NICOLE HENRY

Nicole Henry’s versatile and emotionally driven performances have captivated audiences in 20 countries.  She has established herself among the jazz world’s most acclaimed performers, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance. Usually touring the world with her quartet, Henry has also been a special guest of jazz orchestras, pops orchestras, and big bands.

Heralded by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Japan Times, El Pais, Jazz Times, Essence, and more, Ms. Henry tells real stories through peerless interpretations of repertoire from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues, and originals.

Cover: $40.00 +$3.95 fee

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RUSSELL GUNN

Trumpeter Russell Gunn celebrates fellow East St. Louis trumpeter Miles In May at  Jazz at The Bistro.
Jazz St. Louis proudly celebrates the life, legacy, and limitless influence of jazz visionary Miles Davis, including a Centennial Week for Miles Davis’s 100th Birthday.

As a marquee highlight of our 30th Anniversary Season, this powerful series pays tribute to an East St. Louis visionary who forever changed the sound of American music. Through unforgettable performances and special events, we celebrate a hometown hero whose fearless innovation continues to inspire the world.

Cover: Free

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REUBAN CABAN QUINTET

Award winning Puerto Rican trombonist Ruben Caban brings a unique blend of original music that can best be described as “Latin-Infused Hard Bop.” From swing to funk, to Latin jazz blues and neo-soul, this fiery quintet is sure to encourage some dance moves with their infectious rhythms.

Ruben Caban has toured and recorded with an array of internationally renowned artists such as Dianne Shurr, Randy Brecker, Arturo Sandoval, Oscar De Leon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Paquito De Rivera, and many more. His latest release as a leader, Kangana, has earned international acclaim and features a who’s who of South Florida’s top talent including Nestor Torres, Ed Calle, Roxana Amed and Tal Cohen. As an international Jazz Educator, he actively teaches all around the world from Eastern Europe to South America and the Caribbean.

The quintet features Jim Gasior on piano, Agustin Conti on bass, Waldo Madera on drums and percussionist Roberto Vizcaino, Jr.

Cover: $47.81 (including fees)

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CLIFTON ANDERSON

Clifton_Anderson#cite_note-AM-2″>[2] Other bands he has played in include Frank Foster’s Loud Minority, Carlos Garnett’s Cosmos Nucleus, Slide Hampton’s World of Trombones, and McCoy Tyner’s big band.[1] Anderson’s debut album as a leader was Landmarks, which was recorded in 1995 for Milestone Records. A further album, Decade, was released by Doxy around 2008.

The trombone player’s most recent album is Been Down This Road Before from 2020, featuring vocalist Andy Bey and musicians Renee McLean, Antoine Roney, Eric Wyatt, Peter Bernstein, John F. Adams, Monty Alexander, Stephen Scott, Tadataka Unno, Buster Williams, Tom Barney, Ronnie Burrage, Al Foster, Steve Jordan, Sammy Figueroa, and Victor See Yuen.

Cover: $38.62 – $44.21

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THE GIL EVANS PROJECT

The Gil Evans Project directed by Ryan Truesdell

In celebration of the centennial of Miles Davis, the Grammy Award-nominated Gil Evans Project returns to Birdland for an epic, five-night tribute to the legendary Evans–Davis collaborations. Led by Grammy Award-winning producer Ryan Truesdell, the all-star ensemble performs the complete music from two of the most groundbreaking albums in jazz history:

Sketches of Spain (Tues/Wed/Thurs, 5/26–28)
Porgy & Bess (Fri/Sat, 5/29–30)

Cover: $45.76 ~ $56.06

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JOEY ALEXANDER

Born in Bali, Indonesia, Alexander released his debut album, My Favorite Things, in 2015 on Motema Music, followed by three more on the label, a fifth on Verve, sixth and seventh albums on MackAvenue Records. Alexander’s albums have netted three Grammy Award Nominations -one for Best Instrumental Album (My Favorite Things) and two for Best Improvised Jazz Solo (Giant Steps and Countdown) – with My Favorite Things and Countdown securing the number one spot on the Billboard Jazz Charts and Eclipse ar number three.

