With one of the most spellbinding voices of her generation, Lizz Wright has spent more than two decades creating music that moves effortlessly through jazz, gospel, blues, R&B and the deep traditions of the Black American church. At the heart of that journey has been pianist Kenny Banks Sr., one of Wright’s earliest mentors and […]
Drummer and multi-instrumentalist Larry Wilson is one of the most dynamic and authentic jazz performers in Atlanta. A major part of the Churchill Grounds Family, Larry led the jam session at TEN ATL for over 8 years and was instrumental in keeping the Churchill Grounds brand alive. Larry will feature the house band from TEN […]
Shayna Steele is a dynamic vocalist whose powerful blend of soul, jazz and blues has made her one of the industry’s most sought-after singers. She has performed at major festivals including Monterey Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz Festival, and with more than 100 North American symphony orchestras, including the Dallas Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic and […]
The Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra performs a special tribute to two of jazz's most beloved vocal legends, Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan. Led by acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and arranger Thad Wilson, the orchestra brings together some of the finest musicians in the DMV for an evening celebrating the elegance, swing, and sophistication of these iconic artists. Featuring special guest vocalists […]
The Art of The Song Two of Atlanta’s finest jazz artists come together for an evening celebrating the enduring beauty of the Great American Songbook. Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks Sr. bring warmth, soul, and swing to timeless songs, shaped by their deep musical connection and years of shared artistry. With elegance, spontaneity, and a […]
Celebrating their 50th anniversary this October, Pieces of a Dream has built an impressive legacy of innovation and eclecticism – talents that have kept them fresh and authentic in a jazz world that’s ever-changing. The story of Pieces Of A Dream, who has opened for such luminaries as Miles Davis, Count Basie and James Brown, […]
Growing up in Memphis, Rodney played the bass in church and with his high school orchestra. He later studied music at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, joined the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Bassist and after graduating, he became Chair of the String Department at the Dougherty County Public School. He has served […]
"Pianist Marcus Roberts calls Dave Potter "one of the most talented young drummers on the scene today," and the word that best sums up his playing is intensity. Potter got a late start, picking up the drum set in high school in Durham, North Carolina, where he was drawn to funk and fusion drummers like […]
Guitarist Dave Frackenpohl brings his Trio featuring vocalist .Lavahi and bassist Kevin Smith to the stage with a stirring combination of original music and loved favorites to Churchill Grounds Dave has been lauded by his peers as breathing life into incredible originals that speak to the heart as well as stimulate the imagination. Combining his […]
Two-time GRAMMY-nominated trumpeter, composer, arranger and producer Russell Gunn returns to this intimate room with one of his most ambitious statements yet: his album release weekend of Afrikan-Amerikan Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth By Any Means Necessary, a provocative seven-song work that draws inspiration from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead and reimagines […]
Since 2004, Nicole Henry’s versatile and emotionally driven performances have wowed 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. Heralded by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Japan Times, El Pais, Jazz […]
Ted's natural persistence and relentless fascination of developing his craft dominated his life. He soon became not only a student at Berklee, but a professor of piano arranging, theory and improvisation -- all before reaching the age of 24. He joined the faculty of Georgia State University where he assisted in developing its first jazz education […]
Frankie Quiñones & The Latin Jazz Collective for an unforgettable evening of world-class Latin jazz, salsa, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and soulful improvisation. Experience the energy, passion, and musical mastery of Atlanta's premier Latin jazz ensemble as they bring together vibrant percussion, dynamic horns, and captivating melodies for a night that will move your soul and your […]
Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed Swedish jazz star, celebrated for her dazzling performances, incredible versatility, and magnetic stage presence. A true force of nature, Gunhild sings, tap dances, and plays over a dozen instruments — including trombone, trumpet, bagpipes, piano, harmonica, recorder, drums, harp, and ukulele — often switching between them seamlessly in a […]
Every once in a while, an opportunity comes along that reminds me why I built The Velvet Note in the first place. This is one of those weekends. Our Signature Series welcomes guitarist Oz Noy, one of the most original voices in contemporary jazz and fusion, joined by legendary drummer Dave Weckl and brilliant Hammond […]
Denise Donatelli is a 3 time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist whose acclaimed albums were arranged and produced by Grammy winner Geoffrey Keezer. Her latest release, Take My Breath Away, reunites her with Keezer and an all-star New York band. She was named Jazz Vocalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Jazz Society and regularly appears […]
Néstor Torres’ dynamic, unique sound is a blend of his Caribbean heritage with Classical training and Jazz improvisation. A prolific recording artist with 18 releases, earning him 5 Latin Grammy nominations, 1 Latin Grammy Award (Best Pop Instrumental Album), and a Grammy nomination (Best Latin Jazz Album), Torres has always challenged artistic expectations. The complex […]
Cindy Blackman Santana celebrates the release of her new album Coherence, a once-in-a-lifetime journey combining jazz, rock, fusion, & spirituality. As a virtuoso drummer, bandleader, musician, and the new face of NFL Monday Night Football, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change. She is as known […]
Named by her jazz loving grandmother, Jazzmeia Horn was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1991. She grew up in a close church-going family singing gospel music. Horn graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, which was attended by other great artists such as Roy Hargrove, Norah Jones, and Erykah […]
Tenor saxophonist and composer David Sánchez brings his Carib ensemble to the stage, presenting the West Coast premiere of his new work, Tambó. Formed to record his 2019 album of the same name, Carib represents a deeply personal journey for Sánchez, and the GRAMMY-nominated debut recording was a trailblazing use of modern jazz to explore […]
An internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist with more than three decades of performance, recording and music-education experience, Williams brings a rare combination of sophistication, sensuality and emotional truth to the stage. Her voice moves effortlessly from the elegance of traditional jazz to the warmth of soul and contemporary grooves, and her career has taken her from […]
In the 1960s, Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim brought the bossa nova craze to the United States, and this infectious and sensuous sound soon became beloved throughout the world. We celebrate Jobim’s centennial and the jazz genres of Brazil—including bossa nova, samba and choro with Shelly Berg and the Frost School of Music's Henry Mancini Institute […]
Miami vocalist, songwriter, vocal teacher, arranger and producer Leesa Richards celebrates the 40th Anniversary of The Sunshine Jazz Organization. Bringing her voice to the Historic Lyric Theater stage for one night only, she'll give tribute to the legendary women of jazz featuring the new canon chamber collective. Not only is this talented women the above, […]
In the 1960s, Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim brought the bossa nova craze to the United States, and this infectious and sensuous sound soon became beloved throughout the world. We celebrate Jobim’s centennial and the jazz genres of Brazil—including bossa nova, samba and choro. Performers: Eliane Elias: Piano Anat Cohen: Clarinet Trio da Paz: Ensemble Shelly […]