Notorious Jazz

TONY HIGHTOWER
2025-08-29 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA, 30005, United States
Singer/Songwriter Tony Hightower is taking up the mantle to be a bridge that ushers R&B audiences into Jazz…Real Jazz. With years of experience as a musical performer and actor with familiar roots that place him firmly within the music’s firmament, the Atlanta native is still just getting started on this benevolent turn in his journey. And he is bringing a lot of young people with him.
Beyond his contributions as a vocalist to the successful projects of Gerald Levert, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the soundtrack for “Money Train,” Goodie Mob’s certified gold album “Soul Food,” Society of Soul’s album “Brainchild,” Pebbles’ album “Straight From My Heart,” Lionel Richie’s album “Louder Than Words,” and Outkast, he has preoduced and recorded his own albums and has performed around the East Coast and in Europe.
Cover: $40.00

CATHERINE RUSSELL
2025-09-02 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-09-04 19:00 - 2025-09-06 23:00 (America/New_York) | Birdland, 315 W 44th Street, #5402, New York City, NY, 10036, United States
Vocalist Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist, composer, bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, the late Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist / guitarist / bassist who performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver.
Catherine’s professional life began early. After graduating with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she toured and recorded with Carrie Smith, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Levon Helm, Toshi Reagon and Rosanne Cash, among others, appearing on over 200 albums.
Cover: $45.76 ~ $56.06

LIZ CALLAWAY
2025-09-04 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 54 Below, 254 W 54th Street, New York City, NY, 10019, United States
Emmy winner, Tony and Grammy nominee Lizz Callaway sings the songs of Stephen Schwartz with her show The Wizard and I. It is a collection of songs from a career over 60 years.
Her performance features Oscar winning tunes from Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Baker’s Wife as well as lending her voice to animated movies Anastacia.
Piano & Music Director: Alex Rybeck
Bass: Ritt Henn
Drums: Ron Tierno
Cover: $73.50 ~ $139.50

PAUL CORNISH
2025-09-05 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Bop Stop At The Settlement, 2920 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44133, United States
One of today’s most exciting emerging voices on piano, Paul Cornish and his trio make their Bop Stop debut as they tour to promote Cornish’s debut album as a leader, You’re Exaggerating! The album was released on Blue Note Records on August 22nd.
Every artist who records for Blue Note is part of a grand legacy, now in its 86th year. But pianist Paul Cornish is a torchbearer for several remarkable Blue Note legacies, all at once. Which makes You’re Exaggerating!, his powerfully lyrical trio debut for the label, a mission statement for Blue Note’s next generation.
To begin, Cornish is part of a great heritage of jazz piano that has unfolded at the label, from Blue Note’s first 78-rpm releases by Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons through Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Don Pullen, Geri Allen, Jacky Terrasson, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Renee Rosnes, Aaron Parks, Gerald Clayton and beyond.
Then, he’s part of a lineage of Blue Note artists, past and present, who hail from Houston, Texas, and developed at the city’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a.k.a. HSPVA. That more recent hall of fame includes Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Walter Smith III, Kendrick Scott, Chris Dave and James Francies and, now, Cornish, who was born and raised in Houston and has been based in Los Angeles for over a decade.
Featuring:

Paul Cornish, piano
Jermaine Paul, bass
Jonathan Pinson, drums

Cover: $25 each in advance, $30 day of show.

JULIE DEXTER
2025-09-06 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | City Winery Atlanta, Ponce City Market, 650 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA, 30308, United States
Join the Jazz Brunch audience for Julie Dexter is a world renowned, award winning, British singer, songwriter and producer considered by many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of her generation. Having shared the spotlight with a host of cutting-edge artists, including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, Omar, Ledisi, Doug Carn, Third World and Maxi Priest to name a few, Julie not only holds up her own with them but has been praised and respected by them too.
Influenced by legends such as Nancy Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Bob Marley, as well as popular icons Omar and Sade, Julie takes classic soul to the heart of Artistry. Fans and critics across the globe have followed her journey through the circles of Jazz, Broken-Beat, Bossa-Nova, Reggae, Afro-Beat and Soul and she was recently honored at the Black Women in Jazz Awards with the Afro Caribbean Soul of Jazz Award.
It was in 1999 that Julie took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she now resides. She launched her own label, Ketch A Vibe Records and in 2000 released the critically acclaimed EP Peace of Mind, followed by Dexterity (2002) ,Conscious (2005) and New Again (2011). Moon Bossa, a collaboration with Khari Simmons was released in 2007 and her single “Ketch A Vibe” was featured in national radio ads for Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama.
Julie’s latest album “Deja Vu” takes us on a journey from Bossa to reggae. From Jazz to World Music, Soul and beyond, Julie Dexter is one of an elite few whose talent can transcend genres. She makes it all work on her own terms, as an audaciously independent artist with an undeniable connection to her audience.
Cover: $25.00 ~ $35.00