Over the course of his astonishing career, Alexander has performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House, for President Bill Clinton at the Arthur Ashe Learning Center Gala,. at The Grammy Awards, the Grand Ole Opry (with Country Singer Kelsea Ballerini), The Apollo Theatre, Carnegie Hall and major jazz festivals, club venues and concert halls around the world.  He has also been subject of profiles on 60 Minutes and The New York Times.

The evening features: Jaleel Shaw ~ saxophone and Alita Moses ~ vocals

Cover: $45.76 ~ $56.06

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Bandleader Andy Brown has been one of the busiest guitarists in Chicago over the last two decades, leading his own bands and backing visiting jazz stars all over the city, as well traveling nationally and internationally with a variety of groups. He specializes in what he calls “old-school jazz guitar.”

The Andy Brown Quartet brings together four of the finest jazz musicians on the Chicago scene. Featuring Andy on guitar, Jeremy Kahn on piano, Joe Policastro on bass and Phil Gratteau on drums, this quartet combines the member’s shared musical inspirations and presents a lyrical and hard-swinging working band that has delighted audiences and critics alike. As a group they have performed weekly at Andy’s Jazz Club since 2012. Their Delmark records release Direct Call received 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine and was selected as one of the magazine’s Albums of the Year. Their latest recording is the 2023 release Good Atmosphere.

In a performance review the Chicago Tribune’s jazz critic wrote: “Inspiring music-making isn’t necessarily loud, aggressive, self-aggrandizing or heavily promoted. Consider what happens every Sunday night at Andy’s Jazz Club, where the superb but serenely understated Chicago guitarist Andy Brown leads a quartet. Like him, his bandmates speak softly but poetically. Brown’s pastel tones, softly stated melody lines and delicately rolled chords conveyed remarkable intimacy.”

Tickets: $20.00
Showtimes: 6pm-7:15pm & 8:15pm-9:30pm

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EMMET COHEN

Live From Emmet’s Place is the touring version of Emmet Cohen’s live-streamed series, which brought world-class jazz into homes during the pandemic. Cohen and his trio re-create the series onstage with a living room-style jam session complete with top-tier musicianship. Inspired by Harlem rent parties, the show invites audiences to feel as if they’re in Cohen’s New York apartment.

Live From Emmet’s Place trio includes Grammy-nominated saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Patrick Bartley Jr., along with trumpeter, educator and curator Bruce Harris. Reuben Rogers will join on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums.

Tickets: $52.65 ~ $152. 10

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FRANKIE QUINONES

Percussionist and drummer Frankie Quinones for one night only brings his Latin Jazz Collective to the stage!

Quinones is a percussionist that focuses on using latin percussive instruments to fuse rhythms into any genre of music. He believes what sets him apart is that he works to have an authentic sound and that he’s not tied to any specific form or genre of music.

Frankie started playing drums and percussion in the church and began taking music seriously in hisjunior year of highschool where he joined a local band back home in Buffalo, New York. After high school he applied and got accepted to Berklee College of Music. It was not an easy journey, but he wouldn’t trade it for the world. Each setback and disappointment added to his music and has enhanced the story he tells via the drum. He doesn’t believe in overcoming, he believes in staying, fighting and showing up. Every experience adds to who you are and the story that you tell in your music, and choosing to play it and live in every moment.

He loves to play it all, be it Jazz, Salsa, Funk, Pop etc. Frankie is most proud of his family! His wife and three daughters are what excites him the most as he watches them grow into adulthood and become who they are destined to become. When you hear him play, he wants everyone to know  that he is performing from an honest place with respect to those who have come before him and for those that are coming afterwards.

