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  • Cena Jazz @ Il Vecchio
  • In The Mix
  • Enoteca Jazz

Every Thursday Night  6 to 8pm

Cena Jazz “Trio”: Igniting the Il Vecchio Experience

We crafted the Cena Jazz ”Trio" exclusively for Il Vecchio Restaurant in Pacifica Grove with one goal in mind: to transform your dining experience.  It is a perfect blend of piano or guitar, acoustic bass, and drums, which creates a captivating atmosphere that elevates every bite.  Our goal is, “To simply elevate the dining experience” 

Get ready to be transported by the incredible jazz talent of Monterey! Each week, we feature a rotating cast of virtuosos who put a fresh, exhilarating spin on timeless classics from the Great American Songbook.

You could find pianists TJ Kuenster or Bill Spencer igniting the keys with his masterful improvisation, or the sensational Adam Astrup weaving magic with his guitar.  We're thrilled to have a dream team of bass players, including the phenomenal Pete Lips and Chris Charman.  And on drums, Rick Ciardella sets a solid rhythmic foundation, giving the soloists the freedom to explore these classic jazz standards.

Prepare to be enchanted.

Il Vecchio  in Pacific Grove.  Voted the best Italian restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula 14 years in a row!  

Come check out the music while enjoying a fabulous meal in a great setting. 

Il Vecchio Link 

Previous events

Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella

Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella

Thursday, October 29 @ 6:00PMThu, Oct 29 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Don't miss a night of sophisticated, swinging jazz with the Cena Jazz Trio! The trio is anchored by legendary pianist TJ Kuenster, the celebrated long-time Music Director and keyboardist for the legendary Glen Campbell, who is powerfully supported by the inventive bass lines of Chris Charman and the tasteful, driving rhythms of drummer Rick Ciardella. Together, this high-caliber ensemble delivers an evening of compelling jazz standards, blues, and originals, all defined by their exceptional musicianship and palpable chemistry—a world-class musical experience you won't want to miss!

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Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Oct 29, 6:00PM

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Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Michael Marcus and Rick Ciardella

Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Michael Marcus and Rick Ciardella

Thursday, October 22 @ 6:00PMThu, Oct 22 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Don't miss a night of sophisticated, swinging jazz with the Cena Jazz Trio! The trio is anchored by legendary pianist TJ Kuenster, the celebrated long-time Music Director and keyboardist for the legendary Glen Campbell, who is powerfully supported by, for the first time, the inventive bass lines of Michael Marcus and the tasteful, driving rhythms of drummer Rick Ciardella. Together, this high-caliber ensemble delivers an evening of compelling jazz standards, blues, and originals, all defined by their exceptional musicianship and palpable chemistry—a world-class musical experience you won't want to miss!

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Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Michael Marcus and Rick Ciardella @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Oct 22, 6:00PM

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Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Michael Marcus and Rick Ciardella

Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Michael Marcus and Rick Ciardella

Thursday, October 15 @ 6:00PMThu, Oct 15 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Tonight, join the Cena Jazz Trio in an evening of electrifying, sophisticated jazz. The heart of the trio is the incomparable pianist Bill Spencer, a celebrated musician renowned for his broad inventiveness, versatility, and deep jazz background. We are thrilled to welcome Michael Marcus to the Cena Jazz lineup—Michael anchors local live performances with nuanced, walking acoustic basslines and imaginative solos. Rick Ciardella is a veteran San Francisco and Monterey Peninsula jazz drummer and ensemble leader known for bringing smooth, steady rhythms to local venues with groups like Cena Jazz and In The Mix.

Expect a dynamic night as this high-caliber trio showcases compelling jazz standards, blues, and originals, united by their exceptional musicianship and undeniable chemistry.

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Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Michael Marcus and Rick Ciardella @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Oct 15, 6:00PM

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Oct8

Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Zack Westfall and Jim Vanderzaan

Thursday, October 8 @ 6:00PMThu, Oct 8 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Tonight, indulge in an unforgettable evening where sophisticated live jazz meets exceptional culinary craft. The Cena Jazz Trio delivers a world-class performance blending rich jazz standards, soulful blues, and vibrant tunes—all brought to life by remarkable musicianship and undeniable stage chemistry. The group is anchored by Monterey keyboard maestro TJ Kuenster, a seasoned tour veteran who spent decades shaping the iconic sound of Glen Campbell's world tours with his signature versatility and charismatic energy. Joining him on stage are Berklee-trained bassist Zach Westfall, a standout Central Coast talent renowned for his fluid style across jazz and deep R&B grooves, and Jim Vaderzaan on drums. Treat yourself to a magical coastal night of captivating rhythms, fine dining, and premier musical artistry that you won't want to miss!

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Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Zack Westfall and Jim Vanderzaan @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Oct 8, 6:00PM

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Oct1

Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Pete Lips and Jim Vanderzaan

Thursday, October 1 @ 6:00PMThu, Oct 1 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Tonight, join the Cena Jazz Trio in an evening of electrifying, sophisticated jazz. The heart of the trio is the incomparable pianist Bill Spencer, a celebrated musician renowned for his broad inventiveness, versatility, and deep jazz background. He's expertly backed by the rhythmic precision and inventive solos of Pete Lips on bass, and the tasteful rhythms of drummer Jim Vanderzaan. Together, this high-caliber ensemble delivers an evening of compelling jazz standards, blues, and originals, all defined by their exceptional musicianship and intense musical chemistry—a world-class musical experience you won't want to miss!