BRANDEE YOUNGER
2025-09-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harp for the digital era. She seamlessly blends genres from classical to R&B to jazz, drawing inspiration from pioneering jazz harpists Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, while forging her own distinct sound.
In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. That same year, she was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award and later, the winner of the 2024 NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Jazz Album for her latest album Brand New Life.
Ever-expanding as an artist, she has worked with cultural icons including Common, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Pharoah Sanders, and Christian McBride. Her live shows are a testament to her love for the instrument and her cross-reaching ability as a musician, making for a captivating and unforgettable performance.
Cover: $25.00 ~ $60.00

DANIEL HARRIS III
2025-09-07 19:00 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Black Cat, 400 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Daniel Harris III – Debut Album Release
The visionary artist, dynamic trumpeter, community organizer, and cultural innovator has a multifaceted career that is creating an indelible mark on the jazz and creative scenes across California and beyond.
With a string of high-profile performances, Daniel has captivated audiences at prestigious venues such as Yoshi’s Jazz Club performing with Kev Choice and Ayo Brame, headlining shows at San Francisco’s premier Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, and performed the National Anthem as a soloist for the Oakland Ballers.
His collaborations include sharing stages with Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few in Chicago and in San Francisco, performing with award-winning pianist Jahari Stampley and his Family Band, and joining Terrace Martin for the Los Angeles Jazz Festival Foundation Celebration. Daniel has also graced the Mendocino Music Festival as part of their premier Big Band and headlined the inaugural Just Jazz Future is Now Festival in Monterey.
The Band:
Daniel Harr III: Trumpet
Roy Mendiola: Piano
Ryan Embola: Bass
Jayla Hernandez: Drums
Cover: $35.50~$45.50

GORDON VERNICK QUARTET
2025-09-10 21:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Red Light Cafe, 553-1 Amsterdam Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306, United States
Wednesday Jazz Jam is hosted by Gordon Vernick. With his quartet he opens the evening performing a few numbers, then invites other musicians and singers to join them on stage for a Jazz Jam Session. Whether you’re a professional or amateur musician, you’re welcome to sit in and everyone who wants to perform will be given a chance to play.
Livestream: YouTube.com/RedLightCafe
Cover: $10.00 @ Door | $5 for performers or students with ID

STANTON MOORE TRIO
2025-09-11 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116, United States
Born and raised in New Orleans, Stanton Moore is a dedicated drummer and performer. As a founding member of the Grammy-nominated funk band, Galactic, Moore’s infectious style has allowed him to collaborate with luminaries Irma Thomas, Joss Stone, Tom Morello, George Porter Jr, Dr. Lonnie Smith and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Driven and inspired by the thriving music scene of his hometown, which includes such greats as Professor Longhair, Doctor John, James Black and The Meters, Moore’s name is now mentioned amongst the Big Easy masters. When not touring with his award-winning band Galactic, he plays straight ahead jazz with his trio.
Cover: $35.65

MIGUEL ZENÓN
2025-09-11 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Parker Jazz Club, 117 W 4th St #107b, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Grammy winner saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón who brings his groundbreaking and influential talent to the stage for one show only.
The San Juan, Puerto Rico born musician is a Doris Duke Artist and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow has worked with the SFJAZZ Collective, Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, David Sánchez, Danilo Perez, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Kurt Elling, Joey Calderazzo, Steve Coleman, Ray Barreto, Andy Montañez, Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band, The Mingus Big Band and Bobby Hutcherson among others.
Cover: $$35.00 ~ $40.00

ALEX MURPHY TRIO
2025-09-12 17:30 - 19:15 (America/New_York) | Rudy’s Jazz Room, 809 Gleaves Street, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Alex Murphy Trio feat. Gabrielle Cavassa
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois Alex grew up in a family of musicians with parents who emphasized musical exploration at an early age. He grew up where the arts were strongly supported and he had the support to grow his passion for jazz. That passion led him into continued study at DePaul University in Chicago where he was under the tutelage of Ron Perrillo and Dana Hall. Alex has studied with masters Aaron Goldberg, Bill Charlap, Mark Colenburg, and Pascal LeBoeuf.
Gabrielle Cavassa is a singer and composer, recently signed to Blue Note Records. She was ushered into the spotlight through her collaboration with renowned saxophonist Joshua Redman on his critically acclaimed 2023 record ‘where are we’. In a five-star album review by Downbeat, Cavassa is hailed as “a young singer with a deep, rich, and fragile voice…a star in the making.”
The Band:
Alex Murphy – piano
Gabrielle Cavassa – vocals
Lex Warshawsky – bass
Marlon Patton – drums
Cover: $16.00

