AghaRTA

Last Saturday, some friends and I met up in Prague to support one of our fellow Fulbrighters, Rory Stuart. He is a jazz guitarist and composer in New York as well as a professor at the New School. Through the Fulbright program, Rory was invited as a guest professor to teach for one academic semester at the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno. Additionally, he has been able to perform with some amazing Czech musicians throughout the Czech Republic, which is why we went to Prague; to see him perform!

First, we met up for dinner and drinks at Potrefená husa Hybernská, a traditional Czech chain restaurant found in Prague. I must say, the food and atmosphere were great!

Jana, Rudolf, Me,  & Twee

Stefan, Guy, Barbara & Harry

Then, we headed over to the AghaRTA Jazz Club, where we had already reserved tickets and tables for the performance. One of the many aspects I love about Prague is its nightlife, where there are tons of establishments underground. Like, literally, you walk down tiny staircases to get into bars and clubs in the basements of buildings. It reminds me of America during the 1920s, with bootleggers, flappers, and speakeasies galore. Alright, so it's not exactly the same, but it's an intriguing experience regardless.

Entrance to AghaRTA

Lobby/Bar Area

Main Room

It was a nice, cozy setting, but one I could totally imagine for a Jazz club. Albeit, none of us had ever even been to a Jazz concert before! Rory played the guitar, Jaromir Honzak played the double bass, Vit Krist'an was on the piano, and Tomas Hobzek on the drums. Below you can see some clips from their performance.

Twee, Guy, Harry & Stefan

Jana, Rudolf, Rory, Barbara & I

I enjoyed the performance, especially because each musician was so passionate about their instrument, and music in general. The looks on their faces as they played really made me feel the music even more. After viewing the clips, perhaps you'll want to see a jazz concert in the future, but I also know that the jazz vibe isn't for everyone. My favorite pieces were the more upbeat, jovial ones, but the classics were just as entertaining. We'll miss you, Rory!