By Jerry Fink

Published Thursday, May 29, 2008 | 2:34 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008 | 10:15 a.m.

Keyboardist Dick Fazio is in Mountain View Hospital recovering from a stroke.

The 69-year-old musician has been the leader of the Friday night jazz jam sessions at Pogo’s since the passing of drummer Irv Kluger in 2006.

Kluger had been the driving force behind the weekly gatherings of some of the top jazz musicians in town for 20 years when he died of a heart attack.

Fazio, a native of New York and long-time Vegas resident, picked up the baton and refused to let the music end.

Pogo’s, 2103 N. Decatur Blvd., recently was sold and closed for remodeling.

Bill Stypowany, one of the new owners, says the jazz jams will continue when it reopens.

Fazio could eventually rejoin the band.

“We expect a complete recovery,” says Fazio’s wife, Margie.

Fazio says he had the stroke more than a week ago. He should be released to a rehabilitation facility in a matter of days.

The stroke affected his left side, which is partially paralyzed. His speech seems normal.

“I’m coming back,” Fazio says.