KENNY GARRETT
2025-09-16 18:00 - 2025-09-17 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46220, United States
Pioneering, Grammy winning saxophonist, and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Garrett is known for blending straight-ahead, gospel, and global rhythms into his music. His dynamic and soulful performances resonate deeply with audiences, establishing him as a titan of contemporary jazz. He has collaborated with legends like Miles Davis, Art Blakey, and Duke Ellington, while also achieving recognition as a leading solo artist and one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.
Seeing Kenny Garrett live is an opportunity to witness a true master of contemporary jazz who continues to innovate, connect with his musical heritage, and deliver powerful, unforgettable performances.
Cover: $30.00 ~ $65.00

ANEESA STRINGS
2025-09-18 19:30 (America/New_York) | Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
Aneesa Strings is a creative, thought leader, singer-songwriter, performer, influencer, music director, professor and composer. After studying jazz, music theory, and acquiring degrees from USC & Michigan State University, Aneesa has scored and lead countless musical moments within the Jazz, Pop and R&B space.
Indie and A-list artists call on her regularly to compose, create and lead musical direction from the ideation, creation and activation elements of music, scoring and touring. Aneesa brings you storytelling through sounds, rhythm and motion.
She’s a beacon of light for young women, black artists and creatives as a whole and is claiming space across many mediums in real time. Aneesa is an all-encompassing artist and composer with a strong share of voice on the ground of the digital space. She’s a walking viral moment garnering attention from platforms such as Essence, Genius, Hypebeast, Blue Note, Balleralert & recording houses & more. She’s now touring & playing legendary jazz festivals as a solo artist including Newport, Hollywood Bowl & Montreal.
Cover: $43.10 ~ 84.10

RICHARD SHELTON
2025-09-19 18:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Purple Room, 1900 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
Sinatra & Me
Widely acknowledged as ‘the world’s leading dramatic interpreter of Frank Sinatra’, with performances for King Charles, Sir Elton John, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and on stages from London, New York, LA to Australia, Richard Shelton and Frank Sinatra’s lives are inextricably linked by music, drama and staggering synchronicity.
In this award-winning show, hear how Shelton got behind the icon’s blue eyes in the dramas ‘Rat Pack Confidential’ and ‘Sinatra: RAW’, how Sinatra’s tuxedo walked into Shelton’s life (and is an exact fit), the recording sessions at Capitol Records with Sinatra’s band mates, the hits they performed together and about the many staggering synchronicities Shelton and Sinatra share. Plus, stunning versions of Sinatra’s greatest hits and Richard’s original music, “An Englishman in Love in LA”.
Cover: $45.70

AXEL TOSCA'S CUBAN JAM
2025-09-25 20:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Zinc Bar, 82 West 3rd Street, New York City, NY, 10012, United States
Axel Tosca Trio and the Legendary Xiomara Laugart | The Cuban Jam
Three time Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Axel Tosca. Blending jazz, classical, hip-hop, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, Tosca creates a genre-defying soundscape that captivates audiences. Born into a prestigious musical family, he was a prodigy on stage by age seven, learning under jazz greats like Miriam Valdez. Tosca has performed with legends such as Roy Hargrove, The Roots, and George Clinton. His weekly “Jam” features collaborations with jazz icons and showcases his virtuosic talent.
Xiomara Laugart has performed Cuban Nueva trova, jazz standards, and Broadway numbers on local and international stages. She joins her son Axel and combines the beloved Cuban sounds of home from the 1950s to today with Tosca’s eclectic take on modern jazz, swing, and bebop.
Cover: $35.00

