finish that masters..." But now I'm enjoying things so much -- I just became a U.S. citizen and was married last year -- that finishing doesn't seem that important. I am very happy with the place I'm in now.

JAM: Just a little bit more about physics. Many of our readers will be curious about what career options you might have had...
BB: Well, you can teach...

JAM: Sounds a lot like what happens if you want to become a musician!
BB: That's right! (laughter) But teaching wasn't something I necessarily wanted to do. Another thing I could do is work in hospitals with the big machines -- like the CAT scans -- and also in the lab. That's where medical physics comes in; and medical physics is my background. That's what brought me to America.

JAM: Do physics and running a jazz club have anything in common?
BB: (laughter) Nothing in common at all. Physics can be quite solitary and not very social. Running a jazz club requires dealing with people, and I have a natural skill for that. I love people, I like talking to people, and I believe in making it possible for people to have fun. Physics is hard! And it wasn't easy going to school. But, on the other hand, all that structure does help me do some of the things I do (at Jardine's). Running a jazz club isn't easy either; you have to focus on getting things done -- I do all the paper work... the accounting part of it all -- so, in that sense, my physics background does come in handy.

JAM: What are some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a jazz club/restaurant that the casual observer might not notice?
BB: Ordering the food and making sure it's here... ordering the liquor... booking the bands... dealing with the musicians' schedules... (pause) ...and making the staff feel happy. It's important to me that everyone who works here have fun. I don't want it to be like a "corporate regiment," which I'm way away from. I want Jardine's to feel like "home." And the real reward is when it all unfolds and everyone has a good time.

JAM: Here is a purely hypothetical question: Wouldn't Jardine's or any restaurant/bar be more profitable with, say, just some good piped-in music? Why even have live entertainment?
BB: First, because it's important to me. Like I said before, I have become a very big jazz fan. (pause) Live music attracts more people, more business... Also, live music only happens once! There's nothing that compares to it. And, of course, there's the quality of musicians in this city. It's unbeatable. I have so much admiration for what they do. But most of all, I want Jardine's to be the number one jazz club in the city. The main reason people come here is for jazz. And then they are surprised that the food is great, too!

JAM: And speaking of that, we have to ask: Are you a good cook?
BB: Yes, I love to cook. That is my biggest release from stress. I make a good lamp chop that people rave about! ...But it's not available on the Jardine's menu (smiles).

JAM: Can we assume that you can also mix an excellent cocktail?
BB: Yes, I can. I have tried to do everything that will keep me in touch with my staff. I've washed dishes, I've done bartending... it all makes me a better manager and owner. I know how hard it is to wait tables, and to bartend, and to wash dishes... and I have a lot of respect for our staff who do those important jobs.

JAM: And they, in turn, respect you for having been in their shoes...
BB: That's right. I've been in their shoes, and I work with them. I'm here to help them and to do what they need to get the job done.

JAM: Now that you've spent all these years hearing live jazz, what is it about this music that appeals to you?
BB: It's beautiful music! It's pleasant to the ear... and it's so difficult to play it well. People tell me that they think physics is hard... I think jazz is hard! It's complex, it's intricate... I think a good jazz guitar player is way superior to a pop or three-chord guitar player! Not many people can play jazz well. It's like "the physics of music."

"... my goal (is) to make Jardine's
the number one jazz club in the Midwest.
It will take a lot of work to accomplish that goal,
but I'm prepared to do it. I plan on
staying here for a long time!"

JAM: If you could trade places with any jazz musician, past or present, who would it be?
BB: (quickly) Karrin Allyson. Definitely. I'm so proud of her. I was here (at Jardine's) with her (when she used to perform here) watching her grow, and I knew she could make it. I would like to see her on David Letterman... I want the whole world to know about her. She's a good friend, and she's worked very hard. And, even though she lives in New York now, she still supports the Kansas City musicians! She could have thrown them all away, but she didn't! She's been very generous. I really admire her.

JAM: Do you sing?
BB: No (laughter)... My husband says he will deport me back to India if I sing. But now that I'm a citizen he can't do that! (laughter) So maybe I'll give it a shot!JAM: What is your take on the health of the current KC jazz club scene?BB: People need to keep coming out and supporting our jazz clubs! Kansas City is known for jazz, yet (the musicians) seem to keep moving away rather than staying...

JAM: Like Karrin?...
BB: Yes, like Karrin.

JAM: How do we keep people like Karrin, Kevin Mahogany and so many others from leaving?
BB: There need to be more venues that support jazz and the musicians who have to make a living! And I don't understand why that can't happen here...