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Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Pete Lips and Jim Vanderzaan @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Oct 1, 6:00PM

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Sep24

Cena Jazz Trio - Paul Contos, TJ Kuenster, and Jim Vanderzaan

Thursday, September 24 @ 6:00PMThu, Sep 24 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Paul Contos rounds out the trio tonight. Paul Contos is a acclaimed jazz saxophonist, educator, and mentor who served for decades in key educational leadership roles with the Monterey Jazz Festival and has performed alongside leading figures in the jazz world. The trio is anchored by legendary pianist TJ Kuenster, the celebrated long-time Music Director and keyboardist for the legendary Glen Campbell, who is supported by the tasteful rhythms of drummer Jim Vanderzaan. Together, this high-caliber ensemble delivers an evening of compelling jazz standards, blues, and originals, all defined by their exceptional musicianship and palpable chemistry—a world-class musical experience you won't want to miss!

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Cena Jazz Trio - Paul Contos, TJ Kuenster, and Jim Vanderzaan @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Sep 24, 6:00PM

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Cena Jazz Trio - Adam Astrup, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella

Cena Jazz Trio - Adam Astrup, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella

Thursday, September 17 @ 6:00PMThu, Sep 17 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Don't miss a night of sophisticated, swinging jazz with the Cena Jazz Trio! This captivating ensemble features the star power of Adam Astrup on guitar, Chris Charman on bass, and Rick Ciardella on drums. Astrup's brilliant guitar work—a dynamic blend of melodic lyricism and complex, modern improvisation—is supported expertly by Charman's versatile bass and Ciardella's driving percussion, forming a deep, energetic groove. They deliver swinging jazz standards and original compositions with pure chemistry, making for a truly dynamic and engaging listening experience you won't want to miss!

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Cena Jazz Trio - Adam Astrup, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Sep 17, 6:00PM

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Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Zach Westfall and Rick Ciardella

Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Zach Westfall and Rick Ciardella

Thursday, September 10 @ 6:00PMThu, Sep 10 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Tonight, indulge in an unforgettable evening where sophisticated live jazz meets exceptional culinary craft. The Cena Jazz Trio delivers a world-class performance blending rich jazz standards, soulful blues, and vibrant tunes—all brought to life by remarkable musicianship and undeniable stage chemistry. The group is anchored by Monterey keyboard maestro TJ Kuenster, a seasoned tour veteran who spent decades shaping the iconic sound of Glen Campbell's world tours with his signature versatility and charismatic energy. Joining him on stage are Berklee-trained bassist Zach Westfall, a standout Central Coast talent renowned for his fluid style across jazz and deep R&B grooves, and Rick Ciardella, a legendary San Francisco and Monterey Peninsula drummer whose smooth, steady rhythms define the trio's flawless finesse. Treat yourself to a magical coastal night of captivating rhythms, fine dining, and premier musical artistry that you won't want to miss!

Share
Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Zach Westfall and Rick Ciardella @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Sep 10, 6:00PM

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Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Zach Westfall and Rick Ciardella

Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Zach Westfall and Rick Ciardella

Thursday, September 3 @ 6:00PMThu, Sep 3 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Tonight, join the Cena Jazz Trio in an evening of electrifying, sophisticated jazz. The heart of the trio is the incomparable pianist Bill Spencer, a celebrated musician renowned for his broad inventiveness, versatility, and deep jazz background. We are thrilled to welcome Berklee-trained Monterey native Zach Westfall to the Cena Jazz lineup—a standout Central Coast bassist known for his versatile style across jazz and R&B. Rick Ciardella is a veteran San Francisco and Monterey Peninsula jazz drummer and ensemble leader known for bringing smooth, steady rhythms to local venues with groups like Cena Jazz and In The Mix.

Expect a dynamic night as this high-caliber trio showcases compelling jazz standards, blues, and originals, united by their exceptional musicianship and undeniable chemistry.

Share
Cena Jazz Trio - Bill Spencer, Zach Westfall and Rick Ciardella @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Sep 3, 6:00PM

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Aug27

Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella

Thursday, August 27 @ 6:00PMThu, Aug 27 @ 6:00PM

Il Vecchio Italian Resturant, 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Don't miss a night of sophisticated, swinging jazz with the Cena Jazz Trio! The trio is anchored by legendary pianist TJ Kuenster, the celebrated long-time Music Director and keyboardist for the legendary Glen Campbell, who is powerfully supported by the inventive bass lines of Chris Charman and the tasteful, driving rhythms of drummer Rick Ciardella. Together, this high-caliber ensemble delivers an evening of compelling jazz standards, blues, and originals, all defined by their exceptional musicianship and palpable chemistry—a world-class musical experience you won't want to miss!

Share
Cena Jazz Trio - TJ Kuenster, Chris Charman and Rick Ciardella @ Il Vecchio Italian Resturant on Aug 27, 6:00PM

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