NICOLE HENRY
2025-09-27 18:15 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Middle C Jazz, 300 South Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Nicole Henry has established herself among the jazz world’s most acclaimed performers, telling real stories through impeccable interpretations of repertoire from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues, and originals.
Among her numerous accolades, Henry’s soulful voice and heartfelt charisma have earned her a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance,” “Best New Jazz Artist” by HMV Japan, “Best Solo Musician” by her hometown Miami New Times, and she was hailed as “One of Eight Black Artists Making Waves in 2024” by Symphonic Distribution. BroadwayWorld Miami named her “Vocalist of the Decade.”
She has released eight albums and enjoyed four Top 10 CDs, including her latest 2021 album, Time to Love Again, which reached #4 on the U.S. JazzWeek chart, remaining in the Top 40 for 20 weeks. In late 2019, Ms. Henry returned to the theatrical stage and garnered critical praise in the musical versions of The Bodyguard, The Color Purple, and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. She also starred in the worldwide debut of the musical A Wonderful World, based on the life of Louis Armstrong.
Cover: $41.45 to $50.65

BERNARD LINNETTE INTERACTIVE
2025-09-27 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA, 30005, United States
Drummer Bernard Linnette is a force of nature behind the kit, blending precision, groove, and creativity in every performance. With roots in both jazz and R&B, he has built a reputation for his ability to drive a band with thunderous power while also bringing subtle nuance to more intimate settings. His career has taken him to stages across the country, where his dynamic playing consistently captivates audiences and earns the admiration of fellow musicians.
Beyond his technical mastery, Linnette is celebrated for his versatility and collaborative spirit, making him a sought-after accompanist for both seasoned artists and rising stars. Whether laying down a swinging rhythm, crafting complex polyrhythms, or igniting the stage with high-energy solos, he embodies the heartbeat of the music. With every performance, Bernard Linnette proves why he is one of the most compelling drummers working today.
The Band: Bernard Linnette, Drums | Frank Lacy, Trombone | Chanda Leigh Adeogba, Vocal | James Robertson, Saxophone | Derrick White, Trombone | Louis Herivaux, Piano | Tommy Sauter, Bass
Cover: $42.00

ETHAN IVERSON SEXTET
2025-09-30 20:00 - 2025-10-05 23:30 (America/New_York) | Village Vanguard, 178 7th Avenue S, New York City, NY, 10014, United States
Ethan Iverson avoids technical excess as his improvisations unfold sparely in his right hand, usually with very little or no emphasis on his left hand. He plays deliberately, nurturing his ideas sometimes in unhurried quarter notes or eighth notes…Iverson stretches tonality through single lines, which grow more adventurous the longer they unfold.
The Band: Sam Newsome – Saxophone | Johnathan Finlayson – Trumpet | Jacob Garchik – Trombone | Ethan Iverson – Piano | Peter Washington – Bass | Kush Abadey – Drums

Cover: $40.00 + fee

NNENNA FREELON
2025-10-01 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA, 90028, United States
Jazz singer and composer Nnenna Freelon brings her “Beneath The Skin” CD Release to Catalina Jazz Club, in Hollywood!
An intimate evening with Nnenna Freelon will feature of brand new mashup of jazz meets spoken word meets soul. Experience songs from her latest album “Beneath the Skin” alongside reflections from her upcoming book “Beneath the Skin of Sorrow”.

“An album that ultimately feels like a novel, a succession of scenes that leave an indelible mark. This is a work of art of the highest caliber, earning its rightful place among our collection of Essential Albums.” – Paris Moves.
Cover: $35.00 +fee | Two drink minimum or dinner

RONNIE SCOTT'S ALL STARS
2025-10-01 18:30 - 19:50 (Europe/London) | Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, Soho London, England, W1D 4HT, United Kingdom
It has been named jazz’s greatest year. There was definitely something in the air in 1959, and it wasn’t just NASA: Castro took over Cuba, Buddy Holly died in a plane crash, Pan Am started regular flights around the world, and NASA sent 7 astronauts into space.
Ronnie Scott’s, of course, was founded in 1959. The idea of opening a jazz club along the lines of the intimate and bustling venues of New York’s 52nd Street was hatched by two ardent jazz fans who happened to be very much part of a burgeoning modern jazz movement of the late fifties: tenor saxophonist Ronnie Scott who had since the late forties, wowed the bebop brigade in a series of bands commencing with the nine-piece which featured his business partner to be and fellow saxophonist Pete King.
Three greats of jazz died – Lester Young, Billie Holiday and Sidney Bechet but born out of so much world turmoil were a spate of jazz masterpieces.
In March, Miles Davis created the definitive jazz album in A Kind of Blue. In May, Charles Mingus released an album called Mingus Ah Um – possibly his definitive album. Also in May, Ornette Coleman’s album The Shape of Jazz To Come became ‘the genesis of avant-garde jazz’, and John Coltrane recorded Giant Steps from May to December.
What Miles did for harmonic shifts, The Dave Brubeck Quartet did for rhythmic innovations with Time Out, challenging the acceptable 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures and even creating the hit Take Five with their 5/4 time signature.
Having spent eight months in the Miles Davis Quintet, Bill Evans released Portrait in Jazz in December with Paul Motian and Scott LaFaro, often regarded as one of the greatest jazz trios.
In the show, you can expect to hear a sample of music from all of these genre-defining jazz classics performed by the unmatched Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
Line-up
Freddie Gavita ~ trumpet
Alex Garnett ~ saxophone
James Pearson ~ piano
Sam Burgess ~ bass
Sebastian de Krom ~ drums
Tickets: £35 ~ £55 | $40.96 ~ $64.36

