Heat to the Beat at Gaetano’s Atrium

A few months ago, Sandy Kastel sat in Gaetano’s Atrium, listening and humming in time with the piano man’s music. Then the former singer, who had recently left her job of eight years in men’s clothing and manufacturing, happened to overhear the owner, Gaetano Palmeri, complain that he needed someone to handle the room’s entertainment, which had been sporadic since the Atrium opened six months ago.

“I jumped right in and started talking myself up,” said Kastel, 35, of North Hollywood. “I wanted to promote that club.”

And last Sunday, Kastel’s dream came true as Gaetano’s Atrium in Woodland Hills began the first month of regularly scheduled music since its opening. The lineup includes contemporary jazz, pop, R&B; and Brazilian, every night except Monday.

“It’s the perfect job for me,” said Kastel. “I wanted something that took advantage of the business knowledge I’d learned in manufacturing but still involved entertainment. And this is it.”

Kastel said she earned her stripes in the music industry by working long, hard hours on the club circuit throughout the country, singing at hotels such as the Sahara, the Hilton and the Ramada Inn. And those 15 years of live entertaining have really paid off, she said.

“I’ve got a fantastic network of musicians to call upon,” she said. “And I’m sensitive to their needs. There’s so much talent and not enough places to showcase. The more clubs, the better. I’m even getting a positive reaction from other booking agents.”

The Atrium is part of the Gaetano’s Bistro, which serves Northern Italian cuisine and is a sister restaurant to Gaetano’s Ristorante in Calabasas, which has been in the area 10 years.

This week’s lineup at the club includes Accent, a combination of jazz fusion and R&B;, tonight; Reecie’s Pieces featuring vocalist Reesie Wilkin on Saturday; the contemporary jazz group Straight Ahead in a jam session every Sunday; the jazz fusion of Skip Thomas on Tuesday; pianist/arranger Randy Waldman & Trio on Wednesday; and “Brazilian Extravaganza” with Velas, a weekly feature every Thursday.

“We desperately need another place to play,” said Martgol Beasley, 35, the percussionist of the band Straight Ahead. “There aren’t many jazz clubs in the West Valley. And I’ve got faith this place will happen. Take hold. What better way to beat the heat and listen to some great music at the same time?”

Gaetano’s Atrium, 6336 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, offers live contemporary jazz, R&B; and Brazilian music beginning at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. The club charges a $5 cover Fridays and Saturdays, and $3 during the week. There is a two-drink minimum. Call (818) 596-5974.