A Port Townsend jazz trio that had performed more than 100 shows at the Ajax Cafe before it closed last fall is set to play a benefit concert Saturday, Jan. 28 to help with the cafe’s plans to reopen.

“We really liked playing there,” said Michael LeDonna, who plays piano in The Key City Jazz Trio, together with Gary Fredrick on bass and Jim Goldberg on drums.

“When you go in, it’s almost like you walk into a family living room,” the musician said of past experiences at the Port Hadlock restaurant, which was shuttered Oct. 9 because of a failed septic system.

Along with many other community members, LeDonna is eager to see the waterfront cafe open.

“Recently, I spoke to the owner [Kristan McCary], and she said there’s a really good path to reopening – I offered to do this dance concert as a benefit.”

LeDonna said that 100 percent of the proceeds from the Jan. 28 concert at the RoseWind Common House would go toward reopening the cafe. Admission is by a suggested $10 donation, and the event also includes food and beverages, available by donation.

“We’re trying to support this place and get it going again.”

McCary said Monday that she’s happy to have the group help out.

“I felt like we needed some energy and good vibes,” she said, adding that, “We have a pretty good path that it looks like we’ll have a long-term lease with a new owner.”

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The Key City Jazz Trio was on the bill to perform every Tuesday night at the Ajax. Its last concert was the first Tuesday in October, just before the cafe closed.

Fredrick, the trio’s drummer, also was a longtime customer of the Ajax. One evening he casually proposed the idea of playing at the cafe.

“We all loved [Ajax],” LeDonna said. “There’s very few places like that.”

He described the atmosphere as somewhat similar to that of Better Living Through Coffee, which LeDonna founded and recently sold to co-owner Ben Cook. (LeDonna still works behind the scenes, roasting coffee for the shop.)

“It’s a restaurant – but it’s very vibrant.”