PHIL DEGREG TRIO
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Caffè Vivace, 975 E McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45206, United States
The Phil DeGreg Trio will highlight the music of Bill Evans, widely considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. Evans’ use of harmony and his inventive and impressionistic interpretation of the jazz repertoire has few peers. His introspective lyricism and subtle Western classical flourishes have echoes in a legion of fellow keyboard players. Phil DeGreg is a Cincinnati-based pianist who has made his mark in the jazz world over the past four decades as a recording artist, composer, and pedagogue. He has toured with The Woody Herman Orchestra and performed with Randy Brecker, Ira Sullivan, Claudio Roditi, J.J. Johnson, Harry Allen, Conrad Herwig, and many others.
He has released 12 albums as a leader. As an educator, Phil retired after 27 years as a Professor of Jazz Studies at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He continues to teach private students and master classes locally and worldwide and has taught with Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops for 36 years. If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set.
The Band: Phil DeGreg — piano | Aaron Jacobs — bass | John Taylor — drums
Tickets: $15.00

PHILIP HARPER SEXTET
2025-10-03 19:00 - 2025-10-04 23:00 (America/New_York) | Jazz Forum Arts, 1 Dixon Lane, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
From first tasting fame as one of the ’80’s “Young Lions” and co-leader of the acclaimed Harper Brothers Quintet, trumpeter Philip Harper has always kept great company.
He apprenticed with organ master Jimmy McGriff, then spent two years with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Following the Harper Brothers, he played with giants Benny Golson and Cedar Walton and joined the Mingus Big Band. He’s made over 50 recordings and constantly tours both here and in Europe.
The Band: Philip Harper ~ trumpet & vocals | Rico Jones ~ tenor saxophone | Raphael Silverman ~ guitar | Maki Nientao ~ piano | Jason Maximo Clotter ~ bass | David Hawkins ~ drums
Tickets: $30.00 Student | $35.00 Adult +fee for both

ALEXIS COLE
2025-10-05 16:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Jazz Forum Arts, 1 Dixon Lane, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
For over two decades, through 14 albums, including a forthcoming recording she’ll be previewing, Alexis has inhabited standards, especially blues and ballads, in the manner of Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day.
She’s also an innovative jazz educator via jazzvoice.com, and an early mentor to Grammy-winner Samara Joy at SUNY Purchase. The legendary DJ/musicologist Jonathan Schwartz called Alexis Cole “one of the great voices of today” an assessment that proves more true with each passing year.
The Band: Sean Fitzpatrick ~ piano; Tony DiPaolis ~ bass | Reid Hoyson ~ drums
Cover: $30.00 +fee

DIEGO RIVERA QUARTET
2025-10-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Blue Llama, 314 S Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
A world-class musician, composer, arranger and educator, Diego Rivera has entertained audiences for over 20 years. He currently serves as the Director of Jazz Studies at the Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin.
The Ann Arbor, Michigan native was born into a Mexican-American family and his heritage has shaped his musical voice and creative endeavors. He attended Michigan State University where he studied with Andrew Speight, Branford Marsalis, Ron Blake and Rodney Whitaker.
He has toured with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, performed concerts with Grammy winning vocalist Kurt Elling, Juno winning vocalist, Sophie Milman and The Rodney Whitaker Quintet. He is a member of several big bands and has performed with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Christian McBride, Wycliffe Gordon, PRISM Saxophone Quartet, the Gerald Wilson Big Band and the Lincoln Center Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.
The Band:
Diego Rivera: Saxophone
Xavier Davis: Piano
Rodney Whitaker: Bass
Michael Reed: Drums
Cover: $25.00