C

over: $39.00 ~ $49.00 (fee included)

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LORI WILLIAMS

Celebrate the start of Memorial Day Weekend with an evening of live music at the legendary Blues Alley Jazz as international vocalist Lori Williams takes the stage for one special night featuring two intimate performances. Known for her rich tone, expressive storytelling, and deep musical roots, Lori presents an evening of traditional and contemporary jazz, soul, and inspirational music, delivered with authenticity and emotional depth. This performance offers audiences the opportunity to experience her artistry in the city where her musical journey began. Featuring: Benjie Porecki – keys Tracey Cutler – saxophone Michael Bowie – bass Mark Prince – drums  Join us for a meaningful holiday weekend evening of music, reflection, and connection.

Williams is a renowned American jazz vocalist, educator, producer, and arts advocate whose career spans more than 30 years. Known for her smooth, soulful sound and expressive storytelling, she blends traditional and contemporary jazz, soul, and inspirational music, delivering performances rooted in authenticity, reflection, and positive messages. Her work has taken her to stages around the world, earning international respect as both a performer and educator.

An accomplished recording artist, Lori has released multiple albums, including Healing Within and her most recent project, Here We Are, recorded in Austria, reflecting her continued global artistic reach and creative evolution. She has performed at venues such as Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, Middle C Jazz, City Winery, the Capital Jazz Fest and Cruise, as well as numerous international jazz festivals. Her artistry has been recognized by former Vice President and President Joseph Biden, and she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her celebrated portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald.

A graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications, Lori is also a veteran music educator. She served for over 30 years in DC Public Schools and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), advocating for arts education and student empowerment through music. Her educational work continues through her roles as an artist-in-residence, clinician, and workshop leader, where she mentors students and emerging artists through performance-based learning and jazz pedagogy. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at Georgia State University, further deepening her scholarship and artistic practice.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Lori is an accomplished radio producer and host. She produces and hosts Collector’s Choice with Lori Williams on JazzRadioWETF.org and curates the Sunday Jazz Lounge, selecting and hiring talent while fostering community through live jazz experiences. She is also the founder of Positive Music for Positive Minds, an initiative dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth and communities through the arts.

Now based in Georgia, Lori continues to perform, teach, and create opportunities for artists while advancing her lifelong mission to spread peace, purpose, and positivity through jazz, education, and community engagement.

Tickets: $50.00 +$7.00 fee

Showtimes: 7:30pm & 9:30pm

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BUSTER WILLIAMS

Buster Williams is a prodigious artist whose playing knows no limits. He has played, recorded and collaborated with jazz giants such as Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Carmen McRae, Chet Baker, Chick Corea, Dexter Gordon, Jimmy Heath, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Herbie Hancock, Larry Coryell, Lee Konitz, McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, The Jazz Crusaders, Sarah Vaughan, Benny Golson, Hank Jones, Lee Morgan, Bobby Hutcherson, Sonny Rollins, Count Basie, and Freddie Hubbard to name a few.

Buster has recorded soundtracks for movies including Les Choix des Armes, McKenna’s Gold with Gregory Peck, David Lynch’s Twin Peaks “Fire Walk With Me”, Spike Lee’s Clockers, and more. His work in Television includes commercials for Coca-Cola, Old Spice, Prudential Insurance, Chemical Bank, HBO, Budweiser Beer and more. TV shows appearances include The Johnny Carson Tonight Show, The Jay Leno Tonight Show, where he performed five of his original compositions with the Branford Marsalis Tonight Show Band. Other television shows include The Today Show, A&E, The Grammy Awards with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Bobby McFerrin. to name a few.

Showtimes:
Saturday ~ 7:00pm & 9:30pm
Sunday | 5:30pm & 8:00pm

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $60.00 +$7.00 fee

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BILLY CHILDS TRIO

Billy Childs has emerged as one of the foremost American composers of his era, successfully marrying the musical products of his heritage with the Western neoclassical traditions of the twentieth century in a powerful symbiosis of style, range, and dynamism.