JAM: The Drum Room comes to mind as a place that really tried to improve the quality of the local scene but just couldn't survive....
BB: People here have a problem with cover charges; and I don't think they understand (the importance of that). But maybe there are other ways... such as including a dinner (with the music), like we did for the grand opening in April. The "dinner package" approach is one way to do it. I'd like to try more of that kind of thing at Jardine's in the future.

JAM: As the new owner, do you have any long range plans for Jardine's you can share with us?
BB: My first priority is to put in a new sound system, all as part of my goal to make Jardine's the number one jazz club in the Midwest. It will take a lot of work to accomplish that goal, but I'm prepared to do it. I plan on staying here for a long time!

JAM: We wish you and Jardine's all the best of luck, Beena. Thanks very much for taking the time to talk with us!
BB: Thank you! It was my pleasure.






	Search our site:		BEENA BRANDSGARD JAM talks with the new owner of Jardine's about operating one of Kansas City's most important jazz clubs... and the chance journey that brought her to the Midwest from half a world away. JAM: For an owner of one of KC's most prominent jazz clubs, you have a fascinating, and rather unlikely background. Can you give us a summary? BB: I was born in Mavelikera, India, in the State of Kerala, and my parents were doctors. My late father was a heart surgeon and my mother was a pediatrician who practiced as a pharmacist. I was raised in the southwestern coastal resort town of Goa, I attended British boarding schools through elementary and high school, and I graduated from Gandhi University in Cochin with a degree in physics. In 1988, I applied for a masters program at the University of Moscow and the University of Houston, hoping to be accepted by Moscow. However, Houston came forward first, so I accepted as I had family there. As things have turned out, I sure am glad the University of Moscow never called! JAM: As a child growing up in India, what kind of music did you listen to? Any jazz? BB: No, I didn't hear any jazz. Mostly Indian music, and a lot of classical music at the concerts we attended. The other way I learned about music was through dance. JAM: You were a dancer? BB: Yes, in school, until I was about 15. I was exposed to many different kinds of music through dance. But it wasn't until I came to America that I first learned about things like blues music, which led to my interest in jazz. And now I have become such a big jazz fan! JAM: Did you hear any American pop music in India? BB: Yes! Santana... The Beatles... I went to a British school, so I had friends who were from all over, like Germany and England. That's how I heard about The Beatles. I listened to Michael Jackson (smiles) which was weird! But it was because my friends had it. I also learned about other kinds of music from going to the movies. India was big on movies. JAM: When it comes to popular Indian music, one name that will always come to mind is Ravi Shankar... BB: Big. Really big. Everybody knew who he was. And he was an important influence for The Beatles! JAM: But your real jazz and blues education began in KC... BB: Yes. After I came here in 1989 a friend of mine was always going to the Grand Emporium, so I hung out there a lot... like five nights a week! Then pretty soon I got into jazz when I started working at Jardine's. JAM: Why did you move to Kansas City? BB: After attending the University of Houston, I moved to Kansas City to begin another masters program in physics. It was also then that I entered the restaurant world and I've been involved in that ever since. I worked at several different establishments and was hired at Jardine's in 1994. I started as a waitress and became the general manager in 1996. I've been involved in all aspects of the business including the hiring of the staff and the booking of musicians, so when I had the chance to buy Jardine's earlier this year, I had a broad knowledge of the business from which to launch my career as owner. JAM: Is there any kind of organized or even "underground" jazz scene in your native country today? BB: Not that I know of. But now that I'm so into jazz, all my friends in India are curious about it. So I send them CDs!JAM: You could be, like, a Special Jazz Emissary!BB: There you go! That's right! JAM: With your background in physics, did you ever aspire to go into a related field fulltime? BB: No, I did not. As I said, my parents were both doctors, and that is what they wanted me to be, too. But growing up around that, I really wanted to do something different. And when I moved here, it was: "Now I do what I want to do!" That was hard for my parents at first, so I continued with what they wanted me to do for a while -- which was fine. I love my parents for my upbringing -- the strict rules, following the guidelines. I know that has made me a better person with a strong work ethic. JAM: But basically, once you got 10,000 miles away from home, all bets were off! BB: All bets were off, that's right! As recently as two years ago, I thought, "Maybe I will finish that masters..." But now I'm enjoying things so much -- I just became a U.S. citizen and was married last year -- that finishing doesn't seem that important. I am very happy with the place I'm in now. JAM: Just a little bit more about physics. Many of our readers will be curious about what career options you might have had... BB: Well, you can teach... JAM: Sounds a lot like what happens if you want to become a musician! BB: That's right! (laughter) But teaching wasn't something I necessarily wanted to do. Another thing I could do is work in hospitals with the big machines -- like the CAT scans -- and also in the lab. That's where medical physics comes in; and medical physics is my background. That's what