JOHNATHAN BLAKE
2025-10-07 06:30 - 22:35 (Europe/London) | Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, Soho London, England, W1D 4HT, United Kingdom
Drummer-composer Johnathan Blake returns to Ronnie Scott’s with music from his powerful new Blue Note album My Life Matters. Originally commissioned by The Jazz Gallery, the suite is both personal and political – a reflection on racial injustice, resilience, and family legacy. With themes that resonate deeply in today’s world, the music moves between contemplation and confrontation, anchored by Blake’s unmistakable rhythmic voice.
Heralded by NPR as the ultimate modernist, the Philadelphia-raised Johnathan Blake has been one of the most creative drummers of recent times, backing up heavyweights from the Mingus Big Band, Pharoah Sanders, Q-Tip and Dr. Lonnie Smith, to post-bop innovators Tom Harrell, Maria Schneider and countless other distinctive voices.
The Band: John Ellis ~ saxophone, ewi | Fabian Almazan ~ piano, electronics | Jalen Baker ~ vibraphone | Ben Street ~ bass
Cover: £40 – £55 | $40.96 ~ $64.36

RON CARTER FEATURING BILL FRISELL
2025-10-08 08:00 - 2025-10-11 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Ron Carter is among the most original, prolific and influential bassists in jazz with more than 2,000 albums to his credit. Beginning his career in the 1960s with Jaki Byard and Eric Dolphy, Cannonball Adderley, and a five year stint with the Miles Davis’ Quintet, Ron also performed and recorded with notables including Bill Evans, B.B. King, and Dexter Gordon. Ron Carter’s various ensembles, big band to trio, feature a who’s who of the finest players on the NYC scene with, “an absolute commitment to musical sublimity [that] exudes refined elegance and sonic power.” (amazon.com)
Bill Frisell’s career as a guitarist and composer has spanned more than 40 years and many celebrated recordings, whose catalog has been cited by Downbeat as “the best recorded output of the decade.”
Tickets: $45.76 ~ $61.21

MADISON MCFERRIN
2025-10-10 18:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, 310 E. Main Street, Durham, NC, 27701, United States
Madison McFerrin brings her genre-defying sound and vocal brilliance to Missy Lane’s for a night that feels both futuristic and deeply personal. Blending a cappella roots with electronic soul, Madison crafts rich sonic landscapes that are as intimate as they are expansive. With powerful lyrics, bold musicality, and hypnotic vocal loops, her set invites you to feel, move, and reflect. Expect a night of self-love anthems, layered harmonies, and electrified energy from an artist carving her own lane in modern music.
Known for her rich tone and pitch-perfect control, Madison’s vocals layer effortlessly to create a one-woman harmony machine. Fusing soul, R&B, and electronic textures, her sound feels experimental yet deeply grounded in tradition—what she calls “future soul.” From stripped-down vulnerability to danceable joy, her live sets take you on a journey of self-reflection, resilience, and freedom.
Tickets: $56.00 ~ $200.00

BEN WILLIAMS
2025-10-13 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, 310 E. Main Street, Durham, NC, 27701, United States
Washington, D.C. has produced its share of game-changers and that long list of musicians that include Duke Ellington, Chuck Brown, Marvin Gaye, Shirley Horn, Roberta Flack, and Meshell Ndegeocello. Added to that list is bassist Ben Williams
For more than a decade Williams has become an acclaimed bassist in modern jazz. He has won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, which got him a recording contract with Concord Records and he has gone on to release several albums. He has performed with Pat Metheny, George Benson, Stefon Harris, David Sanborn, Lauryn Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Robert Glasper, Maxwell and Nicholas Payton to name a few.
Cover: $45.00 | $70.00 | $200.00

ADONIS ROSE & NOJO
2025-10-16 19:00 - 2025-10-19 22:30 (America/New_York) | Dizzy’s Club, 10 Columbus Circle, New York City, NY, 10019, United States
Feel the soul of New Orleans come alive as Grammy winner Adonis Rose and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra present Sacred Spaces, a powerful ballet that blends music and dance in a celebration of resilience, community, and hope. Created in collaboration with the renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company, the piece was inspired by the burning of three historic Black churches in Louisiana.
With gospel, funeral dirges, and second lines woven throughout, this unforgettable performance transforms tragedy into a stirring tribute to healing and strength and features vocalist Andromeda Turre.
Performance Lineup:
Adonis Rose, drums / Artistic Director
Andromeda Turre, vocals
David Navarro, trumpet
Miles Berry, tenor saxophone
itch Butler, trombone
Brandon McCune, piano
Tickets: $25.00 ~ $50.00