Thus far, in his career, Childs has garnered seventeen Grammy nominations and six Grammy awards including two for Best Instrumental Jazz Album (Winds of Change in 2024 and Rebirth in 2018), and two for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist (including New York Tendaberry from Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro, featuring Renee Fleming and Yo-Yo Ma). In 2006, Childs was awarded a Chamber Music America composer’s grant, and in 2009 was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship.  In 2013 he was awarded the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award.  He has also been awarded a composers award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (2015).  In 2018, Childs was named “Outstanding Alumnus” of the Thornton School of Music (sharing that honor with, among others, Morton Lauridsen, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Marilyn Horne).  Childs has also served as president of Chamber Music America (2016-2022).

Born in Los Angeles, California he entered USC as a composition major, graduating four years later with a bachelor of music in composition under the tutelage of Robert Linn. Since then Mr. Childs has received a number of orchestral and chamber commissions from, among others: Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Leonard Slatkin, the Los Angeles Master Chorale,  Monterey Jazz Festival, the Dorian Wind Quintet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the American Brass Quintet, the Ying Quartet, the Lyris Quartet, Anne Akiko Meyers, Rachel Barton Pine, and Inna Faliks.

As a pianist Childs has performed with, among others, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Renee Fleming, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony, Chick Corea, the Kronos Quartet, Wynton Marsalis, Jack DeJohnette, the Dorian Wind Quintet, Ying Quartet, the American Brass Quintet, and Dave Holland.

Childs’ solo jazz recording career includes four critically acclaimed albums on the Windham Hill Jazz label and two volumes of Chamber Jazz music (Lyric, Vol. 1, 2006 and Autumn: In Moving Pictures, Vol. 2, 2010). Childs expanded upon his talent for seamlessly straddling the lines between jazz and classical worlds with a collection of re-imagined Laura Nyro compositions for Sony Masterworks, released in September 2014.  Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro, was produced by Larry Klein and features as guest artists, among others: Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, Wayne Shorter, Alison Kraus, Dianne Reeves, Chris Botti, Esperanza Spalding, and Lisa Fischer.  In 2017, Childs released the first of his three Mack Avenue recordings, the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth, which was followed by 2020’s Acceptance and 2023’s Grammy Award-winning The Winds of Change.

Childs is an in-demand clinician, whose recent invitations include working with students at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, masterclasses at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, and an educational residency at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Tickets: $35.00 +$7.00 fee

Showtimes: 7:00pm & 9:30pm

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MIKE STERN

To a generation of contemporary jazz guitar aficionados, Mike Stern is regarded as one of the true guitar greats of his generation. A player of remarkable facility whose searing lines are informed mainly by bebop and the blues while also carrying a rock-tinged intensity, Stern made his mark with Miles Davis in the early ‘80s before launching his solo career in 1985. Since then he has released 17 recordings as a leader, six of which were nominated for GRAMMY Awards. His latest recording, Echoes and Other Songs (Mack Avenue/Artistry), features an All-star cast including, Dennis Chambers, Antonio Sanchez, Christian McBride, Richard Bona, Chris Potter, Bob Franceschini, and Leni Stern.

Born in Boston on January 10, 1953, Stern grew up in Washington, DC, then returned to Boston to study at the Berklee College of Music where he met and befriended fellow Berklee students like guitarists John Scofield and Bill Frisell, bassist Jeff Berlin, drummers Steve Smith and Vinnie Colaiuta. He got his first big break in 1976 going out on tour with Blood, Sweat & Tears, appearing on the group’s studio More Than Ever and live album In Concert that year and also on 1977’s Brand New Day.

Stern was presented with Guitar Player magazine’s Certified Legend Award on January 21, 2012.

Mike Stern Band: Dennis Chambers~drums, Gary Grainger~guitar, Bob Franceschini~saxophone, and Leni Stern~guitar, vocal.

