Ever wondered what the Side Door in Old Lyme is? I had always wondered and went there for the first time last month and had a wonderful time.

For one thing, it is a top notch jazz venue because the sound in there is exquisite! Second, they attract some great acts, including Delfeayo Marsalis (Wynton Marsalis’ brother), and as I was told by the bartender that Nat King Cole’s brother plays there as well!

I was very impressed by the expertise of the musicians, the ambience and the small, cozy space. Drinks are served at little tables, while the real food is at the other end of the building at the Old Lyme Inn.

I sampled the flourless chocolate torte while we waited for our seats to open in the second set. The torte was gone very quickly and well done. The kitchen closes at 7 p.m. in case you want to eat dinner or dessert there beforehand. The doors always open for the concerts at 7:30 p.m., and the shows always start at 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

You have get there early or buy tickets online because they do sell out. There are only about 30 seats in the venue total. It is small and intimate in there, and that’s what makes it so great.

No wonder musicians want to come here. Many come from New York, although the night I went they were showcasing a local band from Connecticut called Jeff Fuller and Friends.

As I entered, I was greeted by their manager and artistic director, Rich Martin, who used to be in charge of musical acts at the Hygienic in New London. He was cordial and said they were completely sold out, but if we wanted to wait sometimes people leave before the second set starts.

As predicted, several seats were indeed available and we dove in.

Before this evening, I had called ahead and spoken to Chris Kitchings. She and her husband, Ken Kitchings, bought the Old Lyme Inn in 2001 and did a yearlong renovation and reopened in April 2012.

In May 2013, the Side Door Jazz Club came to light. Two years later, it was recognized as one of the world’s top jazz venues.

And who would have thought there’d be a hidden gem in the small town of Old Lyme. Yet the more I am “Out and About” in southeastern Connecticut, the more great events and music I find!

As for the show, Jeff Fuller at one point played “Bossa” from the group’s newest CD, later moving onto a song called “Come Fourth,” named so for its musical fourths. And for the last song, the musicians improvised on a tune called “The Milkman.”

They played what they wanted to play in the moment, and the small crowd loved it. After all, life is a series of moments in time and being present at each moment is what it’s all about.

I was sure glad to be there sharing that wonderful moment with them in that space and time.

The Side Door Jazz Club can be reached at (860) 434-2600, or thesidedoorjazz.com.

Shari Lynne Rosenthal lives in Stonington.