John Chan first got the idea of adding live music to his Woonsocket restaurant offerings while he was a student at Providence College. Then, as now, his intention was to create a unique supper club atmosphere combining great food with great music and giving patrons a truly fun night out.

In the early days, his biggest obstacle was getting people to come north of Providence to Woonsocket. Now, Chan jokes that many people still say that they don't know how to get to Woonsocket but that they DO know how to get to Chan's!

Over the years, many changes have taken place at the jazz supper club. In 1977, the first act to perform was a band featuring vocalist Jean McKenna O'Donnell, Alvin Pulley on guitar, Rodney Delassantra on accordion, Bill Gilbert on drums and Woonsocket legend Sam Sherman on slide trombone. This first show, including others soon to follow such as Greg Abate and Channel One and Razmataz, all performed in the small, original dining room area. A highlight of this time was renowned jazz vocalist Rebecca Parris recording a live album at the restaurant, simply called, "Live at Chan's."

During these early days, Chan credits much of his concert series success to WGBH's Ron Della Chiesa who was very supportive with his "Music America" program in getting the music world to know about the great live music John was presenting in Woonsocket, RI.

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In 1986, John opened the Four Seasons Banquet Room which, to this day, offers audiences better acoustics and viewing and more seating. Over the years, greats from all genres of music have played at Chan's including Scott Hamilton, Mose Allison, John Hammond, Makoto Ozone, Leon Redbone, Roomful of Blues and in 1988, the legendary Dizzy Gillespie.

The nineties saw the venue become more eclectic as John added blues, R&B and folk to his menu.

Through the years, John Chan has been delighted to keep the great American traditions of jazz and blues alive by providing an intimate stage on which it can take place. He marvels at every performance at the great chemistry that takes place between audience and performer because they are so close to each other.

Chan stresses that we are blessed with incredible musical talent in the New England region and he has found the music to be a very gratifying personal experience, thanking all the musicians and fans who have been a part of "Egg Roll, Jazz and Blues Live at Chan's" over the past 25 years.

Chan's Fine Oriental Dining is located at 267 Main Street in Woonsocket. Their phone is 401-765-1900. Visit their website at www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com

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