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $60.00 +$7.00 fee

Showtimes: 7:00pm & 9:30pm

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NICOLE HENRY

Celebrating a 20-year recording career with eight critically acclaimed chart-topping albums, Nicole Henry is the recipient of a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance,” and she has garnered four Top-Ten jazz albums on the U.S. Billboard, JazzWeek, HMV Japan, and U.K. Sweet Rhythms charts. Hot House Jazz said, “Few voices can set a listening room on fire, then let it burn into a cinder like Nicole Henry’s.”

The New York Times, Miami Herald, and Jazz Times Magazine have compared her to Sarah Vaughan, Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston for her dynamic range, impeccable phrasing, and ability to connect to a lyric. Whether burning through a swing tune or gently caressing a ballad, Nicole truly makes each song uniquely her own and “aims right for the emotional center.” (Billboard)

Henry has toured in over 20 countries and has recorded with musical greats Kirk Whalum, Julian Lage, John Clayton, and Gerald Clayton. She’s also performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, Pasadena Pops, Michael Feinstein, saxophonist Paul Taylor and more.

Showtimes:
Friday/Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm
Sunday: 2:00pm

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $60.00 + $7.00 fee

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THEO CROKER

Grammy-nominated trumpeter, composer, producer, and bandleader Theo Croker continues to expand the boundaries of modern jazz with his new album, Dream Manifest (Dom Recs / Fat Beats, June 13). Hailed by the LA Times as “a path to jazz greatness,” the project blends jazz, experimental hip-hop, and cosmic soul into a genre-defying sonic journey.

Singles like the high-energy “We Still Wanna Dance” (produced by D’LEAU), the soulful “High Vibrations” (featuring Malaya), and the hypnotic “Crystal Waterfalls” showcase Croker’s dynamic vision — a sound both timeless and forward-facing (Wall Street Journal). NPR describes his vibe as “chill,” driven by a “clear musical approach and determination,” qualities that have made him a standout collaborator with Ari Lennox, Common, J. Cole, Jill Scott, and Wyclef Jean.

Croker’s live performances are cinematic and immersive, guided by a producer’s mind and a jazz artist’s spontaneity. As DownBeat notes, he “layers music and lyrics with the deft touch of a hip-hop producer and the spontaneity of a jazz trumpeter.” His trumpet becomes both melody and texture within a rich production landscape performed live with his acoustic band.

In 2025, he premiered Dream Manifest at London’s Barbican Theatre with designer Nicholas Daley. The Evening Standard called it “jazz, just not as we know it,” while Jazzwise praised its emotional depth and “total stage control.”

Tickets: $37.54 ($30.00 + $7.54 fees) | $54.54 ($45.00 + $9.54 fees)

Discounter Parking: $18.80 ($15.00 + $3.80 fees)

$20.00 Minimum Per Person

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LIZZ WRIGHT

Through an inimitable voice that The New York Times touts as, “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” renowned vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America. She lies beneath the script of history, transcending social divides with an offer of love and deep sense of humanity. Her music accepts the beauty of reality and creates a collective experience of belonging for the listener. Wright’s songs embody a tradition that allows us to always feel at home.

Wright’s 2024 studio album release, Shadow, presents Lizz in a gentle and triumphant light. With five originals penned by Wright, Shadow is anchored by acoustic guitars and layered with string quartets, harp, Carnatic Indian classical strings, gospel vocals, and bare emotion. It celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing. The album was produced by Chris Bruce and executive produced by Wright on Blues & Greens Records (with licensing/distribution through Lightyear Entertainment/Virgin Music). Wright worked with renowned engineer Ryan Freeland (who recorded Grace and has also worked with music legend Bonnie Raitt), and the album features acclaimed guest artists Angelique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello.