brought me to America. JAM: Do physics and running a jazz club have anything in common? BB: (laughter) Nothing in common at all. Physics can be quite solitary and not very social. Running a jazz club requires dealing with people, and I have a natural skill for that. I love people, I like talking to people, and I believe in making it possible for people to have fun. Physics is hard! And it wasn't easy going to school. But, on the other hand, all that structure does help me do some of the things I do (at Jardine's). Running a jazz club isn't easy either; you have to focus on getting things done -- I do all the paper work... the accounting part of it all -- so, in that sense, my physics background does come in handy. JAM: What are some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a jazz club/restaurant that the casual observer might not notice? BB: Ordering the food and making sure it's here... ordering the liquor... booking the bands... dealing with the musicians' schedules... (pause) ...and making the staff feel happy. It's important to me that everyone who works here have fun. I don't want it to be like a "corporate regiment," which I'm way away from. I want Jardine's to feel like "home." And the real reward is when it all unfolds and everyone has a good time. JAM: Here is a purely hypothetical question: Wouldn't Jardine's or any restaurant/bar be more profitable with, say, just some good piped-in music? Why even have live entertainment? BB: First, because it's important to me. Like I said before, I have become a very big jazz fan. (pause) Live music attracts more people, more business... Also, live music only happens once! There's nothing that compares to it. And, of course, there's the quality of musicians in this city. It's unbeatable. I have so much admiration for what they do. But most of all, I want Jardine's to be the number one jazz club in the city. The main reason people come here is for jazz. And then they are surprised that the food is great, too! JAM: And speaking of that, we have to ask: Are you a good cook? BB: Yes, I love to cook. That is my biggest release from stress. I make a good lamp chop that people rave about! ...But it's not available on the Jardine's menu (smiles). JAM: Can we assume that you can also mix an excellent cocktail? BB: Yes, I can. I have tried to do everything that will keep me in touch with my staff. I've washed dishes, I've done bartending... it all makes me a better manager and owner. I know how hard it is to wait tables, and to bartend, and to wash dishes... and I have a lot of respect for our staff who do those important jobs. JAM: And they, in turn, respect you for having been in their shoes... BB: That's right. I've been in their shoes, and I work with them. I'm here to help them and to do what they need to get the job done. JAM: Now that you've spent all these years hearing live jazz, what is it about this music that appeals to you? BB: It's beautiful music! It's pleasant to the ear... and it's so difficult to play it well. People tell me that they think physics is hard... I think jazz is hard! It's complex, it's intricate... I think a good jazz guitar player is way superior to a pop or three-chord guitar player! Not many people can play jazz well. It's like "the physics of music." "... my goal (is) to make Jardine's the number one jazz club in the Midwest. It will take a lot of work to accomplish that goal, but I'm prepared to do it. I plan on staying here for a long time!" JAM: If you could trade places with any jazz musician, past or present, who would it be? BB: (quickly) Karrin Allyson. Definitely. I'm so proud of her. I was here (at Jardine's) with her (when she used to perform here) watching her grow, and I knew she could make it. I would like to see her on David Letterman... I want the whole world to know about her. She's a good friend, and she's worked very hard. And, even though she lives in New York now, she still supports the Kansas City musicians! She could have thrown them all away, but she didn't! She's been very generous. I really admire her. JAM: Do you sing? BB: No (laughter)... My husband says he will deport me back to India if I sing. But now that I'm a citizen he can't do that! (laughter) So maybe I'll give it a shot!JAM: What is your take on the health of the current KC jazz club scene?BB: People need to keep coming out and supporting our jazz clubs! Kansas City is known for jazz, yet (the musicians) seem to keep moving away rather than staying... JAM: Like Karrin?... BB: Yes, like Karrin. JAM: How do we keep people like Karrin, Kevin Mahogany and so many others from leaving? BB: There need to be more venues that support jazz and the musicians who have to make a living! And I don't understand why that can't happen here... JAM: The Drum Room comes to mind as a place that really tried to improve the quality of the local scene but just couldn't survive.... BB: People here have a problem with cover charges; and I don't think they understand (the importance of that). But maybe there are other ways... such as including a dinner (with the music), like we did for the grand opening in April. The "dinner package" approach is one way to do it. I'd like to try more of that kind of thing at Jardine's in the future. JAM: As the new owner, do you have any long range plans for Jardine's you can share with us? BB: My first priority is to put in a new sound system, all as part of my goal to make Jardine's the number one jazz club in the Midwest. It will take a lot of work to accomplish that goal, but I'm prepared to do it. I plan on staying here for a long time! JAM: We wish you and Jardine's all the best of luck, Beena. Thanks very much for taking the time to talk with us! BB: Thank you! It was my pleasure. RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 2003 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2003. All rights reserved.