At the age of 22, Wright first made a name for herself nationally as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. At 23, she signed with Verve Records for the release of Salt, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. She went on to record for Universal Music Group and released the albums Dreaming Wide Awake (2005), The Orchard (2008), and Fellowship (2010). On Concord, Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016) – featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist – and Grace (2017). Wright’s (2022) release of Holding Space (a live recording of a concert in Berlin at the Columbia Theater) was her debut live album on Blues and Greens Records.

Wright looks forward to the release of a duo album in 2026.

Tickets: $43.21 ($35.00 + $8.21 fees) | $54.54 ($45.00 + $9.54 fees)

Discounted Parking: $18.80 ($15.00 + $3.80 fees)

$20.00 Minimum Per Person

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE & URSA MAJOR

Eleven-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Christian McBride will delight audiences with his unique musical style influenced by jazz, R&B, pop/rock, neo soul, and classical music.

Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always of the music. A luminary with one hand reaching for new heights and the other extended in fellowship, McBride invites audiences to join in his love of jazz, R&B, pop/rock, hip-hop, neo soul, and classical. An eleven-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader, McBride has served as Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, New Jersey Performing Arts center (NJPAC) and the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, as well as the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.

Cover: $30.00 ~ $60.00 | VIP ~ $80.00

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NICOLE HENRY, SENEGAL APOSTOLO & JOHN MARQUIS

Esther Mae Armbrister Park welcomes the Nicole Henry Quintet, the Senegal Apostolo Trio and the John Marquis Trio for an evening of jazz celebrating Jazzin’ The Grove Spring Swing! The event is ree and open to the public. Bring your chairs, blankets and coolers for a fantastic evening of live jazz.

World class vocalist Nicole Henry’s versatile and emotionally driven performances have captivated audiences in twenty countries.  She has ensconced herself in the jazz ranks of acclaimed interpreters as she tours with her quartet or performing with orchestras and big bands. Her repertoire comes from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues, and originals. Her numerous accolades include Traditional Jazz Performance, Best New Jazz Artist, and Best Solo Musician from Soul Train, HMV Japan Awards and Miami New Times, respectively. She was hailed as One of Eight Black Artists Making Waves in 2024 by Symphonic Distribution and BroadwayWorld Miami named her Vocalist of the Decade. 

Double bassist Senegal Apostolo is a Miami-based professional musician, bassist, and educator, known for his work with JazzSLAM, and has been featured in performances with the FIU Music Hour. A graduate of the FIU School of Music, he performs in jazz ensembles and provides music programming for children. He co-founded Miami-based music academy, Sol Music Studios, and conducts interactive musical programs for young children. His discography can be found on SoundCloud, Boomplay and Instagram.

Pianist John Marquis began playing at an early age and has been playing through his high school matriculation. Along with his bandmates, bassist Gavin Jules and drummer Dwayne James, they are soon to be graduating seniors from the renowned performing and visual arts Dillard Center for the Arts located within Dillard 6-12 Magnet School, located in Fort Lauderdale. To be accepted into the program each student had to audition and undergo a rigorous years of training that has prepared them for a career in the arts.

Cover: FREE

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VANESSA RUBIN

Revered as both a torchbearer and a storyteller, jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin possesses a voice hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to her vocal performance from both the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother and traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father. Rubin’s passion for rich musical stories are evidenced throughout her eight albums thus far plus numerous guest appearances.

Highlight s ongs include the evocative “Voyager II” from the pen of Teri Thornton, “Inside a Silent Tear” written by Blossom Dearie, a refashioned waltz version of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” lyricized by New York Voices and an arrangement of “Superwoman” by Stevie Wonder insipired by the Ahmad Jamal recording of “Poinciana”. So while she has one foot planted in tradition – sticking close to timeless melodies and exquisite vocal forms – Rubin waxes adventurous, embracing stories lesser told while employing lessons of acclaimed storytellers in song such as Carmen McRae, Shirley Horn, and Freddy Cole.

Bandmates:
Allyn Johnson ~ Piano
Kenny Davis ~ Bass
Alvester Garnet ~ Drums

Cover: $35.46 ~ $45.76

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JASON MARSALIS QUARTET

Jason Marsalis Quartet With Vanisha Gould, Mustafa, Trio De Janeiro featuring Magela Herrera and The John Marquis Trio

Hailing from NOLA and the youngest son of the Marsalis clan led by the late patriarch Ellis Marsalis, the jazz drummer, vibraphonist, composer, producer, band leader, brings his talents to Magic City for the Sankofa Jazz Concert.

The Sankofa Jazz Concert is a vibrant celebration of jazz music’s enduring legacy and its profound influence on American culture. Showcasing both traditional and contemporary jazz styles, the event honors the genre’s historical roots while highlighting its ongoing evolution and cultural significance.

Tickets: $35.00

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GRACE KELLY

You loved her before, so we’re bringing her back.  Grace Kelly is an unequivocal musical prodigy, singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer, and band leader. She has rocked the jazz world with her joyous sold-out concerts, acclaimed albums and a resume that includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl and as part of the house band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” – all before reaching her mid-twenties.

Kelly has performed and recorded with renowned artists including Lin Manuel- Miranda, Dave Brubeck, Phil Woods, Huey Lewis, Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan, Questlove, and Wynton Marsalis. It will be an evening of joy-filled jazz!

Tickets: $76.70

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PHILIP HARPER FEATURING WINARD HARPER

Philip and Winard Harper are celebrated jazz musicians born in America, a trumpeter and drummer respectively, known for leading the acclaimed post-bop group, The Harper Brothers, during the late 1980s and early 1990s. They recorded successful albums for Verve Records and toured internationally, with Winard continuing as a prominent bandleader and sideman.

The Band
Philip Harper / Trumpet
Winard Harper / Drums
Rico Jones / Tenor Saxophone
Raphael Silverman / Guitar
Maki Nientao / Piano
Jason Maximo Clotter ~ Bass

Tickets: $40.00

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GREGORY HUTCHINSON’S – KIND OF NOW

Growing up Gregory Hutchinson played with his drummer father. He studied under Marvin “Smitty” Smith and Kenny Washington in the late 1980s, and began his career playing with Red Rodney in 1989–1990.

During the 1990s, he worked with Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, Stephen Scott, Ray Brown, Eric Reed, Joe Henderson, Marcus Printup, Antonio Hart, Joshua Redman, Greg Gisbert, Frank Wess, Steve Wilson, Johnny Griffin, LaVerne Butler, Peter Bernstein, Claire Martin, Mark Whitfield, Teodross Avery, Jimmy Smith, Arturo Sandoval, John Patitucci, Joey Calderrazo, Michael Brecker, and Rodney Whitaker.

The Band:
Gregory Hutchinson ~ Drums
Josh Evans ~ Trumpet
Nicole Glover ~ Tenor Saxophone
Emmanuel Michael ~ Guitar
Christian Sands ~ Piano
Larry Grenadier ~ Bass

Tickets: $40.00

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BOBBY WATSON QUARTET

Bobby Watson sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, bandleader, educator and producer, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then, from 1977-1981, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings, more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history.

Early on, in addition to Blakey, the saxophonist also worked with notable jazz icons and elder statesmen such as Max Roach, Louis Hayes, George Coleman and Sam Rivers, as well as sharing music experiences with innumerable noteworthy peers and colleagues as well as legendary vocalists such as Joe Williams, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves and Carmen Lundy.

Not surprisingly, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Simultaneously, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record.

On August 23, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61 st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie, Jay McShann, Parker and Mary Lou Williams.<

The Band:
Bobby Watson / Alto Saxophone
Jordan Williams / Piano
urtis Lundy / Bass
ictor Jones / Drums

Admission: $40.00

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